With sensitivity and insight, this series offers suggestions for healing activities that can help survivors learn to express their grief and mourn naturally. Acknowledging that death is a painful, ongoing part of life, they explain how people need to slow down, turn inward, embrace their feelings of loss, and seek and accept support when a loved one dies. Each book, geared for mourning adults, teens, or children, provides ideas and action-oriented tips that teach the basic principles of grief and healing. These ideas and activities are aimed at reducing the confusion, anxiety, and huge personal void so that the living can begin their lives again. Included in the books for teens and kids are age-appropriate activities that teach younger people that their thoughts are not only normal but necessary. Read more

— Everett —I loved her when she was just a splattering of freckles and big brown eyes.When she brought an extra sugar cookie just for me in the first grade.When our class goldfish died and she held me in front of everyone until I stopped crying.I loved her even more when she had another man’s baby.But I hate her for what she did, a chess move in a game of unforgivable sin. I hate myself even more for what I’m going to do to her. I wanted her gone, but I was the one who left. Now, I’ve returned, and I have no intention of leaving again.This is my campus, and it’s time to pay for your sins, little mouse, because I am a vicious king.— Molly — I loved him the first day I met him on the playground, when he was all gangly elbows and knees.When we buried our toes in the sandbox and pretended we didn’t have legs.On our first day of middle school when he smiled at me across the quad.He was my white knight, my protector, the one who always made sure I was okay.But that boy’s dead and gone, and I killed him.I can’t undo what happened.I never meant to hurt him. I never meant to hurt anyone.I was the nudge that toppled the dominos.Hold my hand, E, and let’s find our way out of the shadows. Before we are both lost to the dark.Note from the author: Vicious Love is a dark enemies-to-lovers, college romance. It features mature themes including an incendiary heat level, bullying, teenage pregnancy, suicide, and, like my other novels, struggles with mental illness.It is a standalone novel but part of the larger Wicked Empire universe, which follows characters introduced in my Voclain Academy series after they leave high school and enter adulthood. Reading the Voclain Academy series is not required to enjoy this book.For a list of all content warnings, please check the author's note at the beginning of the book prior to reading. Read more

The extraordinary -- and extraordinarily powerful -- follow-up to Hey, Kiddo.When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into it, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times. Not only was he subject to some of the usual rituals that come with being a camp counselor (wilderness challenges, spooky campfire stories, an extremely stinky mascot costume), but he also got a chance to meet some extraordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. He learned about the captivity of illness, for sure but he also learned about the freedom a safe space can bring.Now, in his follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett brings readers back to Camp Sunshine so we can meet the campers and fellow counselors who changed the course of his life. Read more

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Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging.From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing--but also often funny--details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it. Read more

Have you ever wondered how many people’s lives could change in a matter of minutes? Inspired by real-life events in 1993, 17 Again tells the story of Andrea Michelle Boullt, seventeen, who passed away in a tragic automobile accident in Monroe, Louisiana. On that same day, the lives of Susan, Curtis, Ilona, Willie, Michael, and Samuel changed forever; they would never forget the gift they received from an anonymous young woman.This story takes place in Monroe, Louisiana, from 1976-1993, a time much different from today. There were no cell phones, internet, YouTube, Facebook, or social media.Author Lisa Boullt guides the reader in Andrea’s voice through her journey of life after life, sharing the importance of organ donation, friendship, and hope. Read more

High school senior, Claire Goodnight, has nothing left to keep her in her small town. Her best friend moved away, and the grandmother who raised her is dead. Claire is biding her time until graduation so she can escape her alcoholic mother, who has never wanted anything to do with her.Everything changes when her long-time crush, Finn, asks her out. Their first date under the stars is the best thing to ever happen to her—maybe her wishes are worthy after all.Yet, tragedy strikes when Finn suddenly dies, and Claire is left alone once more. But when Finn magically appears as a ghost who only Claire can see, she gets a second chance at love, and they begin their romance again—in secret.Finn’s reason for staying and an unexpected connection between Claire and Finn’s families ultimately unravel everything Claire thought she knew about love, loss, forgiveness, and herself. Read more

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This acclaimed graphic memoir that Kirkus calls “cathartic and uplifting” is the tale of losing a parent and what it feels like to grieve and to move forward.“I can’t recommend this kind, funny, and poignant memoir enough. It’s an intimate, life-affirming story of resilience that feels like a good friend.” —Mari Andrew, author of Am I There Yet?Tyler Feder had just white-knuckled her way through her first year of college when her super cool mom was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Now, with a decade of grief and nervous laughter under her belt, Tyler shares the story of that gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, extremely awkward time in her life—from her mom’s first oncology appointment to her funeral through the beginning of facing reality as a motherless daughter. She shares the sting of loss that never goes away, the uncomfortable post-death firsts, and the deep-down, hard-to-talk-about feelings of the grieving process. Dancing at the Pity Party is a frank and refreshingly funny look at what it’s like to grieve—for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it. Read more

I wasn’t supposed to fall for my fake boyfriend.I failed at that.Mom’s sick. Desperate to get some sunshine and relaxation, my parents packed up my brother and I and moved us to a small ranch in Montana. I’m not really interested in making friends. Not when my time with my mother might be cut short.That is, until Blake shows up. He’s been best friends with my brother since they were kids and when I first meet him, I realize that the last thing his is, is a kid anymore. If he had a dating profile, it would write itself.Blake Marshall. Six foot two. Ridiculously good looking.And apparently, newly single. When Mom hears this, she concocts a plan. I should pretend to be Blake’s girlfriend to make his ex jealous and win her back. As much as I want to say no, I just want to make Mom happy, so I agree.Until, feelings start to change and suddenly, the last thing I want to do is be Blake’s fake-anything.I just hope he feels the same because I’ve come so close to losing Mom, I couldn’t handle another heartbreak.Some Rules are Meant to be BrokenGrab Rule #7 You Can't Fake Date your Brother's Best Friend and fall in love today! Read more

"Pain & Purpose: The Javar story" is a raw and compelling memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's tumultuous life in an urban setting. Growing up with little guidance, both parents battling addiction, and the struggle to break generational curses, the author faced adversity from a young age. Determined to create a better life for her son, tragedy strikes when he is fatally shot and paralyzed, forcing the author into a heartbreaking role as a caregiver. The narrative delves into the depths of severe depression, questioning the purpose of profound pain. Through a process of healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery, the author ultimately finds the strength to move forward with purpose, demonstrating the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. "Pain & Purpose" is a testament to the transformative power of overcoming life's most challenging moments and choosing to live with intention despite a painful past. Read more

Greetings! This 76 page prayer book serves as a register to remember your loved ones, family, friends, and associates who have passed on. This daybook helps to memorialize them and to note the anniversary of their death. May this prayer book serve as a reminder to pray for our beloved dead and to remember that we all must die. Appreciate graces received and stay recollected, friends.Sections include a short preface, general prayers, graphics and words of wisdom for inspiration, a ledger to record names of the deceased, and a notes section. References included in book.Memento Mori. Read more

Updated third edition offers sensitive advice and genuine understanding for teens coping with grief and loss. The death of a friend is a wrenching event for anyone at any age and can spark feelings that range from sadness to guilt to anxiety. Teenagers especially need help coping with grief and loss. This sensitive book answers questions grieving teens often have, like “How should I be acting?” “How long will this last?” and “What if I can’t handle my grief on my own?” The book also addresses the complicated emotions that can accompany the death of an acquaintance, as opposed to a close friend. The advice is gentle, non-preachy, and compassionate; recommended for parents and teachers of teens who have experienced a painful loss. This updated edition of a classic resource includes new quotes from teens as well as insights into losing a friend or an acquaintance in a school shooting or through other violence. The book also features updated resources and recommended reading, including information on suicide hotlines and other support for anyone in crisis. Read more

I thought I knew what I was getting into when I took the dare to elevate Colten Shaw.I thought wrong. I'm determined to make my senior year epic. I'd finally risen up in social rank and now, I'm ready to rule the school. Everything seems perfect until I find myself standing in front of Colten.My boyfriend's older brother and my once friend.After he caused the car crash that killed their mother, he retreated. He became the social outcast in our community.But he's back now and drumming up a lot of attention.Attention from the school's evil queen.And thus started the dare.It was my job to "tame the beast." To bring Colten to the homecoming dance as a "functioning member of society." And as much as I want to say no, everyone wants me to say yes. So I do.That's when I discover there is so much more to Colten. It's to the point where I can't ignore it.I thought I had everything figured out but now?Now I’m not sure.And that’s a scary place to be.Some Rules are Meant to be BrokenIf you love gruff heroes with a heart of gold and kisses that will curl your toes, you'll love Rule #6: You Can't Elevate the Outcast. Read more

In 2013 I had a near-death experience, and my consciousness left my body. This is my account of the amazing journey I took to the realms that await us on the other side of this life. Read more

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