Death: A topic often shrouded in silence, yet it's something that touches us all. Amber McBride, a National Book Award finalist, fearlessly tackles this difficult subject in her novel, "The Leaving Room." But what led her to write a book about death, especially for children? The answer lies in a series of profound experiences.
In 2008, McBride's father, Mario, had a near-death experience following a surgery. Under anesthesia, he described floating above his body, only to be urged back to life by his deceased grandmother. This event sparked a contemplation on the mysteries of life and what lies beyond.
Then, in 2022, tragedy struck the University of Virginia, where McBride taught. A mass shooting claimed the lives of three football players, a devastating event that amplified her thoughts on the untimely deaths of young people. "Children in general — their souls are just so young — it doesn’t feel like they should be leaving," McBride shared. This led her to ponder a space where young souls could acclimate before whatever comes next.
And this is the part most people miss... Drawing inspiration from these experiences, McBride crafted "The Leaving Room," a novel that has earned a spot as a finalist for the prestigious National Book Award.
The novel, set to be released on October 14th, introduces us to Gospel, the Keeper of the Leaving Room, a liminal space between life and death. Here, young souls go after they die. The story unfolds as Gospel falls in love with Melodee, another Keeper, and they must find a way to escape the Leaving Room to continue their romance.
Besides love, grief, and queer representation, the central theme of "The Leaving Room" is death itself. McBride aims to break the silence surrounding this topic, which parents often avoid with their children, particularly when a loved one dies. "We don’t talk about death with young people," McBride explains. She hopes to bring death out of the shadows, "opens up conversations so we can have more honest discussions."
The novel is not just for entertainment. It's a tool for learning, and because it's written in verse, it can be an excellent way for teachers to introduce poetry to children.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite its literary merit, McBride acknowledges that the book's subject matter and inclusion of queer characters could make it vulnerable to being banned in schools. This concern comes just weeks after PEN America released its list of the most banned books for the 2024-2025 school year.
McBride believes in writing authentic stories that young people want to hear, even if it means risking censorship. She emphasizes the importance of respecting young people's capacity to understand and discuss complex topics.
For children who have experienced grief, McBride hopes her book will help them focus on the joy of remembering loved ones. "We are able to remember what people leave behind, is a huge theme in this book,” she says. “Grief always has the opposite, which is joy and remembrance.”
What do you think? Do you believe it's important to discuss death with children? Do you think books like "The Leaving Room" are valuable, or do you have concerns about their potential impact? Share your thoughts in the comments!
