Kathleen Templeton’s Jar of Tears is a moving examination of faith, resiliency, and grief as seen through the eyes of a small child dealing with a significant loss.
Table of Contents
Review
Healing, spiritual, and emotional.
Although studies reveal that children’s coping strategies are comparable to those of adults, they are often misinterpreted when it comes to grieving. Youngsters grieve in phases and frequently require emotional support as well as experiences that they can relate to in order to make sense of their emotions. That is just what Jar of Tears provides: a sympathetic, relevant story that speaks to kids going through sorrow while simultaneously acting as a manual for caregivers. The story’s focus on faith and healing—symbolized by God gathering Mira’s tears—offers viewers a powerful emotional release that enables them to feel the raw journey of a child coming to terms with death.
The protagonist of the book is ten-year-old Mira, whose mother’s death completely changes her world. After being thrust into a new school, house, and stepfamily, Mira finds it difficult to accept her situation. She prays to God in desperation for her mother’s return, hoping for a miracle. Her inner agony, spiritual doubt, and eventual path toward healing are all masterfully portrayed in the novel. Heartfelt moments abound in Mira’s struggle to adjust to life without her mother, from her attempts to preserve her mother’s memory via painting to her interactions with her well-meaning but occasionally naive stepfamily.
Templeton is a master at crafting evocative, emotionally charged writing that draws in readers, particularly younger ones. The novel is quite approachable for middle-grade readers due to its speed, clear writing style, and age-appropriate vocabulary; nonetheless, its spiritual depth adds a distinctive aspect that makes it stand out. One of the most moving scenes is when Mira, overcome with sadness, gathers her tears into a jar to represent her faith that God is aware of her suffering. This straightforward yet powerful metaphor provides a reassuring and thought-provoking method to highlight the book’s themes of faith and healing.
The book is beautifully edited and highly polished, offering no major distractions from the emotional depth of the story. It might not appeal to audiences looking for fast-paced action or lighthearted narratives, as it deals with heavy themes of loss and faith. However, it will resonate deeply with children who have experienced loss, families seeking faith-based literature, and anyone looking for a sensitive portrayal of grief. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson or Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech will find similar emotional and spiritual themes in Jar of Tears.
In the end, Jar of Tears is not just a book about grief—it is a journey of spiritual resilience and the healing power of faith. Like the jar that collects Mira’s tears, Templeton’s novel gathers every emotion, big and small, and holds them in the light of grace. It is a story that will leave readers with both teary eyes and hopeful hearts, a tribute to the enduring power of love, memory, and faith.
About the Author
Kathleen Templeton experienced the loss of her mother at a young age, which taught her some early lessons about grief, though it would take years before she fully understood its complexity. For 30 years, she struggled to figure out why she couldn’t move forward, until a close friend and Christian counselor helped her confront the reality of grieving. In her first book, Jar of Tears, a middle-grade novel, Kathleen draws on these experiences to explore the themes of grief, the process of grieving, and the role of faith. She resides in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and daughters. Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Education from Concordia University College of Alberta, and a Creative Writing Certificate from the University of Calgary. Outside of writing, she enjoys researching her family tree and frequently shares her genealogical discoveries with her family. More about Kathleen can be found at kathleentempleton.com.
Book Details
- Title: Jar of Tears
- Author: Kathleen Templeton
- Genre(s): Fiction, Middle-Grade
- Theme(s): Grief, Resilience, Faith
- Publication Date: April 16, 2024
- ISBN or ASIN:
- Paperback: 978-1-7388818-0-2
- eBook: 978-1-7388818-1-9
- Audiobook: 978-1-7388818-2-6
- Number of Pages: 170
- Minimum Audience Age: 9-12 years (middle-grade fiction)
- Main Language: English
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- None. No sexual content is present.
- Religious themes: 3
- Pronounced. Faith and God are central to the story.
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 2
- Considerable. Emotional distress and grief are evident.
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 1
- A few instances of bitter language.
- Other adult themes: 3
- Pronounced. Themes of death, grief, and familial changes are central.
Children’s Book Features
Age Group Jar of Tears is meant for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12). It explores themes of grief, faith, and resilience, making it appropriate for children who can understand emotional depth and complex family dynamics.
– Does the book have good role models for children?
Yes. Mira’s father, despite his struggles, tries to guide her through her grief. Pastor Will and Sylvia also offer emotional and spiritual support, modeling care and patience.
– Does the book teach moral values?
Yes. The story emphasizes the importance of faith, resilience, and dealing with emotions in healthy ways. Mira learns the value of grieving and trusting in God’s plan, even when she doubts.
– Does the book promote good social manners?
Yes. Mira’s interactions with others, while strained by her grief, often highlight the importance of kindness, empathy, and communication, even in difficult times.
– Are the language and topics suitable for the intended age group?
Yes. The language is age-appropriate, though it looks into heavy topics like death and grief, which are handled sensitively for middle-grade readers.
– Are the illustrations appropriate for the intended age group?
The book does not contain illustrations, except for some text messages.
– Has the book been approved by a licensed educator or relevant professional?
There are endorsements from professionals, such as a pastor and educators, praising the book’s handling of grief and its use as a resource for young readers.
– Is the book based on scientifically proven data or similar information?
The emotional and psychological journey through grief aligns with well-understood principles of grief counseling, though it is not explicitly based on scientific data. Instead, it incorporates faith-based concepts.
– Was the book produced using industry-standard research processes?
There is no explicit mention of industry-standard research processes, but the author’s lived experience and understanding of grief are evident in the narrative.
– Is there any additional information about the book that parents or educators should know?
Parents and educators should know that the book deals with themes of death and emotional hardship but does so in a way that is appropriate and helpful for children going through similar experiences.
Rating
- Content: 5/5
- Writing Style/Visual Presentation: 5/5
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5/5
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Editing: 5/5
- Other Factors: 5/5
- Overall Average: 5.0/5 stars
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I know no one likes to think about kids’ suffering, but it does happen. I was a year older than Mira when I lost my father. So I’m glad there are books like this that might bring solace to those going through something similar.
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