Where Is Grandpa?

1. Author: T. A. Barron
2. Title: Where is Grandpa?
3. Illustrator: Chris K. Soentpiet
4. Genre: Fiction/Picture
5. Subgenre: Death
6. Theme: Learning to cope with death.
7. Primary Characters: Grandpa, little boy
8. Secondary Characters: Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother
9. Award/Date: None/2000
10. Publisher: Philomel Books
11. Summary: This story is somewhat a depressing book. It begins where the little boy talks about all of the great things that he and his grandfather do together. They even have a special treehouse that they would sit in together and look out into the mountains. The story then reveals that his grandfather has just passed away. The story, though brief, takes the reader through his, as well as his family's, journey to coping with the loss of the grandfather.
12. How Used: Although this may be a difficult topic to discuss for many, a teacher could use this book to show children that this happens to many people throughout life. This book could be used to help them see how another family copes with such a difficult thing. It could also teach children how literature can be a way to tell of your own personal experiences to help you talk about it and heal better.