By Michael Rosen
Illustrated by Quentin Blake
This surprising and wonderful book takes a good, unshuttered look at depression, what it looks like, how it affects those who have it, and how it makes them feel. In particular, Michael Rosen declares his own sadness, and he divulges his difficulty in dealing with the death of his son, Eddie. The book is beautiful, and doesn’t end on a trite, sugary note. It is what it declares itself to be: a sad book.
This would be a terrific read for middle and high school English as well as upper elementary students. I think it is appropriate for all ages– after all, everyone gets sad– but I think the older students would have more events that have happened in their own lives which they would relate to Rosen’s experience losing his son.
Awards: School Library Journal and Booklist starred reviews
Accessed: Augusta County Library