Building Our Main Street

Nicole wonders why she doesn’t get to see her grandmother anymore. Her mind is filled with more memories of her than her heart can hold. Her mom explains Grandma “took a trip down her Main Street,” and says it’s a special place for those whose lives on earth have “come to an end.” Grandma’s Main Street is like a walk down Memory Lane, sipping root beer floats at the ice cream shop and purchasing her granddaughter’s first dress at the Boutique. Nicole is mystified, realizing someday she’ll have her own Main Street where she’ll be greeted with open arms by those she’s loved and lost.

This is a gorgeously crafted book. It illuminates the concept of life after death in a way young children will understand. Main Street is analogous to heaven, and being able to visualize it enables Nicole to cope with the passing of her grandmother.

Many pieces of children’s literature touch on the loss of loved ones and youths’ response to it, but there are few notable works centered on the afterlife. That makes this story particularly unique and valuable. Ideal for those ages five to nine, it’ll provide them with a sense of comfort and certainty about the future.