Missing May - 1993 Newbery Award Winner

Summer is a little girl who rotates from relative to relative until landing in a secure home with her Aunt May and Uncle Ob; but, when Aunt May dies (which is where the story really begins), the death leaves Uncle Ob and Summer reeling with the grief of losing a loved one. By taking a road trip that was both a physical trip as well as an emotional one, Summer, and especially Ob, begin to come to grips with the loss of May. This was such an endearing story. If the reader knows anything about losing a relative or close friend like this, he or she will be touched by this story. It is a short but impactful read that gives permission for people to grieve in their own time and in their own way, yet provides hope for learning how to live with one's loss. There have been a few classroom teachers who have shared how they were able to use this book with students who had lost a parent or grandparent as a means of helping them cope with the death in the family. Be warned though - you might need to bring along a tissue while you read.