SuitabookUmbrella summer
Lisa Graff
- Reading
- Read alongside the child if bereavement or health anxiety feels personally relevant. Pause after the opening loss, name feelings without rushing them, and revisit difficult moments as the story develops.
- Themes
- Grief and emotional protection: After Jared’s sudden death, Annie tries to guard herself against illness and accidents, while her family struggles to acknowledge their grief. The story presents caution as understandable but limiting, and frames connection with others as part of facing pain.
- Community support: A new neighbour and other people around Annie contribute to her movement towards living with grief. Supportive relationships are presented positively, though the story does not suggest that community removes bereavement.
- Worth knowing
- The death of Annie’s brother is central, and her fears include illness and accidents. A grieving adult neighbour also appears. Consider whether these subjects may feel close to home.