When a Friend Dies : A Book for Teens About Grieving & Healing

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.

Marilyn E. Gootman, Ed.D., is the founder of Gootman Education Associates, an educational consulting company that provides workshops and seminars for parents and educators focusing on successful strategies for raising and teaching children.

Dr. Gootman has been in the teaching profession for over twenty-five years, and her teaching experiences range from elementary school to the university level. The author of numerous books and articles, she is known nationally for her advocacy efforts on behalf of children, parents, and teachers. Her media appearances include CNN and other major networks as well as radio and television broadcasts throughout the United States and Canada.

Marilyn and her husband, Elliot, are the parents of three grown children.