This study explores the use of bibliotherapy as a way to address issues of grief and loss in the upper elementary/middle classroom. Questions that guided this study were: what elements of bibliotherapy are useful when addressing grief in the upper elementary/middle school classroom?, what are the effects of bibliotherapy in adolescent grief care? and what is the appropriate role and perspective taken of the classroom teacher when implementing bibliotherapy in the classroom setting?

This research followed the structure of a single-unit case study. One fifth grade classroom participated with each of 24 students assigned to a literature circle group based on their reading level. Books were chosen based on their appropriateness for the age/reading level of the students and on their coverage of grief/loss issues.

Data were collected through student journal reflections, classroom observation and teacher interviews. Each student completed an initial journal entry where he/she identified his/her own experiences with grief and loss. Throughout the study, students made connections to their chosen novel in both written form and orally as they discussed the book in their groups. Each group was videotaped on three separate occasions as they discussed their novel. At the completion of the study, students wrote a final journal entry and were given the opportunity to make connections and observations about what they learned and about the process overall. Journal entries, literature packets, and video observations were collected and analyzed. The classroom teacher was also interviewed and her insights on the role of the classroom teacher were also analyzed.

Results of the study indicate the importance of the stages of bibliotherapy when using books to help heal and the positive impact it has on students. Teachers need to understand each stage along with the personal and learning needs of her students. For students to make connections and share personal experiences, establishing a positive rapport and safe learning community is essential. More research is needed on the effectiveness of bibliotherapy to address grief and loss. Examination of the variables of culture, gender, urban and rural settings and differing grade levels offers opportunities to determine if the effects are similar or different than those presented in this study.