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My Father's Words
Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan crafts a moving middle grade novel in her trademark spare and poignant prose about two children who find comfort working at a rescue shelter for dogs as they search for ways to cope after their father’s sudden death.
Declan O’Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His favorite song was “Dona Nobis Pacem,” “Grant Us Peace.” His family loved him deeply, and always knew they were loved in return.
But a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O’Brien are left without a father. Their mother is at a loss. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief? At the suggestion of their friend Luke, Fiona and Finn volunteer at an animal rescue shelter where they meet two sweet dogs who are in need of comfort, too. Perhaps with time, patience, and their father’s gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more.
Declan O’Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His favorite song was “Dona Nobis Pacem,” “Grant Us Peace.” His family loved him deeply, and always knew they were loved in return.
But a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O’Brien are left without a father. Their mother is at a loss. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief? At the suggestion of their friend Luke, Fiona and Finn volunteer at an animal rescue shelter where they meet two sweet dogs who are in need of comfort, too. Perhaps with time, patience, and their father’s gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
12 people are currently reading
2176 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
131 books813 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 23, 2020
My Father's Words is a heartwarming and truly superb children's story. Based loosely on the author's real experiences, My Father's Words is a story chronicling the grief of a young girl after loosing her father. Fiona's journey leads her to Thomas, a ex-patient of her father, and the local animal shelter/kennel, where she and her brother (and neighbor Luke) can care for and be a companion to the dogs. Through the story, Fiona and her brother, Finn, discover that dogs may help us just as much as we help them.
MFW was an emotional story introducing a healthy approach to grief and loss. I was deeply moved, not only by the story, but also by the author's foreword and intent. The personal nature of the story is reflected in the emotion and quality of the writing. The book not only approaches the difficult topics of grief and the emotional importance of our animals, but introduces many more important topics without losing the readibility for younger readers. Anger, blame, selflessness, the power of kindness, and even the stigma around mental health feature in Fiona's experiences and memories of her father.
I highly recommend this story to anyone with a younger reader in their house or someone dealing with loss and needing a calm, comforting read. I, personally, fully intend on making this story a permanent addition to my collection and plan to make it available for my future children to read.
*Note: this book was provided from a Goodreads giveaway, with hope of a review, but all opinions are my own
MFW was an emotional story introducing a healthy approach to grief and loss. I was deeply moved, not only by the story, but also by the author's foreword and intent. The personal nature of the story is reflected in the emotion and quality of the writing. The book not only approaches the difficult topics of grief and the emotional importance of our animals, but introduces many more important topics without losing the readibility for younger readers. Anger, blame, selflessness, the power of kindness, and even the stigma around mental health feature in Fiona's experiences and memories of her father.
I highly recommend this story to anyone with a younger reader in their house or someone dealing with loss and needing a calm, comforting read. I, personally, fully intend on making this story a permanent addition to my collection and plan to make it available for my future children to read.
*Note: this book was provided from a Goodreads giveaway, with hope of a review, but all opinions are my own
March 9, 2023
Really short but it made me cry like I have lived with years of sorrow.
The book deals with losing of a parent and how the young kids, the other parent are dealing with grief.
I love how good the writing. I really appreciate how the story brings in shelter dogs, music and kindness of people to help the bereaved family.
Absolutely one of my most favourite middle grade books now.
The book deals with losing of a parent and how the young kids, the other parent are dealing with grief.
I love how good the writing. I really appreciate how the story brings in shelter dogs, music and kindness of people to help the bereaved family.
Absolutely one of my most favourite middle grade books now.
October 13, 2018
This profound little volume is not just for kids. It is for everyone. Drawing from her own experiences after her husband's death, MacLachlan crafts a story for all of us. We meet Fiona and Finn as they deal with the grief of losing their father in a tragic accident. A man who was one of their father's patients asks Fiona if he can call her once each week for two minutes to share memories of her father. Through these phone calls and the experiences the kids have volunteering at the local animal shelter, we see them remembering their father and we get to know him too and grieve with them. Don't overlook this book because of its juvenile status. It is so much more than that!
November 14, 2018
For such an outstanding author, this book really fell flat for me. It tackles a huge subject in a very short book allowing for virtually no character development and a very predictable story. I found it rather unremarkable.
November 1, 2019
The kids really sounded like adults in this book, which put me off.
February 6, 2020
This is about as close to perfection as your likely to get in a book. Not sure how it is classified or what the target market is, but I would consider it a “middle-reader” with appeal for every year beyond. It is brilliant. It is what the abominable waste of paper, “Grief Is a Thing With Feathers” had hoped it could be. It is the story of love, loss, grief, hope, kindness, and healing. It isn’t possible to love it more than I do.
November 4, 2019
MacLachlan writes with beautiful spare prose, and the character of Declan O'Brien is someone I would have loved to know. But I just don't know who this book would work for...as an adult, I see the loveliness of it. But I can't see a grieving child or any child in particular connecting with these children; in fact, I didn't feel much grieving in this book at all. Everything feels so full of the father through his words that his absence is not a strong presence, and everyone goes about their business of recovering from his death with, I think, completely unrealistic equanimity and peace.
It feels more like the reminiscence of an adult with 4 or 5 decades' distance from the death of a parent, where the memory of the parent's wisdom is louder than the screaming agony of immediate loss, rather than a book centered around grieving children. As much as I wanted to love it, it just fell flat for me.
It feels more like the reminiscence of an adult with 4 or 5 decades' distance from the death of a parent, where the memory of the parent's wisdom is louder than the screaming agony of immediate loss, rather than a book centered around grieving children. As much as I wanted to love it, it just fell flat for me.
August 20, 2018
A touching story of life and love. This story is a powerful tribute to the power of a parent’s love. This story is full of tough and important elements; it will push adults and children alike to confront their own understanding of loss, healing, and what it means to really live. Highly recommend.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2018
Fiona O'Brien's father is one of those people whom everyone loves. He is kind and good and funny and has been the best father anyone could ever have. So when he is killed in a car accident one day his family is devastated. Fiona is especially worried about her little brother, Finn. He doesn't talk or laugh much anymore, and has nightmares almost every night and usually ends up coming in to her room for comfort. Then a neighbor suggest that Finn might like to volunteer at the local animal rescue shelter, where Finn meets a dog named Emma who is also grieving a loved one's death. No one has been able to reach her, and she spends her days huddled in a cage facing the wall. As Fiona and Finn begin to visit the shelter regularly, they both find comfort in the dogs and slowly begin to heal. This simple story is a quick read, but it will resonate with readers long after the last pages. Recommend to kids who like sad stories and also as possible bibliotherapy for those dealing with their own losses.
July 27, 2018
Thanks to Edelweiss and Katherine Tegen Books for early access to this title.
I love this book! Such a difficult subject, especially for kids, but MacLachlan handles it in her usual wonderful way. Her writing is excellent, as always! The characters in this are outstanding - especially Finn. This would be an excellent book for any child (or parent!) who is dealing with grief. Its also good for those who enjoy a good, realistic story. And, of course, the dogs! MacLachlan has had wonderful dogs in several of her books, and this book is no exception. I had a difficult time reading this one without crying, but it is ultimately a hopeful, uplifting book. Highly Recommended!
I love this book! Such a difficult subject, especially for kids, but MacLachlan handles it in her usual wonderful way. Her writing is excellent, as always! The characters in this are outstanding - especially Finn. This would be an excellent book for any child (or parent!) who is dealing with grief. Its also good for those who enjoy a good, realistic story. And, of course, the dogs! MacLachlan has had wonderful dogs in several of her books, and this book is no exception. I had a difficult time reading this one without crying, but it is ultimately a hopeful, uplifting book. Highly Recommended!
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February 12, 2020My Father's Words begins with a tragedy, but ends with a heart full of hope. In this little novella, Fiona and Finn O'Brien must learn to cope with their grief, but luckily their friend Luke has a great idea. Why not volunteer at the local dog shelter? They learn that by helping others, they in turn are able to help themselves. I have read many books about death and grieving, but My Father's Words by Patricia MacLachlan (The Poet's Dog) may just be the best of the bunch. A beautiful book suitable for any age.
July 10, 2021
This is a book about grieving after a death. I didn't like the author's style of writing with few words.
January 20, 2020
I usually don't reveal my thoughts about a book I'm sharing until the end of the review, but this book is an exception. In fact, this book is exceptional in every way, in my opinion.
I almost did not check this book out of the library when I read that Fiona and Finn's father is killed in an accident and that the story was about grief. I have read so many books about grief in the middle-grade and adult genres during the past few years I wondered if I needed to--or even wanted to--read another.
I'm glad I did not let my negativity stop me from checking out this book and enjoying it as much as I did.
I fell in love with this author's work when I was a student teacher reading Sarah, Plain and Tall to the fourth grade class with whom I was working. I have always loved historical fiction, and this was the first piece of children's historical literature I had read for many years. I'm not sure if I loved it more than the students or if they loved it more, but we all loved the book!
My Father's Words may be the most touching middle-grade story I have ever read. I laughed, I cried, and I cried some more . . .
The author's clean, focused style of writing lends itself to the communication of important life lessons throughout the story. Grief, forgiveness, understanding, personal growth, tolerance and acceptance, friendship, kindness, compassion, caring concern, and love are the threads that weave together this beautiful story.
The scenes of the main characters interacting with a variety of dogs at the animal rescue shelter are delightful! The wisdom the children garner from their interactions with these lovable animals is valuable and essential to the healing process for the people and the canines involved.
The ending to the story is inspiring and realistic. I believe children will love how things are resolved for some of the dogs and all of the humans.
I believe this book would make an excellent read-aloud for classroom teachers, librarians, and families. The story opens up lots of opportunities for discussion and sharing.
Highly-recommended for fans of animal fiction, contemporary fiction, family-oriented fiction, and realistic fiction.
I borrowed this book from the 'New Book' fiction shelf in the children's collection of the local public library.
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I almost did not check this book out of the library when I read that Fiona and Finn's father is killed in an accident and that the story was about grief. I have read so many books about grief in the middle-grade and adult genres during the past few years I wondered if I needed to--or even wanted to--read another.
I'm glad I did not let my negativity stop me from checking out this book and enjoying it as much as I did.
I fell in love with this author's work when I was a student teacher reading Sarah, Plain and Tall to the fourth grade class with whom I was working. I have always loved historical fiction, and this was the first piece of children's historical literature I had read for many years. I'm not sure if I loved it more than the students or if they loved it more, but we all loved the book!
My Father's Words may be the most touching middle-grade story I have ever read. I laughed, I cried, and I cried some more . . .
The author's clean, focused style of writing lends itself to the communication of important life lessons throughout the story. Grief, forgiveness, understanding, personal growth, tolerance and acceptance, friendship, kindness, compassion, caring concern, and love are the threads that weave together this beautiful story.
The scenes of the main characters interacting with a variety of dogs at the animal rescue shelter are delightful! The wisdom the children garner from their interactions with these lovable animals is valuable and essential to the healing process for the people and the canines involved.
The ending to the story is inspiring and realistic. I believe children will love how things are resolved for some of the dogs and all of the humans.
I believe this book would make an excellent read-aloud for classroom teachers, librarians, and families. The story opens up lots of opportunities for discussion and sharing.
Highly-recommended for fans of animal fiction, contemporary fiction, family-oriented fiction, and realistic fiction.
I borrowed this book from the 'New Book' fiction shelf in the children's collection of the local public library.
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February 21, 2019
Reading Patricia MacLachlan books is like watching a prima ballerina. She makes her amazing writing talent so look effortless. Her brevity belies her incredible ability to weave a deep and poignant tale with few, well chosen, are beautifully articulated words. In My Father's Words we meet the O'Brien family. Declan, the father is brilliant psychologist who always had kind and gentle words to share. One day he swerves to miss a child in the road and is suddenly and tragically killed. Fiona, her little brother Finn, and their mother are overwhelmed with grief. One of their father's patients, Thomas, asks if he can call Fiona every Monday for 2 minutes and share her father's words with her which continue to offer guidance long after he is gone. Fiona and Finn take some of Thomas' advice to heart. They find something or someone who has been left alone to help-at the animal shelter. A simple, yet complex story that looks like it was written for younger readers, but don't be fooled by first glance. This will be a meaningful story that older readers can wrap around their heart and explore what it means to heal and honor the lives of those we loved and lost.
March 4, 2021
Siblings fifth-grader Fiona and second-grader Finn are grappling with a tragedy that has broken their family. As they try to come to terms with it, they realize that what's healing them eventually are words spoken long ago. Words, spoken in the past, that are now coming back through people who they knew do not speak much, but are still trying to heal their broken lives.
And then there are dogs in this one. If you love dogs, if you love words, if you think that most of your healing happens through the most underrated, yet the most powerful method - communication and attention - then this is a tiny book that you will love too.
Classified as YA, I will also direct you to @bookchief 's page on whose recommendation I had read this book. Their review is here.
//"I wonder why Finn remembers better than I do.
“Maybe it is because it is safer for you to forget right now,” said Luke.//
//The truth is that we know the dogs need people. But people need the dogs even more sometimes. To teach people how good they really can be. I call it turnabout.//
And then there are dogs in this one. If you love dogs, if you love words, if you think that most of your healing happens through the most underrated, yet the most powerful method - communication and attention - then this is a tiny book that you will love too.
Classified as YA, I will also direct you to @bookchief 's page on whose recommendation I had read this book. Their review is here.
//"I wonder why Finn remembers better than I do.
“Maybe it is because it is safer for you to forget right now,” said Luke.//
//The truth is that we know the dogs need people. But people need the dogs even more sometimes. To teach people how good they really can be. I call it turnabout.//
February 4, 2019
In which there is gentle and patient and inspired healing from the sudden loss of a father, husband, neighbor, care provider. A powerful story unfolds in just 134 pages of very large print, showing how to "be there" for others in ways that are true to ourselves, how to help, heal, and forgive. It is a gentle story, filled with the protagonist's "Father's Words", while at the same time exploring memory and sharing wisdom. Wow.
June 23, 2021
4.5 stars. Beautiful children's book dealing with grief after the loss of a parent. Patricia MacLachlan does a beautiful job with a difficult subject and leaves the reader filled with hope that it is okay to be sad when a loved one dies, and it's okay to continue on with your life also. Written for children, in language they can understand, with a feeling of love and hope throughout the entire book. Quick read - would be a beautiful read aloud.
September 9, 2023
At Anne’s prompting I read (listened) to this beautiful book. In such a short novel she is able to articulate so beautifully grief after a loss. Fiona and Finn’s father died suddenly. He is a beloved child psychiatrist. Fiona is struggling to remember his words and what he would say but through dogs, her younger brother, her neighbor and a former patient… who calls for two minutes each week… she is remembering him. Loved this. If I still taught I would read this out loud in a class.
March 25, 2019
Can we talk about how this book was very short and I'm crying? This book got me right in the feels. It wasn't long but it was so good, and really focused on healing. And the bond between humans and animals and how they help with healing.
March 27, 2019
A quick and sweet read- an approach to dealing with loss in a very simple, straightforward, and realistic way. A sister and brother are helped through their grieving by volunteering at an animal shelter. There were some poignant moments, and it tied together very well at the end.
March 17, 2019
Super book. This is very insightful. It will help you understand how to deal with a loss.
April 7, 2020
This was a bittersweet, cute book. Honestly, I didn't really get some of what was said, and I think it would go over kid's heads to. So, not one of her best, but definitely a sweet one.
June 20, 2020
This is probably my all time favorite children's book! The writing is absolutely beautiful.
June 23, 2024
An easy read for me that taught me so much along the way, perfect to read if you want to get out of a book slump (I finished it in one sitting and that gave me the strength to start another book)
September 25, 2024
What a way to process grief and grow
January 13, 2019
A moving wonderful tribute to a father.
December 5, 2018
It has been an age since a children's book has moved me so much. My Father's Words is a slim volume (just 112 pages) but it is so filled with wisdom and love that it is almost like a manual to help children understand and accept the loss of a loved one.
Told in the voice of 10-year old Fiona, the book begins with death: Fiona's father, Declan O'Brien dies in a car accident. Fiona, her seven-year old brother Finn, and their mother Claire are devastated. As she looks for ways to make Finn feel better, their neighbour Luke (who studies in the same class as Fiona) steps in to help. He finds the perfect solution- he finds a dog shelter that is looking for volunteers to read to dogs who have been rescued from abuse or neglect or whose humans have died. As the children start visiting the shelter, they start healing by bonding with the dogs there.
As they make their way through their grief, Fiona, Finn and Claire find themselves remembering Declan's wise words-peppered with humour and song-and how he was always positive and accepting. Luke, his parents, and Declan's patient Thomas also help- they recall what Declan had told them, and share their memories of Declan with the bereaved family. And slowly, the broken hearts start becoming whole again.
I read the book in one sitting late one night and found my cheeks wet with tears when I was done. That rarely happens, and I understood, anew, how healing tears can be. Warm, wise and with a message of love, this book is a must-read for all kids aged 9+.
Detailed review on my blog: https://www.facebook.com/855005157962...
Told in the voice of 10-year old Fiona, the book begins with death: Fiona's father, Declan O'Brien dies in a car accident. Fiona, her seven-year old brother Finn, and their mother Claire are devastated. As she looks for ways to make Finn feel better, their neighbour Luke (who studies in the same class as Fiona) steps in to help. He finds the perfect solution- he finds a dog shelter that is looking for volunteers to read to dogs who have been rescued from abuse or neglect or whose humans have died. As the children start visiting the shelter, they start healing by bonding with the dogs there.
As they make their way through their grief, Fiona, Finn and Claire find themselves remembering Declan's wise words-peppered with humour and song-and how he was always positive and accepting. Luke, his parents, and Declan's patient Thomas also help- they recall what Declan had told them, and share their memories of Declan with the bereaved family. And slowly, the broken hearts start becoming whole again.
I read the book in one sitting late one night and found my cheeks wet with tears when I was done. That rarely happens, and I understood, anew, how healing tears can be. Warm, wise and with a message of love, this book is a must-read for all kids aged 9+.
Detailed review on my blog: https://www.facebook.com/855005157962...
February 28, 2019
"Dona Nobis Pacem"
My Father's Words shows how one family channels their grief and how dogs play an important role in our healing process and in our lives.
My Father's Words shows how one family channels their grief and how dogs play an important role in our healing process and in our lives.
April 19, 2019
This book is a Life Changer! I love the reality in this book and how it teaches you to always be grateful for every moment you have with someone special! Every person is a GIFT from God and we need to treasure every moment that you have with them. So before you read this book prepare to be changed!
July 8, 2018
“My Father’s Words” is a must buy book for libraries with students in grades 4-6 for sure, but there are many in grades 7 and 8 who would also benefit from this book with its message of hope and healing after profound loss. Fiona’s family experiences that depth of loss when her father is killed in a needless automobile accident. A neighbor-friend brings Fiona and her brother Finn to volunteer at a dog rescue shelter and a former patient of their dad calls Fiona weekly to share words with her that her father left to him. Healing is not complete for the family in the span of less than 100 pages, but the hope of that healing is clear. Dog lovers will nod and agree with all that canine friends are shown doing as they comfort those who are hurting. MacLachlan has turned out several heartfelt books recently and I look forward to recommending this one right alongside “Just Dance” and others. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews