Howe, James. The Color of Absence: 12 Stories of Loss and Hope. New York; Simon Pulse, 2001.
Summary: This collection of 12 short stories by different authors deals with the difficult subject of loss. Each story is about loss in some form from the death of a grandparent to ending a chapter in life. The stories are very authentic in portraying the feelings associated with loss yet instill a sense of hope.
Tattered Cover says: Although I was reluctant to read a book on such an obviously sad subject, I did find myself laughing as well. This book shows that loss is an important part of life and with it comes growth and change. As we become stronger and more appreciative of the present, we get a sense of hope for the future.
How to use this in a library: I think students could analyze the different methods used to write about loss and use this book in conjunction with a writing lesson with the writing teacher. The students could go on to write their own short stories on the subject.
Reviews:
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly (January 13, 2003)
"Addressing the emotional life of adolescents, the author of the Bunnicula books collects a dozen works (one of which he penned himself)," wrote PW. Walter Dean Myers's "Season's End" covers much more than the close of baseball season; in "Shoofly Pie," Naomi Shihab Nye explores the way humor and sadness live side by side; and Jacqueline Woodson and Chris Lynch collaborate on "The Rialto."
Publishers Weekly (January 13, 2003)
"Addressing the emotional life of adolescents, the author of the Bunnicula books collects a dozen works (one of which he penned himself)," wrote PW. Walter Dean Myers's "Season's End" covers much more than the close of baseball season; in "Shoofly Pie," Naomi Shihab Nye explores the way humor and sadness live side by side; and Jacqueline Woodson and Chris Lynch collaborate on "The Rialto."
