Coriolanus Book

A verse novel and/or collection of poetry for young people about grief. Two siblings, Jesse and his older sister Jerilyn, lament the death of their brother Jaron. The time span is on year from the time of death, and each sibling responds differently throughout the whole process of grieving, alternating perspectives. No right way to grieve, is the point. I loved the lovely sad small watercolor illustrations by Raul Colon. The color is lovely throughout. I read this for National Poetry Month with my kids, and thought it was good because, though sad, it's a rare and useful topic for kids. Grimes lost her father when she was fifteen.

Why? Jesse

Why did Jaron have to die?
I asked till my lips burned dry.
Mommy sighed and shook her head.
"God scoops up the good," she said.
Then, from now on, I won't be.
Hear that God? Don't come for me.

Why? Jerilyn

Why give God
a bad name?
Why not blame
the moon,
if you must pretend
to have an answer?
We both know sense
is like shadow.
Chase it till you sweat,
and all you'll get
is a handful
of nothing.
Besides, what difference
does it make?
Just concentrate
on breathing.

from What is Goodbye?
Nikki Grimes