Death Is Stupid

Age range 9 to 12

Part of the Ordinary Terrible Things series, the new and expanded edition of Death Is Stupid is an invaluable tool for discussing death, exploring grief, and honouring the life of our loved ones.

When someone we love dies, adults often say things like, ‘She’s in a better place now,’ or ‘I know how you feel.’ You do not, one little boy thinks after his grandma passes away. Caught in the swirl of anger, confusion, and fear that accompanies grief and mourning, he doesn’t just think death is unfair-he thinks death is stupid. It takes him some time, but when he starts sharing cherished memories of his grandma and working in her garden, he starts to feel just a little bit better. Necessary, beautiful, and ultimately reassuring, Death Is Stupid helps make death a little less scary-for kids and adults.

Given the relentless stream of news, there’s a temptation right now to numb ourselves. But Ms. Higginbotham’s work reminds us that, even if we ignore reality, our kids are still seeing it and feeling it. -The New York Times A perfect antidote to all those gentle and fanciful introductions to the toughest and least whimsical of topics… If your child craves directness… [then] this smart, sensitive book is just the thing. -Chicago Tribune