If Nathan Were Here

If Nathan Were Here by Bahr, Mary. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780802852359.

If Nathan were here, we would meet in our tree fort. . . we would take the shortcut through the woods. . . we would try to splash each other in the puddles. . . In If Nathan Were Here, author Mary Bahr gently explores the grief of a young boy whose best friend has died. With the help of an understanding teacher, a kind neighbor, and an empathetic parent, the boy finds ways to give expression to his questions and sorrow and to reach out to someone else who needs him. Mary Bahrs evocative text conveys a childs grief with honesty and sensitivity, while Karen Jeromes soft watercolors poignantly capture the tender nature of childrens friendships.