If Nathan Were Here - Softcover

Bahr, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802852351 ISBN 13: 9780802852359

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2000

Synopsis

If Nathan were here, we would meet in our tree fort. . . we would take the shortcut through the woods. . . we would try to splash each other in the puddles. . . 

In If Nathan Were Here, author Mary Bahr gently explores the grief of a young boy whose best friend has died. With the help of an understanding teacher, a kind neighbor, and an empathetic parent, the boy finds ways to give expression to his questions and sorrow and to reach out to someone else who needs him.

Mary Bahr's evocative text conveys a child's grief with honesty and sensitivity, while Karen Jerome's soft watercolors poignantly capture the tender nature of children's friendships.

About this title

About the Author:

Mary Bahr (1946-2014), who described herself as a librarianby profession and an author by addiction, graduated with aBachelors of Science degree in Library Science from theCollege of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. She wonnumerous awards for her writing, which includes over 125stories and articles for both juvenile and adult publicationsas well as inspirational pieces published in five anthologies.Her picture book Memory Box (Albert Whitman)received multiple honors for its sensitive portrayal of a childdealing with a grandparent's Alzheimer's disease. In additionto writing, Mary led writing workshops, served as the SCBWIretreat Director for the Rocky Mountain Region, andreviewed children's books for The Five Owls.

Review:

AWARDS and RECOGNITIONSAssociation of Theological Booksellers, Theologos Award for Best Children's Book (2000)
ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards, Silver Medal, Children's Picture Book (2000)
Bank Street College, Best Children's Books of the Year (2001)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Master List (2002)
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, Finalist (2002)
Library Talk!, The Editor's Pick
Publishers Weekly
"This affecting story is a solid choice for children mourning the loss of a peer." School Library Journal
" A simply expressed, sympathetic portrait of a boy's feelings of loss and bewilderment after the death of his best friend. . . . The soft watercolor illustrations have a fine, tender quality. The emotions of carefree happiness before the child's death and poignant grief afterward are beautifully handled. The sketchy figures are filled with life and feeling, and the warm red and yellow tones promise that sorrow will be overcome, although memories will always last." Booklist
"The story offers no easy solution as it moves through the boy's anger and isolation to his rejoining life in gradual, unforced steps. The bright watercolors have a gentle, shining quality that enhances the book's hopeful message." Book Page
"If Nathan Were Here is a warm, sensitive story of how one little boy is encouraged and supported to find his own way to remember his best friend. A comforting, empathetic squeeze from his father, a quiet time sitting by Nathan's favorite strawberry garden, and an understanding teacher who allows classmates to fill a memory box help the young boy think through the things he and Nathan enjoyed doing together. If Nathan Were Here is written in simple, honest language, and the warm, expressive watercolors by Karen A. Jerome tenderly express the sensitive story of children's friendships."

About this edition

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0802852351
• ISBN 13: 9780802852359
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Jarome Karen A.