what we do
encourage and support sharing good books and stories about death and loss with children and teens
throughout their lives
not if but when
Death is a natural part of our time on earth together. Each of us will lose people important to us, and each of us will die. The question is not if, but when.
young people need help
Children and teens facing the loss of friends and family, or their own mortality, need help navigating the emotional, physical, and practical upheavals and restorations that are part of the natural process. Books offer opportunities to ask questions, wonder, and simply acknowledge the realities of their circumstances.
the sooner the better
We tend to broach the subject of death with young people only after death has occurred or becomes imminent. By "protecting" children from these conversations we inadvertently prevent them from acquiring the skills and context necessary to make sense of death when it does arrive. Introducing the subject through books and stories provides a safe and comfortable context for these important conversations.
nibw team
we are dedicated to meaningful considerations of grief, mourning, and peace through literature
Marie Eaton is the former Dean of Western Washington University's Fairhaven College and currently serves as Director of the Palliative Care Institute.
Sylvia is a Librarian and Associate Professor at Western Washington University where she is founding curator of PoetryCHaT, a comprehensive collection of poetry for children and teens.
Thom is the Youth Services Manager at the Whatcom County Library System where he oversees collections, programs, and services for children and teens.
