If Nathan Were Here [Hardcover]

Mary Bahr (Author), Karen A. Jerome (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Best read in the company of a supportive adult, this affecting story is a solid choice for children mourning the loss of a peer. The narrator, an unnamed boy, begins with a lengthy description of what his morning would be like "if Nathan were here." Midway through the book, the boy acknowledges, "But Nathan isn't here." Instead, the boy's teacher is explaining how the class can fill a "memory box" with "all the best things we remember about Nathan." While his classmates suggest questions they might ask their late friend, the narrator remains silent; only later, alone in the tree fort, does he voice the question that plagues him: "What am I supposed to do without my best friend?" Bahr's (Memory Box) depiction of grief feels very real. On the other hand, her hopeful resolution, in which the narrator plans an overture to Nathan's sister, seems a little easy. The circumstances of Nathan's death are not specified, broadening the book's applicability. Jerome's (The Littlest Tree) softly focused watercolor paintings are similarly undefined, inviting youngsters' interpretation without limiting their ability to identify with the characters. Ages 5-up. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-A simply expressed, sympathetic portrait of a boy's feelings of loss and bewilderment after the death of his best friend. He thinks of the happy times in their tree fort, the joy of eating freshly picked strawberries together, the fun they had in class, and their love of baseball. At school, the children talk about their special remembrances of Nathan, which they will gather in a Memory Box. Uncertain of what he will put in, the grieving boy climbs up into the fort to lie on their dreaming rug and wonders how he can get along without his friend. The next day, he decides to take a baseball cap for the Memory Box and to invite Nathan's sister to join him in the tree fort. 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.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802851878
• ISBN-13: 978-0802851871
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #668,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Starter., July 12, 2001

By 

"strawberry-girl" (Battle Creek, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If Nathan Were Here (Hardcover)

This is a lovely book. I stumbled across this book while I was working (I work in the children's section of the library in my town) It made me tear up right there at work. I had recently lost my aunt and I really appreciated this book. I think that it's the kind of book that you would give to your child to break the ice before you go and talk to them about what happened in your family, so they understand. I think it would be enjoyable if you haven't experienced a loss that was close, but it wouldn't have the same effect. Definately worth buying for you or your children.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars If Nathan Were Here (Jerome), September 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: If Nathan Were Here (Hardcover)

In my opinion, this book is better suited for primary grades instead of preschoolers because of its abstract ideas. The book has great illustrations and presents ideas for conversation with children on the different stages of mourning. I like this book because it can speak to us all; age does not determine the intensity with which one mourns the death of a loved one.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars If Nathan Were Here (Jerome), September 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: If Nathan Were Here (Hardcover)

In my opinion, this book is better suited for primary grades instead of preschoolers because of its abstract ideas. The book has great illustrations and presents ideas for conversation with children on the different stages of mourning. I like this book because it can speak to us all; age does not determine the intensity with which one mourns the death of a loved one.