When children die: death in current children's literature and its use in a library

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Literature
• Child Psychology
• Medical Humanities

Background:

• Children's literature increasingly addresses complex themes like death and dying with sensitivity.
• Books serve as valuable tools for children facing severe illnesses, providing relatable narratives of coping.
• Bibliotherapy utilizes literature to support patients, offering therapeutic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine current trends in children's literature concerning death and dying.
• To illustrate the integration of these literary resources into a pediatric patient library.
• To highlight the role of books in supporting children with catastrophic illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary children's literature focusing on themes of death and dying.
• Case study of a patient library at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• Analysis of how selected books are utilized for bibliotherapy and patient support.

Main Results:

• Current children's literature provides realistic and empathetic depictions of death and dying.
• Books featuring similar experiences can help children cope with catastrophic illnesses.
• Patient libraries can effectively incorporate these books for therapeutic purposes.

Conclusions:

• Children's literature is a vital resource for supporting young patients dealing with serious illness and mortality.
• Bibliotherapy, using carefully selected books, can be an effective component of supportive care in pediatric settings.
• The incorporation of literature into hospital environments enhances psychosocial support for children and their families.