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Sorry For Your Loss
Evie Walman is not obsessed with death. She does think about it a lot, though, but only because her family runs a Jewish funeral home. At twelve, Evie already knows she’s going to be a funeral director when she grows up.
So what if the kids at school call her “corpse girl” and say she smells like death? They’re just mean and don’t get how important it is to have someone take care of things when your world is falling apart. Evie loves dusting caskets, polishing pews, and vacuuming the chapel―and on funeral days, she dresses up and hands out tissues and offers her condolences to mourners.
She doesn’t normally help her parents with the grieving families directly, until one day when they ask her to help with Oren, a boy who was in a horrific car accident that killed both his parents. Oren refuses to speak and Evie, who is nursing her own private grief, is determined to find a way to help him deal with his loss.
So what if the kids at school call her “corpse girl” and say she smells like death? They’re just mean and don’t get how important it is to have someone take care of things when your world is falling apart. Evie loves dusting caskets, polishing pews, and vacuuming the chapel―and on funeral days, she dresses up and hands out tissues and offers her condolences to mourners.
She doesn’t normally help her parents with the grieving families directly, until one day when they ask her to help with Oren, a boy who was in a horrific car accident that killed both his parents. Oren refuses to speak and Evie, who is nursing her own private grief, is determined to find a way to help him deal with his loss.
Paperback
First published October 12, 2021
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About the author
Joanne Levy
12 books270 followersJoanne Levy’s love of books began at a very early age. Being the youngest and the only female among four children, and the daughter to voracious readers, she was often left to her own devices and could frequently be found sitting in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.
A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.
A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 25, 2022
Rating - 4.5 stars
Ah, my heart. 💔 This story was so sad and almost made me want to cry at times. I think it's the idea of how what happened to Oren could actually happen to a kid in real life. Yet, it's not everyday that a kid loses their parents in an instance.
I loved the humor, especially Evie's awkwardness around Oren. Sometimes she talked way too much, just rambling about whatever, which I found humorous. But I absolutely loved the relationship that eventually was built between them. It was really sweet and heartwarming, especially because she was able to help him learn to cope with the loss.
I will say that the bullies were kind of annoying. Although they only appeared a couple of times, they were very repetitive in their insulting. Also, I found it strange how it was talked about that the 'souls' of the people who died were around until the person was buried. Honestly, that's just creepy.
Nevertheless, this was a sad yet enjoyable read! There were many saddening moments, laughable ones, and overall sweetness.
Ah, my heart. 💔 This story was so sad and almost made me want to cry at times. I think it's the idea of how what happened to Oren could actually happen to a kid in real life. Yet, it's not everyday that a kid loses their parents in an instance.
I loved the humor, especially Evie's awkwardness around Oren. Sometimes she talked way too much, just rambling about whatever, which I found humorous. But I absolutely loved the relationship that eventually was built between them. It was really sweet and heartwarming, especially because she was able to help him learn to cope with the loss.
I will say that the bullies were kind of annoying. Although they only appeared a couple of times, they were very repetitive in their insulting. Also, I found it strange how it was talked about that the 'souls' of the people who died were around until the person was buried. Honestly, that's just creepy.
Nevertheless, this was a sad yet enjoyable read! There were many saddening moments, laughable ones, and overall sweetness.
July 17, 2022
Sorry for Your Loss -- the tale of Evie, who lives next door to the Jewish funeral home run by her parents -- hits the right balance between funny and touching. All the informative material about Jewish funerals, etc. was handled in a non-clunky and non-frightening way. Highly recommended for ages 9 or 10 and up.
July 23, 2021
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an eARC of this book that comes out on October 12th.
I remember reading the adult nonfiction book Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker-In-Training by Tom Jokinen and being fascinated by the hidden world of funeral homes and what happens behind the scenes. I love the way this book starts off with the author's letter to readers about how she wanted to provide some of that information for kids because what happens after we die is a valid question (the author’s father works in a funeral home, and knowing the processes from her own research was a comfort when her mom died). Many kids and grown ups want to know more but are afraid to ask.
In this story, Evie works in her family's funeral home, and want to become the funeral director when she gets older. She helps her parents with jobs like making sure there's enough Kleenex and cleaning the chapel before services, but she hasn't seen a body or been part of the Jewish rituals that take place prior to a funeral. When a boy who has lost both of his parents in a car accident comes in with his uncle to make arrangements, Evie is asked to sit with Oren while the adults discuss some of the details. Oren hasn't spoken since the accident, but Evie desperately wants to help comfort him. As the pair are brought together by the grownups during the summer, Evie and Oren discover they can communicate by text. Oren wants to see what happens behind the scenes at the funeral home to understand what happened to his parents, but Evie is afraid she'll get in trouble if they get caught.
This is such an informative story but I didn't feel that it went too far in any way. It’s an honest and open discussion about death, and the feelings we experience after losing someone.
I will absolutely be adding it to my collection as there's nothing like it that I've come across for middle-grade readers.
I remember reading the adult nonfiction book Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker-In-Training by Tom Jokinen and being fascinated by the hidden world of funeral homes and what happens behind the scenes. I love the way this book starts off with the author's letter to readers about how she wanted to provide some of that information for kids because what happens after we die is a valid question (the author’s father works in a funeral home, and knowing the processes from her own research was a comfort when her mom died). Many kids and grown ups want to know more but are afraid to ask.
In this story, Evie works in her family's funeral home, and want to become the funeral director when she gets older. She helps her parents with jobs like making sure there's enough Kleenex and cleaning the chapel before services, but she hasn't seen a body or been part of the Jewish rituals that take place prior to a funeral. When a boy who has lost both of his parents in a car accident comes in with his uncle to make arrangements, Evie is asked to sit with Oren while the adults discuss some of the details. Oren hasn't spoken since the accident, but Evie desperately wants to help comfort him. As the pair are brought together by the grownups during the summer, Evie and Oren discover they can communicate by text. Oren wants to see what happens behind the scenes at the funeral home to understand what happened to his parents, but Evie is afraid she'll get in trouble if they get caught.
This is such an informative story but I didn't feel that it went too far in any way. It’s an honest and open discussion about death, and the feelings we experience after losing someone.
I will absolutely be adding it to my collection as there's nothing like it that I've come across for middle-grade readers.
September 20, 2021
I love this gentle and compassionate story of Evie, a girl whose parents run a funeral home and Oren, a boy who survives the car crash that kills his parents. If you think the book couldn't possibly be uplifting, you'd be wrong. It's all about facing our biggest fears and accepting when to ask for help. Ultimately, it's about hope. This is the second novel I've read by Joanne Levy and I love her authentic voice and her ability to be vulnerable for her readers. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
September 27, 2021
Sorry for your loss by Joanne Levy is a Middle Grade story unlike anything I have read before!
From the opening sentence, the central character, Evie emphatically states that " I am not obsessed with death"... and with this line the reader most assuredly will be engaged and captivated.
Teased, bullied at school and to escape a painful memory, Evie decides that she is "done with having friends." p.4 .
As a result, begs her parents to become more involved with the family run business..."Walman's Memorial Chapel". Thus begins her first part-time job where her father affectionately refers to her as "Purveyor of Paper Products".
It is in this setting that Evie strikes up a particular relationship with a survivor of a car accident .. someone her age....Oren Katzman.
At first this is only a one sided exchange..where often Evie's nervousness only dissipates when she becomes immersed in her 'quilling craft'. Slowly through the use of technology, Evie and Oren develop a relationship that evolves despite Evie frequently exclaiming "I don't have any friends. And that's just the way I like it." p. 64.
It is after Oren and Evie are subjected to the mean-spirited bullying by classmates which results in their first major argument, that a shocking reaction by Oren stuns them both.
Sorry for your loss is a sincere and forthright narrative that delves into many aspects of grief, mourning, and different furnary traditions that is perfectly balanced with with underlying messages of hope, compassion and kindness.
A beautifully crafted story with heart and humour!
Highly Recommended for any library!
FIVE STARS !!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the opening sentence, the central character, Evie emphatically states that " I am not obsessed with death"... and with this line the reader most assuredly will be engaged and captivated.
Teased, bullied at school and to escape a painful memory, Evie decides that she is "done with having friends." p.4 .
As a result, begs her parents to become more involved with the family run business..."Walman's Memorial Chapel". Thus begins her first part-time job where her father affectionately refers to her as "Purveyor of Paper Products".
It is in this setting that Evie strikes up a particular relationship with a survivor of a car accident .. someone her age....Oren Katzman.
At first this is only a one sided exchange..where often Evie's nervousness only dissipates when she becomes immersed in her 'quilling craft'. Slowly through the use of technology, Evie and Oren develop a relationship that evolves despite Evie frequently exclaiming "I don't have any friends. And that's just the way I like it." p. 64.
It is after Oren and Evie are subjected to the mean-spirited bullying by classmates which results in their first major argument, that a shocking reaction by Oren stuns them both.
Sorry for your loss is a sincere and forthright narrative that delves into many aspects of grief, mourning, and different furnary traditions that is perfectly balanced with with underlying messages of hope, compassion and kindness.
A beautifully crafted story with heart and humour!
Highly Recommended for any library!
FIVE STARS !!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2024
A fantastic and award-winning middle grade novel that focuses on the friendship between Evie, the daughter of a family who run a Jewish funeral home and Oren, a boy who lost his parents in a terrible car accident. With a lot of My girl vibes, this book deals with grief and loss in relatable and important ways and was great as an audio book narrated by Tara Yelle. The story is deeply personal for the author and does an excellent job exploring mental health, guilt and death in ways younger readers can understand and empathize with. Highly recommended!
December 15, 2021
There are a lot of middle-grade books out there that deal with death and grief. I'm not sure I've read one, though, that is set in a funeral parlor and discusses what goes on between a person's death and their funeral. It sounds like a macabre subject, especially for a children's book, but it's actually comforting. It was especially interesting for me to learn about Jewish burial traditions as I knew little about them. This element makes SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS stand out from its (many) fellows. The friendship at the heart of the novel is sweet. Through it, the book teaches some great lessons about kindness, feeling one's emotions (even when they're unexpected or embarrassing), healing, and getting help (both professional and non-) when needed. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS is a quick read, but it's a valuable one. Not only is it warm and life-affirming, but it's also reassuring for those who wonder about and/or are scared about what happens after we die. I enjoyed this novel quite a lot.
August 31, 2021
I was lucky to be an early reader for this and let me tell you - this is a gem! I loved getting into the heads of Evie and Oren. Such complex and fascinating characters. It certainly hits you in the feels. Sincere and heartfelt. And even though it's a book about death, there are lots of moments of levity. Great writing.
October 11, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Sorry For Your Loss is a very sweet middle grade book that is guaranteed to hit you right where it hurts. It will break your heart with the pain and grief of its characters and then slowly mend it back together with love and friendship. Evie is a sweet child, she has some difficult things going on in both her personal and school life. Oren is suffering a heavy loss and struggling to deal with his grief. When these two not-friends end up spending a lot of time together an unlikely not-friendship starts to emerge and with it healing for them both. The friendship between Evie and Oren is truly sweet and special.
The storyline was incredibly well thought out. The writing was beautiful. We are given a story about death and grief and get to watch it transform into a story about hope and healing. The pacing of a story is a major thing for me, and I have to say this one is paced perfectly. The author manages to somehow slow everything down for a maximum emotional impact, yet keep the story progressing so nothing is overdrawn. You can feel the emotions of the characters as you progressed through the story. Their grief becomes yours; their healing becomes yours. The emotional impact is high. This book is absolutely incredible. I highly recommend it.
Https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
Sorry For Your Loss is a very sweet middle grade book that is guaranteed to hit you right where it hurts. It will break your heart with the pain and grief of its characters and then slowly mend it back together with love and friendship. Evie is a sweet child, she has some difficult things going on in both her personal and school life. Oren is suffering a heavy loss and struggling to deal with his grief. When these two not-friends end up spending a lot of time together an unlikely not-friendship starts to emerge and with it healing for them both. The friendship between Evie and Oren is truly sweet and special.
The storyline was incredibly well thought out. The writing was beautiful. We are given a story about death and grief and get to watch it transform into a story about hope and healing. The pacing of a story is a major thing for me, and I have to say this one is paced perfectly. The author manages to somehow slow everything down for a maximum emotional impact, yet keep the story progressing so nothing is overdrawn. You can feel the emotions of the characters as you progressed through the story. Their grief becomes yours; their healing becomes yours. The emotional impact is high. This book is absolutely incredible. I highly recommend it.
Https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
August 29, 2021
Evie has no friends. Because, really, the one friend she had is gone, so she figures that's it. No more friends. Besides, everyone at school teases her because her father is a Jewish undertaker, and they call her corpse girl, and say she smells.
So, she figures that she will give up on friendships, and just concentrate on being a good future funeral director, and watch what her parents do.
But, when she becomes friends with Orin, because her family takes him under their wing after his parents both die in a horrible auto accident, she says that she isn't a friend. That she is anything but.
This is a wonderful story of healing, for both Orin and Evie. Very well written, with great heart. Plus, you get to learn about a little bit about how Jewish funerals are different from Christian ones.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
So, she figures that she will give up on friendships, and just concentrate on being a good future funeral director, and watch what her parents do.
But, when she becomes friends with Orin, because her family takes him under their wing after his parents both die in a horrible auto accident, she says that she isn't a friend. That she is anything but.
This is a wonderful story of healing, for both Orin and Evie. Very well written, with great heart. Plus, you get to learn about a little bit about how Jewish funerals are different from Christian ones.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
December 22, 2025
The audio book kind of drove me crazy... I think it was the way the author said "sorry." (And she said it A LOT.) The story, however, was decent. I don't know how many books there are that deal with funerals for people who are Jewish, and this one taught me a lot. The mean girls were realistic, the boy who was suffering the death of his parents seemed realistic, and their relationship grew realistically, too. Decent book that many middle schoolers would probably appreciate should they lose someone close to them or even just be curious about what funeral parlors do with the bodies of those who've passed.
March 6, 2022
What a fabulous book! The characters and story line were really engaging. There's a lot of education in the book about Jewish death and mourning rituals without it feeling preachy or reading like non-fiction. I hope tweens pick this book up and read it. I liked how there were characters who were mean to Evie, because it seemed to realistically reflect how some middle-school kids treat one another. Evie's character might have been a little too mature, and knowledgeable, and capable. Then again, some kids are like that. I thought Oren's character was really depicted well--his trauma, his cathartic moment--all really well-drawn. There was a minor error on the third page that I hope will be fixed in future editions. Samson is not in the Torah, but is in the Bible. I'm so glad I continued reading!
November 18, 2022
I connected with this book through the lens of the Jewish family. Some of the words and rituals were familiar, but I also learned some things that I did not know.
There were a lot of tears shed by the characters and this allowed me to join them in their struggle to come to terms with the trauma they had experienced.
There were a lot of tears shed by the characters and this allowed me to join them in their struggle to come to terms with the trauma they had experienced.
January 23, 2022
Unexpected story. Gentle in its telling with a couple of different story lines. Unique middle grade read.
November 13, 2022
This book dealt with some serious topics but I loved how they were explained in a way that kids would understand. I liked learning all about the different Jewish funeral rituals too.
March 25, 2022
Great middle grade book dealing with death—which is a little unusual and what made me want to read this when I saw it at the library. The author handles the subject matter really well and I especially appreciated learning about Jewish funeral customs. The friendship between the boy and girl main characters felt genuine and touching. Definitely cried a few times.
January 12, 2022
This book handled death in a very real, very delicate way. It didn’t dumb things down for kids or over explain feelings and circumstances. Oren’s reaction and guilt toward his parent’s death was very well done and a realistic reaction. I enjoyed learning about Jewish funeral traditions; the author did a good job of giving just enough details. Plus, the idea of working in a funeral home reminded me of one of my favorite movies, My Girl.
That all of that said, there were cliches and slight annoyances throughout the book. I found Evie, the main character, horribly immature and way too chatty. Although she does get more bearable as the book goes on, her obnoxious personality was too much for me in the beginning of the book. The secret of Evie’s friend Sam was built up throughout the book, but once revealed, felt very vague and under developed. Sam was more of an excuse as to why Evie was reluctant to make friends than anything of real substance. Oren’s last words to his parents were very cliched. And the two girls that bullied Evie were over the top and didn’t add much to the story.
Overall, I’d recommend this story. 3.5 stars.
That all of that said, there were cliches and slight annoyances throughout the book. I found Evie, the main character, horribly immature and way too chatty. Although she does get more bearable as the book goes on, her obnoxious personality was too much for me in the beginning of the book. The secret of Evie’s friend Sam was built up throughout the book, but once revealed, felt very vague and under developed. Sam was more of an excuse as to why Evie was reluctant to make friends than anything of real substance. Oren’s last words to his parents were very cliched. And the two girls that bullied Evie were over the top and didn’t add much to the story.
Overall, I’d recommend this story. 3.5 stars.
April 30, 2023
3.5. Great content on grief. Love how the author demonstrate good parenting and communication skills, and how she incorporated validating skills through conversations especially statements made by Evie’s parents. I find Evie’s transformation in terms of mindset and perspective heartwarming but maybe a little too rushed for the length of this book. On the other hand, Oren’s character and personality’s development was more realistic. Overall still a great book, suitable for young adult.
More ⭐️ for the section on acknowledgment and I appreciate how the author shared about her personal experience coping with her own loss, as well as the gratitude she has for her dad.
More ⭐️ for the section on acknowledgment and I appreciate how the author shared about her personal experience coping with her own loss, as well as the gratitude she has for her dad.
October 11, 2021
I wish I had read SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS by Joanne Levy when I was a middle grader. An extraordinary story about loss, grief, friendship, and healing, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS is a must have for every middle grader, and an excellent addition to every middle grade classroom library.
January 20, 2025
This is a great book. Sad at times but wonderful at other times. I like learning how Jewish people do funerals that are different from other funerals. I thought this book reminded me of a Jewish version of My girl.
February 13, 2023
This book is amazing.
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December 2, 2021This review first appeared on my blog
From the very first email I had with the author, I knew Sorry For Your Loss was going to be a bit quirky. I had requested some materials about the book and Joanne Levy's response email was titled “the worst possible title for an email”. Because honestly, nobody wants an email titled “sorry for your loss” sitting in their inbox. This thoughtful hilarity surrounding death and mourning customs was as good a hint as any as to what I would find in this MG novel about a girl who works in a Jewish funeral home and the newly orphaned boy she meets on the job.
My favorite part of Judaism is our life cycle events. The bris or kiddush to mark a new birth. The bnei mitzvahs. The weddings. Unfortunately, those celebrations of life come hand in hand with our traditions surrounding death - fast burial followed by seven days of sitting shiva for the mourners and the unveiling of the headstone a year later. Even as a kid, I’d been to my fair share of shivas. It felt strangely grown up to take my dutiful place among the comforters sitting with the mourners and bringing them food. But that's how Judaism rolls. Our kids are full participants.
Recently, I sat shiva myself. Having ritual observance to fall back on was helpful during a time when I was trying to find my footing in a world that was both unequivocally changed and shockingly the same all at once
That is the paradox that Evie, our aspiring junior funeral director, faces when she agrees to spend time with Oren, a recently orphaned boy whose parents funeral has taken place at her parents funeral home. Oren seems so much like a regular boy as they hang out and do regular kid stuff that it is easy to forget his parents have just died. Until something reminds them both of why he is there. Because grief has a way of sneaking up on people.
For his part, Oren puts up with Evie’s endless chattering with the gratefulness unique to someone who has no desire to fill the silence with their own words. Through his interactions with Evie as they sneak around the funeral home and work on art projects, the author shows that the recently bereaved have a unique insight to offer and that sometimes those comforting the mourners are the true beneficiaries.
Caring for the dead is often referred to as “Chessed Shel Emet”, the only true good dead one can do in this life, because it comes without ulterior motives. The dead cannot repay us. We cannot ask them for favors or expect recompense. We care for them simply because it is the right thing to do. The human thing. And this story is unequivocally human. While it handles death and grief with a light touch appropriate for middle graders it was also an enjoyable read for this adult.
Note: I received a free reviewer e-copy of this book in the hopes that I would review it, but no strings were attached.
From the very first email I had with the author, I knew Sorry For Your Loss was going to be a bit quirky. I had requested some materials about the book and Joanne Levy's response email was titled “the worst possible title for an email”. Because honestly, nobody wants an email titled “sorry for your loss” sitting in their inbox. This thoughtful hilarity surrounding death and mourning customs was as good a hint as any as to what I would find in this MG novel about a girl who works in a Jewish funeral home and the newly orphaned boy she meets on the job.
My favorite part of Judaism is our life cycle events. The bris or kiddush to mark a new birth. The bnei mitzvahs. The weddings. Unfortunately, those celebrations of life come hand in hand with our traditions surrounding death - fast burial followed by seven days of sitting shiva for the mourners and the unveiling of the headstone a year later. Even as a kid, I’d been to my fair share of shivas. It felt strangely grown up to take my dutiful place among the comforters sitting with the mourners and bringing them food. But that's how Judaism rolls. Our kids are full participants.
Recently, I sat shiva myself. Having ritual observance to fall back on was helpful during a time when I was trying to find my footing in a world that was both unequivocally changed and shockingly the same all at once
That is the paradox that Evie, our aspiring junior funeral director, faces when she agrees to spend time with Oren, a recently orphaned boy whose parents funeral has taken place at her parents funeral home. Oren seems so much like a regular boy as they hang out and do regular kid stuff that it is easy to forget his parents have just died. Until something reminds them both of why he is there. Because grief has a way of sneaking up on people.
For his part, Oren puts up with Evie’s endless chattering with the gratefulness unique to someone who has no desire to fill the silence with their own words. Through his interactions with Evie as they sneak around the funeral home and work on art projects, the author shows that the recently bereaved have a unique insight to offer and that sometimes those comforting the mourners are the true beneficiaries.
Caring for the dead is often referred to as “Chessed Shel Emet”, the only true good dead one can do in this life, because it comes without ulterior motives. The dead cannot repay us. We cannot ask them for favors or expect recompense. We care for them simply because it is the right thing to do. The human thing. And this story is unequivocally human. While it handles death and grief with a light touch appropriate for middle graders it was also an enjoyable read for this adult.
Note: I received a free reviewer e-copy of this book in the hopes that I would review it, but no strings were attached.
December 19, 2025
A unique look at grief and loss from the perspective of a girl whose family owns a funeral home that observes all the cultural aspects of burial needed by grieving Jewish families.
A myriad of books with the theme of grief and loss have been published recently which indicates the need for the comfort that can be provided by a sensitively written, well-researched book on the subject. Levy’s book is a bit different from others I have read on this topic as the traditions of the Jewish committee are emphasized along with the care and respect that comes with those practices. While many of the requirements detailed in SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS are not always observed by Jews and are certainly different than the traditions held by those outside the Jewish community, the concepts of grief recovery illustrated by Evie and her family towards those in the midst of the death of a loved one are valid for all. Grief recovery is the primary theme, but Levy also includes threads dealing with friendship, bullying and love of family. Oren’s loss of both parents and the ways Evie tries to help him unlock his voice are certainly the focus but there were plenty of moments of fun between friends, displays of love between family members and friends, and a look at the craft of quilling that keep Levy’s book from becoming overwhelmingly dark.
Highly recommended for all libraries serving grades 5-8 especially if there is a need for books with Jewish representation. As a non-Jew, I learned a great deal about Jewish culture as I have in Levy’s Let it Glow and works by Mari Lowe and as my school district has very little, if any, Jewish representation, titles like these are very important to helping my students experience new things. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence.
Readalikes providing a look at Jewish culture: The Length of a String (Elissa Weissman), Aviva & the Dybbuk/Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman (Mari Lowe), Let it Glow (Marissa Meyer & Joanne Levy), The Color of Sound (Emily Islander)
Readalikes w/the theme of grief/loss: Forever Ripley (McCall Hoyle), Everywhere Blue (Joanne Fritz), The Color of Sound (Emily Isler), Call Me Adnan (Reem Faruqi)
For beautiful picture book done with quilling, read and look at over and over again: Just a Worm (Marie Boyd)
Thank you, Joanne Levy, for providing a finished copy of your book for review purposes.
A myriad of books with the theme of grief and loss have been published recently which indicates the need for the comfort that can be provided by a sensitively written, well-researched book on the subject. Levy’s book is a bit different from others I have read on this topic as the traditions of the Jewish committee are emphasized along with the care and respect that comes with those practices. While many of the requirements detailed in SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS are not always observed by Jews and are certainly different than the traditions held by those outside the Jewish community, the concepts of grief recovery illustrated by Evie and her family towards those in the midst of the death of a loved one are valid for all. Grief recovery is the primary theme, but Levy also includes threads dealing with friendship, bullying and love of family. Oren’s loss of both parents and the ways Evie tries to help him unlock his voice are certainly the focus but there were plenty of moments of fun between friends, displays of love between family members and friends, and a look at the craft of quilling that keep Levy’s book from becoming overwhelmingly dark.
Highly recommended for all libraries serving grades 5-8 especially if there is a need for books with Jewish representation. As a non-Jew, I learned a great deal about Jewish culture as I have in Levy’s Let it Glow and works by Mari Lowe and as my school district has very little, if any, Jewish representation, titles like these are very important to helping my students experience new things. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence.
Readalikes providing a look at Jewish culture: The Length of a String (Elissa Weissman), Aviva & the Dybbuk/Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman (Mari Lowe), Let it Glow (Marissa Meyer & Joanne Levy), The Color of Sound (Emily Islander)
Readalikes w/the theme of grief/loss: Forever Ripley (McCall Hoyle), Everywhere Blue (Joanne Fritz), The Color of Sound (Emily Isler), Call Me Adnan (Reem Faruqi)
For beautiful picture book done with quilling, read and look at over and over again: Just a Worm (Marie Boyd)
Thank you, Joanne Levy, for providing a finished copy of your book for review purposes.
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January 16, 2023Evie is the daughter of two Jewish funeral directors. She is constantly mocked and referred to as “corpse girl” at school because she lives next door to it. She appears briefly in camp, where things are better, but it doesn't last. Furthermore, she ends herself spending the summer with Oren, whose parents died in a car accident in which Oren was also hurt. They spend a lot of time together once he moves in with his uncle. Evie sees herself as a “junior funeral director” and learns a lot about grieving from Oren.
It was such a sweet tale of how their friendship developed. Even with the sadness, it was still quite natural as they progressed. The family of Evie is wonderful, and Evie makes mistakes, but they are entirely typical for a young person entering adolescence. She learns about friendships, and readers gain a lot of knowledge about Jewish funeral customs, which may not be fascinating to everyone, but were to me.
I was engrossed in this book from page one. Jewish funeral house owners Evie Walman's family reside next door so that they are accessible at all times. The grieving process and what happens after someone passes away—I don't mean spiritually, but rather how a body is handled and what to anticipate from a funeral director, etcetera, will be thoroughly explained for readers. This book does an excellent job of addressing mortality, how it affects various people, and how death is specifically dealt with in Jewish culture. Together with Oren, who recently lost both of his parents, and Evie, who frequently encounters death through her parent's funeral home. Death may be frightening, but even for me, reading about the customs surrounding a Jewish funeral gave me some comfort in knowing how someone will be taken care of once they pass away. Considering all of this information is why I personally liked this book and encourage others to read.
It was such a sweet tale of how their friendship developed. Even with the sadness, it was still quite natural as they progressed. The family of Evie is wonderful, and Evie makes mistakes, but they are entirely typical for a young person entering adolescence. She learns about friendships, and readers gain a lot of knowledge about Jewish funeral customs, which may not be fascinating to everyone, but were to me.
I was engrossed in this book from page one. Jewish funeral house owners Evie Walman's family reside next door so that they are accessible at all times. The grieving process and what happens after someone passes away—I don't mean spiritually, but rather how a body is handled and what to anticipate from a funeral director, etcetera, will be thoroughly explained for readers. This book does an excellent job of addressing mortality, how it affects various people, and how death is specifically dealt with in Jewish culture. Together with Oren, who recently lost both of his parents, and Evie, who frequently encounters death through her parent's funeral home. Death may be frightening, but even for me, reading about the customs surrounding a Jewish funeral gave me some comfort in knowing how someone will be taken care of once they pass away. Considering all of this information is why I personally liked this book and encourage others to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel. The free copy did not influence my review.
Evie Walman is a twelve year old girl who's family owns a funeral home. She's decided that she wants to be a funeral director when she wants to grow up, even though she is bullied at school and is called names like "Corpse girl" or told she smells like death. She has been the one who helps hand out tissues and offers them her condolences. When a boy her age who's parents have been killed in a car crash comes into the funeral home, she is determined to help. Oren won't talk and Evie wants to help him feel better and face his grief. Her family helps him and his uncle (who is taking care of him) by taking Oren in on weekdays. He and Evie become friends and both help each other in different ways.
This was such a great book! After I started it my Kindle did not turn off until I was finished. This author also handles the sensitive topic of death in a very age-appropriate way that made me laugh out loud, which I was not expecting! Evie and Oren were very realistic and their voices felt very real (or texts, in Oren's case). I cannot think of anything bad to say about this book and am looking to read more of Joanne Levy's work!
Ages 10+
Evie Walman is a twelve year old girl who's family owns a funeral home. She's decided that she wants to be a funeral director when she wants to grow up, even though she is bullied at school and is called names like "Corpse girl" or told she smells like death. She has been the one who helps hand out tissues and offers them her condolences. When a boy her age who's parents have been killed in a car crash comes into the funeral home, she is determined to help. Oren won't talk and Evie wants to help him feel better and face his grief. Her family helps him and his uncle (who is taking care of him) by taking Oren in on weekdays. He and Evie become friends and both help each other in different ways.
This was such a great book! After I started it my Kindle did not turn off until I was finished. This author also handles the sensitive topic of death in a very age-appropriate way that made me laugh out loud, which I was not expecting! Evie and Oren were very realistic and their voices felt very real (or texts, in Oren's case). I cannot think of anything bad to say about this book and am looking to read more of Joanne Levy's work!
Ages 10+
January 7, 2022
A YA read, so very quick, but also very good.
This book blew me away in that it explores such deep topics - such as emotional trauma - in such an easy way for children. As someone who has been on Evie's side (the outside looking in), in that someone she knows has suffered a terrible loss and all she wants to do is take that pain away, I found this book incredibly personal. I also appreciate how it explores not only the challenges for being a support for someone else, but the importance of not only working at their pace, but prioritizing your own stuff too.
I could have done without a lot of the cultural stuff, but I realize upon finishing the book that it was all actually pretty important to character development, as well as to keeping the context fairly tame for the age group. The teacher in me also screamed at all the teachable moments with this stuff (I may or may not have planned a whole unit in my head with this lol)
Overall a nice read. Will probably find itself on my classroom shelves.
This book blew me away in that it explores such deep topics - such as emotional trauma - in such an easy way for children. As someone who has been on Evie's side (the outside looking in), in that someone she knows has suffered a terrible loss and all she wants to do is take that pain away, I found this book incredibly personal. I also appreciate how it explores not only the challenges for being a support for someone else, but the importance of not only working at their pace, but prioritizing your own stuff too.
I could have done without a lot of the cultural stuff, but I realize upon finishing the book that it was all actually pretty important to character development, as well as to keeping the context fairly tame for the age group. The teacher in me also screamed at all the teachable moments with this stuff (I may or may not have planned a whole unit in my head with this lol)
Overall a nice read. Will probably find itself on my classroom shelves.
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book! I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it! I couldn't stop reading!!!
It was very interesting to learn more about the funeral business and the rituals practice in the Jewish faith. I am Jewish, myself, and have seen some of the behind-the-scenes of a funeral home (my MIL works at one). A few things seemed very different from what I am accustomed to with a Jewish funeral. Yes, families go into a quiet room and they can have people come and greet them and pay their respects to the family members before the funeral begins. I have also been to funerals where the casket is open for family members and others to see but not necessarily open during the service itself. The author may have kept it simple for readers and it also may be different in various parts of the United States and other countries.
I highly recommend this story for everyone to read, Jewish or not. Be sure to have tissues with you as you read. There are a few laugh-out-loud moments too but many sad and tender moments.
A must for all elementary and middle school libraries!
It was very interesting to learn more about the funeral business and the rituals practice in the Jewish faith. I am Jewish, myself, and have seen some of the behind-the-scenes of a funeral home (my MIL works at one). A few things seemed very different from what I am accustomed to with a Jewish funeral. Yes, families go into a quiet room and they can have people come and greet them and pay their respects to the family members before the funeral begins. I have also been to funerals where the casket is open for family members and others to see but not necessarily open during the service itself. The author may have kept it simple for readers and it also may be different in various parts of the United States and other countries.
I highly recommend this story for everyone to read, Jewish or not. Be sure to have tissues with you as you read. There are a few laugh-out-loud moments too but many sad and tender moments.
A must for all elementary and middle school libraries!
February 1, 2022
Evie is the daughter of parents who run a Jewish funeral home. She lives next door to it so she's always getting teased and called corpse girl at school. We see a glimpse of her at camp, where everything is better, but it doesn't stick. This summer, she winds up spending time with Oren who parents were killed in a car crash that Oren was also injured in. He comes to live with his uncle and they spend a lot of time together. Evie envisions herself "junior funeral director" and she gets a lot of experience with grief with Oren.
The story of their growing friendship was so lovely. Even with the grief, it was fairly organic as they move along. Evie's family is lovely, and Evie's mistakes are there but so normal for a kid just starting to hit adolescence. She learns about friendships and readers learn a lot about Jewish funeral practices which may be uninteresting to some but were very interesting to me.
The story of their growing friendship was so lovely. Even with the grief, it was fairly organic as they move along. Evie's family is lovely, and Evie's mistakes are there but so normal for a kid just starting to hit adolescence. She learns about friendships and readers learn a lot about Jewish funeral practices which may be uninteresting to some but were very interesting to me.
March 16, 2023
Sorry for your loss is a amazing book. You get attached to the characters and feel the emotions along with them. The way that the author had Evie and Oren starting off not really as friends but as the story progresses they become closer and help each other to move on after their loss. They had fun times and bonded when they were together. Eventually they became so close that when they were apart for too long it was rough for them. The reason Oren never talked, is really important for the world because your words can never come back in once they’re out. Their friendship is really believable because friends go too far sometimes and they hurt the other person by accident. Once something happens it won’t change, but the best think you can do is try to move on, but don’t forget because then you might make the same mistake. When someone dies you have to hold onto the memories you have but not let the memories stop you from doing what you love. That is what makes this book amazing.
January 19, 2024
For an unexpected friendship to blossom from tragedy is uniquely powerful.
Joanne Levy has gifted us not just a book but a journey to experience through gripping emotions and mature conversations. No one wants to or likes to think or discuss death or grief. Levy brilliantly finds the perfect ebb and flow of including this push and pull of our mind and heart. I truly appreciated the roles of the parents- their genuine honesty; their acknowledgement and guidance in sharing their thoughts, beliefs and values while their middle school daughter learns to navigate life and all things growing up. Being witness to the unpacking of their stories was truly an honour. Lastly, through loss, Levy shares with us Jewish customs and traditions around the final rites of an individual, which I found to be a profound learning opportunity. Truly a read that hopes one day you get to meet the characters in the novel as their authenticity and resilience are powerfully moving.
Joanne Levy has gifted us not just a book but a journey to experience through gripping emotions and mature conversations. No one wants to or likes to think or discuss death or grief. Levy brilliantly finds the perfect ebb and flow of including this push and pull of our mind and heart. I truly appreciated the roles of the parents- their genuine honesty; their acknowledgement and guidance in sharing their thoughts, beliefs and values while their middle school daughter learns to navigate life and all things growing up. Being witness to the unpacking of their stories was truly an honour. Lastly, through loss, Levy shares with us Jewish customs and traditions around the final rites of an individual, which I found to be a profound learning opportunity. Truly a read that hopes one day you get to meet the characters in the novel as their authenticity and resilience are powerfully moving.
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