What a crappy way to spend a weekend. The always-sarcastic Abby would rather be playing soccer, and the cagily quiet Christopher thinks a grief retreat is a waste of time. Neither of them wants to spend two days talking about their feelings. But despite their best efforts to stay aloof, Abby and Christopher are drawn into the lives of the other kids at the retreat. Maybe their stories will make them rethink how they are dealing with their own losses.
"A compelling narrative…might prove useful to someone struggling to deal with a death."
– Kirkus Reviews
"Good bibliotherapy…Middle school students will enjoy and benefit from this book. The writing is engaging, the topic is important, and the message is well-delivered."
– School Library Connection
"Offers a helpful model to readers struggling with loss and healing in their own lives, particularly the messages that they are not alone and there are many ways to grieve. This is a good choice for readers in need of a quick-moving but informative novel, and, perhaps, a little reassurance."
– Booklist
"The story is engagingly told from the changing perspective of two narrators. It makes for an intimate and sometimes moving view."
– January Magazine
"It allows the reader to understand that going through the grieving process may be as individual as the person…The story is compelling and one is drawn into the emotions experienced by the kids and their parents who have suffered the death of a parent or sibling."
– Resource Links
"The characters are realistic and relatable…A good general addition to large library collections."
– School Library Journal
"Dramas keep the plot of Planet Grief rolling along…Never one to skirt difficult issues, Monique Polak has given us a book that speaks to the people around us of any age who are struggling with the loss of a loved one."
– Montreal Review of Books
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection | 2019 | Commended
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards - Young Adult / Middle Reader | 2019 | Nominated
