Reading and comprehension level, as well as the child's developmental stage, were the major factors used to place the books into age groups. In all cases the age groups should be used as a general guide. Those dealing with an individual child or teenager will have a more thorough understanding of which books are appropriate for that individual and their situation. Some books cross over the age group distinctions. When this has happens the books have been included into both sections.
Each book is annotated with a brief plot summary and other important information. Each annotation includes the bibliographic details of the book sighted by the reviewer. In some cases there are more than one edition available with slightly different details. At the end of each annotations, for books in Age Groups One to Four, are subject headings. The subject headings related to the relationship of the deceased to the child, and to the cause of death.
