In Memory of Dad by Maranda Russell

February 23, 2012 at 9:59 pm | Posted in Short Stories, Tween fiction | Leave a comment
Tags: book reviews, books for young readers, books that teach a lesson, books that teach children a lesson, children's books that teach a lesson, coping with the death of a parent, In Memory of Dad, Middle Grade books, Miranda Russell, short story, short story review, The Children's and Teens Book Connection, Tween fiction

A touching story of how to learn to live again after tragedy can be found in Maranda Russell’s short children’s story, In Memory of Dad.

This fictional story is loosely based upon true events from the author’s life. Kaley Jergins was blessed with a wonderful family, good friends, and the talent and passion to succeed on the basketball court. When her father suffers a fatal heart attack, everything changes. Mom doesn’t smile anymore; they eat lots of takeout; and Kaley can’t seem to face playing the sport that she and her father loved so much. It feels like nothing will ever be the same again.

If you’re looking for a short and simple way to help a child deal with the loss of a parent, In Memory of Dad can certainly help. At a little over 2,100 words, it provides a way for young readers to get a glimpse into Kaley’s world without getting too overwhelmed by a complicated storyline. While it is mostly telling, not showing, the story flows nicely and has a superb ending. Readers who have lost a parent will realize what they are feeling is normal, and hopefully things will get better. The touching author’s note at the end will connect with the reader.

Russell has also written two children’s picture books and contributed to Weres in the City.I would definitely check out her other books.

Rating: 

• Format:Kindle Edition
• File Size:85 KB
• Publisher:Maranda Russell; 1 edition (August 28, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• ASIN: B005JQBIII
• SRP:  $.99 (Also available at Smashwords)

I purchased this book from Amazon for my Kindle. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

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