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In Memory of Dad
Recommended for ages 8-12.
Kaley Jergins loved her life. She had it all, the perfect family, good friends, and the talent and passion to be a great ball player. However, when tragedy strikes and the person she loves most of all is no longer there, will she ever be able to play again?
Told with warmth and feeling, this story comes from an author who knows what it is like to deal with loss at a young age. Nothing is ever the same after a tragic loss, but maybe life can go on. Includes an afterword by the author about grief and how to deal with it in a healthy way.
Kaley Jergins loved her life. She had it all, the perfect family, good friends, and the talent and passion to be a great ball player. However, when tragedy strikes and the person she loves most of all is no longer there, will she ever be able to play again?
Told with warmth and feeling, this story comes from an author who knows what it is like to deal with loss at a young age. Nothing is ever the same after a tragic loss, but maybe life can go on. Includes an afterword by the author about grief and how to deal with it in a healthy way.
- GenresYoung Adult
9 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2011
3 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Maranda Russell
26 books66 followersHi! I am an award-winning artist, author, poet, book reviewer, and blogger. I have been given several awards and honors for my writings and artwork. I spend most of my time reading, writing, drawing, watching cartoons, hanging out with my family, playing with my cats, enjoying nature, browsing local bookstores and doing other fun, nerdy stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 10, 2011
In Memory of Dad is a beautifully written short story for children dealing with the loss of a loved one, how they are not alone in their grief, and how life can go on with good memories of their loved one always in their heart.
The story is about Kaley Jergins, a fourth grader, who has a special relationship with her father, they both share a passion for playing basketball. Kaley's dad Kyle, used to play basketball when he was in school, and Kaley dreamed of following in his footsteps. One cold January night, Kaley's father suffered a fatal heart attack. Nothing would ever be the same again in her life! She tried to go on with her life, but everything reminded her of her dad. She started skipping basketball practices and games, and after a month went by she officially quit the team. She really missed playing ball and her teammates, but without her dad there to cheer her on, she just couldn't do it anymore, it had always been "their" thing. She felt empty and alone, she kept to herself at school, wishing there was a way she could still be on the team and be around her friends, but without her dad to share it with, it just didn't feel right. She wished she could go back in time to when everything in her life was fine. It took Drea, a friend and captain of the basketball team and her teammates, to show Kaley that she isn't alone, and that she could go forward with her life and still have the memory of her dad in her heart.
The author wrote a beautifully heartfelt story based loosely on her own real experience of losing her dad at the age of twelve. This story was written from her heart, and she so eloquently expresses her message and lesson that through dealing with loss and grief, your life will go on, and that your loved one will always be in your heart. Her message is so easily expressed, that young children will be able to understand and learn from it. She reinforces her message in a very thoughtful and educational way in an Author's Note at the end of the book.
RATING: 4 STARS ****
Disclaimer: At the request of the author, a Kindle e-book edition of this book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The story is about Kaley Jergins, a fourth grader, who has a special relationship with her father, they both share a passion for playing basketball. Kaley's dad Kyle, used to play basketball when he was in school, and Kaley dreamed of following in his footsteps. One cold January night, Kaley's father suffered a fatal heart attack. Nothing would ever be the same again in her life! She tried to go on with her life, but everything reminded her of her dad. She started skipping basketball practices and games, and after a month went by she officially quit the team. She really missed playing ball and her teammates, but without her dad there to cheer her on, she just couldn't do it anymore, it had always been "their" thing. She felt empty and alone, she kept to herself at school, wishing there was a way she could still be on the team and be around her friends, but without her dad to share it with, it just didn't feel right. She wished she could go back in time to when everything in her life was fine. It took Drea, a friend and captain of the basketball team and her teammates, to show Kaley that she isn't alone, and that she could go forward with her life and still have the memory of her dad in her heart.
The author wrote a beautifully heartfelt story based loosely on her own real experience of losing her dad at the age of twelve. This story was written from her heart, and she so eloquently expresses her message and lesson that through dealing with loss and grief, your life will go on, and that your loved one will always be in your heart. Her message is so easily expressed, that young children will be able to understand and learn from it. She reinforces her message in a very thoughtful and educational way in an Author's Note at the end of the book.
RATING: 4 STARS ****
Disclaimer: At the request of the author, a Kindle e-book edition of this book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
September 4, 2011
This is a short story written through the eyes of a child, and suited to any child I would say from about 7 and upwards.
It is based on the "story" of Kaley, who absolutely loves Basketball, and always supported by her father. Then tragedy strikes and life will never be the same again. Kaley turns her back on basketball.
It is a heartwarming short story for a child going through the same thing that Kaley has, and helps to show them that life doesn't have to end and that they are not alone.
For any child that has been through such a loss, I would recommend this short story for them. The author having been through something similar to herself, includes a passage at the end, where she talks about grief and how to come to terms with it, speaking from experience.
This book was provided for me to review by the author. No payment was received and the opinion of the book is entirely my own without influence.
It is based on the "story" of Kaley, who absolutely loves Basketball, and always supported by her father. Then tragedy strikes and life will never be the same again. Kaley turns her back on basketball.
It is a heartwarming short story for a child going through the same thing that Kaley has, and helps to show them that life doesn't have to end and that they are not alone.
For any child that has been through such a loss, I would recommend this short story for them. The author having been through something similar to herself, includes a passage at the end, where she talks about grief and how to come to terms with it, speaking from experience.
This book was provided for me to review by the author. No payment was received and the opinion of the book is entirely my own without influence.
September 22, 2011
4/5 Stars only because I want to read more!
In Memory of Dad is a short but sweet tale of love and loss in a beautiful way. Maranda unfortunately went through the loss of her dad at a very young age and finds relief in helping others know they are not alone in their loss.
This story is suitable for all ages and both boys and girls. Its main character, Kaley, suffers the dramatic loss of her father at a young age and her love for her father is expressed fondly through her love of basketball.
Easily and quickly read this story is for anyone who has lost a pet, family member or friend to moving or passing. It helps its readers realize that they are not alone in the loss of a great person and good can come of maintaining normalcy in your own life. Kaley’s, and Maranda’s fathers would be proud at the outcome.
A terrific buy at only $0.99 for the ebook!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
In Memory of Dad is a short but sweet tale of love and loss in a beautiful way. Maranda unfortunately went through the loss of her dad at a very young age and finds relief in helping others know they are not alone in their loss.
This story is suitable for all ages and both boys and girls. Its main character, Kaley, suffers the dramatic loss of her father at a young age and her love for her father is expressed fondly through her love of basketball.
Easily and quickly read this story is for anyone who has lost a pet, family member or friend to moving or passing. It helps its readers realize that they are not alone in the loss of a great person and good can come of maintaining normalcy in your own life. Kaley’s, and Maranda’s fathers would be proud at the outcome.
A terrific buy at only $0.99 for the ebook!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
September 20, 2011
This beautiful short story was definitely written from the heart. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. You could feel Kayla's love, grief and triumph through Maranda's eloquent descriptions. This is a wonderful story that shares a message of dealing with grief. The lesson that you can go on living life after you lose someone. So many times people feel guilty to feel joy after they have lost a love one. I have been looking for stories to share with my clients about coping with grief. Maranda shares this message effortlessly and in a way even young children can understand!
March 19, 2012
REVIEW
I read this story on March 18, 2012 and I rate it 4 stars. As everyone knows, I'm not a big fan of short stories. However, "In Memory of Dad" made me reconsider a little. It’s a short narrative, but full of emotions. I admit that I felt moved. Maranda Russell did a great job regarding the transmission of feelings. It was a lesson about loss and the continuation of life.
CRÍTICA
Li esta história a 18 de Março de 2012 e dou-lhe 4 estrelas. Como é do conhecimento geral, não sou grande fã de contos ou histórias curtas. No entanto, “In Memory of Dad” fez-me reconsiderar um pouco. Trata-se de uma narrativa curta, mas plena de emoções. Admito que me senti comovida. Maranda Russel fez um ótimo trabalho no que concerne à transmissão de sentimentos. Foi uma lição sobre perda e a continuação da vida.
I read this story on March 18, 2012 and I rate it 4 stars. As everyone knows, I'm not a big fan of short stories. However, "In Memory of Dad" made me reconsider a little. It’s a short narrative, but full of emotions. I admit that I felt moved. Maranda Russell did a great job regarding the transmission of feelings. It was a lesson about loss and the continuation of life.
CRÍTICA
Li esta história a 18 de Março de 2012 e dou-lhe 4 estrelas. Como é do conhecimento geral, não sou grande fã de contos ou histórias curtas. No entanto, “In Memory of Dad” fez-me reconsiderar um pouco. Trata-se de uma narrativa curta, mas plena de emoções. Admito que me senti comovida. Maranda Russel fez um ótimo trabalho no que concerne à transmissão de sentimentos. Foi uma lição sobre perda e a continuação da vida.
February 24, 2012
If you’re looking for a short and simple way to help a child deal with the loss of a parent, In Memory of Dad can certainly help. At a little over 2,100 words, it provides a way for young readers to get a glimpse into Kaley’s world without getting too overwhelmed by a complicated storyline. While it is mostly telling, not showing, the story flows nicely and has a superb ending. Readers who have lost a parent will realize what they are feeling is normal, and hopefully things will get better. The touching author’s note at the end will connect with the reader.
Russell has also written two children’s picture books and contributed to Weres in the City.I would definitely check out her other books.
Russell has also written two children’s picture books and contributed to Weres in the City.I would definitely check out her other books.
April 8, 2019
Kaley Jergins is a spirited fourth-grader who loves playing basketball. While she enjoys practicing with her teammates, Kaley especially enjoys playing with her father, Kyle. Kyle played basketball in college and received a championship ring after participating in The Final Four matches several times.
One-night Kaley’s placid world is turned upside down when her father suffers a heart attack. After his death, she and her mother withdraw. Kaley gives up basketball because the memories of her father pain her too much. One day her former teammate, Drea begs her to attend a game, which Kaley reluctantly agrees to do after much cajoling. A surprise event propels Kaley from her lethargy and convinces her to move on with her life.
This short story is a good way to discuss the topic of death and dying in families who have experienced or who are about to experience a loss. Teachers might also use the book as a read aloud for class discussion. The author writes an afterword in which she offers suggestions to young readers for coping with the loss of a family member. Recommended for middle-grade and young adult readers.
One-night Kaley’s placid world is turned upside down when her father suffers a heart attack. After his death, she and her mother withdraw. Kaley gives up basketball because the memories of her father pain her too much. One day her former teammate, Drea begs her to attend a game, which Kaley reluctantly agrees to do after much cajoling. A surprise event propels Kaley from her lethargy and convinces her to move on with her life.
This short story is a good way to discuss the topic of death and dying in families who have experienced or who are about to experience a loss. Teachers might also use the book as a read aloud for class discussion. The author writes an afterword in which she offers suggestions to young readers for coping with the loss of a family member. Recommended for middle-grade and young adult readers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews