It helps to read stories that explore these dark and sad themes. Maybe that's why many of the books that are required reading for middle grade contain themes that deal with the sad and scary events of life. A story I read as a girl that is still read by young people today is DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL by Anne Frank. Anne's descriptions of everyday preteen life, while hiding with her family from the horrors of Nazi Germany, show us that even under the most horrific circumstances, life goes on and we must find a way to get through each day with hope.


Reading books with difficult themes gives children a chance to learn empathy. It gives them language to properly express emotions. It provides a safe place to explore and discuss ALL aspects of the human condition and to prepare young people for the world they are part of and will one day rule.
Like all difficult things in life, having a chance to talk about it and share it with someone who has "been there" makes the experience more bearable and helps us understand.
For a good explanation of why books with "difficult" themes are important visit:
http://blog.leeandlow.com/2015/03/16/why-i-love-to-read-sad-and-dark-books-to-children-and-you-should-too/
Wow. What amazing choices.
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