My Uncle Keith Died
By: Carol Ann Loehr
Julianne Cosentino, Author of Discussion Guide

"Kittery suicide survivor educates children on depression"
By Jeanné McCartin
http://www.seacoastonline.com/

Available at Trafford Publishing or call Toll Free (888)232-4444; and Amazon.com.

In the United States suicide is the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 24 and the second leading cause of death for American college students.

The children’s book: My Uncle Keith Died describes the symptoms of depression. It also helps children understand why a depressed person may not seek help. By reading Cody’s questions and his mother’s answers about his Uncle’s death, young readers will learn what to do if someone they know shows signs of depression. Early detection, intervention, and treatment for depression are critical for preventing suicides.

Cody and his mother, a licensed social worker, discuss suicide and depression in simple terms, as readers discover the importance of talking about one's feelings and reaching our to other with love and compassion. Young readers also learn what to do if someone they know shows signs of depression.

Included is a discussion guide written by Julianne Cosentino, which will help parents and professionals deal with the type of questions children are likely to ask when their lives have been touched by suicide.

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Archive: August 16, 2007
VoiceAmericaHealth - Live Internet Talk Radio
Healing The Grieving Heart
Drs. Gloria & Heidi Horsley

How do I tell them?
Talking to children about suicide
Guests: Carol Loehr and Juli Cosentino

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Reviews:

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Carol Ann Loehr, Trafford Publishing, 2006. Written in clear simple language easily understood by children, this book offers hope and practical ways to explain suicide to children. It explains the difference between sadness and depression, and describes how chemical imbalances in the brain cause illnesses that can result in suicide.

Dr. Gloria Horsley Host of Healing The Grieving Heart One of a kind for children to understand suicide, January 24, 2008 This book ia wonderful tribute to and Uncle whom we all should have known. Explaining death to children is difficult at best but when a person has died at their own hand it is doubly difficult. The illustrations in the book are beautiful and the discussion guide is helpful for any parent or teacher. This book should be available in every school library in the English speaking world. God bless Keith's mother Carol for sharing Keith and the results of undiagnosed depression with the world.

Pastor Jeff Moody. The Great Outdoor Church, Titusville, FL.
When a family member or close friend dies by suicide, the wake left behind is indescribable. The pain, the grief, the guilt, and the “what ifs” become constant unshakable realities which fade over time but never seem to completely vanish. When my brother and very close friend who suffered from severe depression died of suicide 22 years ago at the age of 45, it was a crushing and overwhelming shock. A wonderful family, a wife and three children, were left to live through and somehow process this tragedy. If Carol Ann Loehr’s book had been available then, it would have been a valuable resource for the children as well as the adults in our family.

Carol has managed to explain in very simple and understandable terms how severe depression is a leading cause of suicide. We are taken through this process with her grand nephew, Cody, who is featured as the catalyst in exploring why her son, Keith, died of suicide. She approaches this subject in a very sensitive, creative, and respectful fashion. The book is also excellently illustrated by James Mojonnier, and Julianne Cosentino contributes with a helpful Discussion Guide.

As one who has been there and knows the aftermath of suicide and the need for quality resources at such a time, I highly recommend this book to those who are struggling with the inevitable questions that come. It is very appropriately written for children and is an effective tool for adults as well.

Betty Ewart, EditorBP/USA National Newsletter, A Journey Together This is a very helpful book about suicide as it impacts a child's life. The book is a valuable in answering the questions of a child after his or her life has been touched by a death by suicide. It is written for young readers but can be helpful for any age.

Ann, Organizer of Cyber Friends for Thegiftofkeith.org
In my quest to understand Jimmy's depression over the past two years, I have read more stupid/inaccurate/uncaring books by so-called specialists in the field of psychology which I tossed ....you have put into a few pages a compassionate description of the pain our loved ones tried to endure...thank you!

Mary Jo McConnell, Mother of John G.
Carol Loehr's touching book, "My Uncle Keith Died" gently and lovingly tells a story as seen through the eyes of a child, Cody. It is a story about LOVE and LOSS, remembering the past and honoring the memory of a loved one. This publication serves to teach children and their families about the realities of mental illness and suicide while hopefully erasing some of the stigma of both. It gives the reader a feeling of hope that they may pass on to a family member or friend that suffers from depression. I would recommend "My Uncle Keith Died" to anyone.