[quote]Have you noticed how many of the classics (and many newer books) have a deceased parent/s? I know it was a a greater factor in the past, due to limited medical/scientific knowledge, but I'm trying to give dd a break from orphans or one-deceased-parent stories.
I always found the dead pets/animals to be horrifying as a young reader-
Where the Red Fern Grows
Charlotte's Web
Old Yeller
Summer of the Monkeys
A Day No Pigs Would Die (featuring a slaughterhouse and dead dad!)
Why are these considered appropriate for children??? Clearly "coming-of-age" translates into dealing with death and depression!
As for recommendations:
Ramona Quimby -series (Cleary)
Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade (DeClements)
Judy Moody -series (McDonald)
Freaky Friday (Rodgers)
Hannah Gloria Whelan (Hannah is blind and poor but overcomes adversity)
Ivy + Bean -series(Barrows)
