What is Goodbye?
What’s inside...
Alternating poems by a brother and sister convey their feelings about the death of their older brother and the impact it had on their family. Jerilyn and Jesse have lost their beloved older brother, Jaron. Each sibling copes with the loss differently; Jerilyn internalizes her emotions while Jesse acts out. Over the course of a year filled with anger, pain, and guilt, they both come to realize that it's time to move forward and redefine their family, acknowledging the loss yet finding a way to feel whole again. Through the alternating voices of the siblings, Nikki Grimes eloquently portrays the grieving process in this powerful and ultimately hopeful book.
Age
8-13
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jerilyn
Jesse
Discussion points
How did the story of 'What is Goodbye?' make you feel?
What do you think is the message of this book?
Can you think of a time you had to say goodbye to someone or something? How did that make you feel?
What are some ways the characters in the book dealt with their feelings?
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think 'goodbye' means. This will provide a baseline for their understanding and help you tailor the discussion.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each character’s experience in the book, relating them to personal experiences where possible.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotional context of the story, pausing after emotional moments to explore your child’s reactions and thoughts.
After reading, connect the theme of the book with real-life events like moving to a new school or the loss of a pet to make the themes more relatable.
Highlight the coping strategies characters use in the story and discuss with your child how they might use similar strategies in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Grief
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn about the concept of grief as characters cope with saying goodbye to loved ones.
Real-World Application: Helps children to process their feelings and empathize with others experiencing loss, promoting emotional maturity.
Example Lesson: Value of Memories
Explanation: The story highlights how cherished memories can provide comfort in times of sadness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to cherish memories with loved ones and use them as a source of comfort during tough times.
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Characters in the book openly express their emotions, modeling healthy ways to deal with complex feelings.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that it’s important to express their feelings and that doing so can help them heal and understand themselves better.
Example Lesson: Support Systems
Explanation: It emphasizes the importance of having supportive people around when dealing with difficult emotions or situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of seeking support from friends and family during challenging times, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Hope and Resilience
Explanation: Despite the theme of goodbye, the book conveys a message of hope and resilience, encouraging readers to look forward to new beginnings.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of life’s challenges, promoting a positive outlook and adaptability.