We Need to Talk About Death: An IMPORTANT Book About Grief, Celebrations, and Love

Ages 10 to 14

A book by historian and museum curator Sarah Chavez that helps grieving children understand what happens when we die, and celebrates the traditions people around the world use to honor the dead.

Death is an important part of life, and yet it is one of the hardest things to talk about—for adults as well as for children. Historian and museum curator Sarah Chavez is determined to create a book that sparks wonder and curiosity about dying, instead of fear and shame. Children will marvel at the flowers different cultures use to represent death. They will find out about eco-friendly burials, learn how to wrap a mummy, and go beneath the streets of Paris to witness skull-lined catacombs!

Full of practical tips, this book won’t stop the pain of losing a loved one or a pet, but it may give young readers ideas for different ways they can celebrate those who have passed away, and help begin the healing process.

A Neon Squid Book

About the Author

Sarah Chavez is a Xicana historian, museum curator, and podcaster who has also worked on the popular YouTube series Ask a Mortician. She is one of the founders of the Death Positive movement, which wants to encourage a more open conversation about death.

Annika Le Large is an illustrator based in Leipzig, Germany. Her artworks are often related to social issues or concepts of self-love. Annika previously illustrated We Need to Talk About Vaginas for Neon Squid.