The biggest potential concern for Christian parents is that this picture of a response to tragedy is taken entirely through the lens of a family without faith in our loving God who was revealed in Jesus. Besides just making sure that your child is ready for a topic as heavy as the sudden loss of a parent, realize that to see a family struggle, even struggle relatively “well” in the world’s eyes, without the solid foundation of faith in Jesus and the assured hope it brings for the next life is honestly heartbreaking. The tragedy that happens is discussed in some detail and referenced throughout the book. This book is certainly a heavier book than the length and cute cover let on at first glance. Another important concern to bring up revolves around one of the deceased father’s former psychiatric patients. The mother allows this grown man to call their young daughter weekly. This comes across as sweet in the book, but likely falls into the extremely foolish category in real life. The parents drink champagne, but there is no mention of drunkenness. One of the children wrestles with feelings of hate towards the person who they feel could have prevented the accident (though these feelings are addressed later in the book). Finally, some parents will appreciate knowing that there is a somewhat heavy emphasis on dog adoption over the second half of the book, which they may want to avoid if they are already feeling the pressure to add animals to their household.
Psalm 101:3
Quick Answer: Prayerfully Consider
Concern Level: Medium-Low
The biggest potential concern for Christian parents is that this picture of a response to tragedy is taken entirely through the lens of a family witho... → Continue reading below
My Father’s Words
VERDICT: Prayerfully Consider
Concern Level: Medium-Low
Christian Parent Review
This is a heartfelt book that takes on a deep and challenging topic, the loss of a beloved parent in a tragic accident. It is told through the eyes of their young children. Seeing an example of a family trying to navigate this without Jesus could be a good lesson to share with a child, but a parent who did this would almost certainly want to be heavily involved in the reading process. The “sweet and happy” ending revolving around music, dogs and friendship is really still heartbreaking when you take the eternal aspect into consideration. We also get a glimpse of the impact a single person/parent can have on those around us. The family is shown in a very positive light, both the mother and father are intelligent, impactful and kind, but again there is a sadness around it because Christ is not at the center. Thanks to God for being with Christians as they mourn and for promising that for those who have true faith in Jesus, death is not the end of their story… and how sad that this book misses the opportunity to share that hope with children.
Note: This information is typically from the publisher.
Use with caution
Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan crafts a moving middle grade novel in her trademark spare and poignant prose about two children who find comfort working at a rescue shelter for dogs as they search for ways to cope after their father’s sudden death. Declan O’Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His favorite song was “Dona Nobis Pacem,” “Grant Us Peace.” His family loved him deeply, and always knew they were loved in return. But a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O’Brien are left without a father. Their mother is at a loss. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief? At the suggestion of their friend Luke, Fiona and Finn volunteer at an animal rescue shelter where they meet two sweet dogs who are in need of comfort, too. Perhaps with time, patience, and their father’s gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more.
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Does not describe any of the concerns mentioned above. Christian parents need to be very cautious using non-Christian review sources.
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
— Acts 17:10-11