My Uncle Keith Died

by Carol Ann Loehr, James Mojonnier (Illustrator), Julianne Cosentino (Contributor)

Recommended by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention In the United States suicide is the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 24 and the second leading cause of death for American college students. The children's book, My Uncle Keith Died describes the symptoms of depression. It also helps children understand why a depressed person may not seek help. By reading Cody's questions and his mother's answers about his uncle's death, young readers will learn what to do if someone they know shows signs of depression. Early detection, intervention, and treatment for depression are critical for preventing suicides. My Uncle Keith Ded will answer some of these questions: How should I talk to my children about feelings of grief? How should I explain suicide to my children? What is depression? How does depression often lead to suicide? What is the difference between sadness and depression? What are the signs of depression? At the end of the book there is a discussion guide written by Julianne Cosentino, a licensed clinical social worker. This guide will deal with the type of questions children are likely to ask when their lives have been touched by suicide.

Paperback

First published August 12, 2009

Reviews

[Arin Brutlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is organized as a dialogue between Cody, whose uncle died by suicide, and his mother, a clinical social worker. Cody talks about his memories of his uncle, and how he imagines his Uncle Keith would be if he were still alive. The book talks frankly about how people with depression feel, and how at times, they feel that they are in so much pain that only death will end it. Cody, as well as the reader, is encouraged to help people with depression by paying attention to the words they say, and helping them seek help if they express ideation. The book uses technical terms at times, but explains them in a way that a young reader can understand.

Resources: There is a discussion guide, as well as numerous resources included with the biography of the author.

[Janice W. Arnold · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great book/discussion except for lo one thing.....

If the book is only 26 pages, why couldn't one page at a time be displayed at a time? Placing two pages side by side made the print miniscule and hard as heck to read! You cut yourself off at the knees! How stupid is that? I'm returning it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children’s book: My Uncle Keith Died describes the symptoms of depression. It also helps children understand why a depressed person may not seek help. By reading Cody’s questions and his mother’s answers about his Uncle’s death, young readers will learn what to do if someone they know shows signs of depression. Early detection, intervention, and treatment for depression are critical for preventing suicides.

Included is a discussion guide which will help parents and professionals deal with the type of questions children are likely to ask when their lives have been touched by suicide.
My Uncle Keith Died will answer some of these questions:
• How should I talk to my children about feelings of grief?
• How should I explain suicide to my children?
• What is depression?
• How does depression often lead to suicide?
• What is the difference between sadness and depression?
• What are the signs of depression?
• How can you help a friend who is depressed

[Tnb · Rating 5 out of 5]

How difficult the topic! How helpful the book! It is tough to wrap your mind around the reality of suicide, the pain of the person who suffered and the pain of the people who survive. It is a life-long grieving process, but this book is a good start, for young and old.
I have struggled with the reality of suicide for years, now more than ever, I will never understand, but at least through this book and others I can offer some tips to the people closest to me in order to lift the stigma and the fear.
In a different book I read about people who have survived suicidal attempts. A good number have said that if someone had smiled at them, or looked at them, a stranger, they would have back off from their plan.
Smile, look at someone today, and let's hope someone's life is lifted from darkness this way.