A NEIGHBORHOOD OF DEAD PEOPLE

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Educator & Family Discussion Guide

Written by Matthew Oliphant • Illustrated by Peter Russo
Ages 4-8

ABOUT THE BOOK

Radha is reluctant to go for a walk near the cemetery by their house—it seems a little scary. But with their parent Rion by their side, Radha gathers the courage to explore and discovers something surprising: cemeteries can be peaceful, interesting places full of history and beauty. This gentle story helps children approach uncertainty with curiosity instead of fear and understand death as a natural part of life.

THEMES & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Primary Themes:

  • Overcoming fear through curiosity

  • Death as a natural part of life

  • Finding beauty in unexpected places

  • The importance of supportive relationships

Social-Emotional Learning:

  • Self-awareness (recognizing feelings of fear/reluctance)

  • Self-management (gathering courage, managing anxiety)

  • Responsible decision-making (choosing to face fears)

  • Relationship skills (seeking support from trusted adults)

Additional Topics:

  • Nature observation

  • History and community

  • Inclusive representation (nonbinary character)

BEFORE READING

Questions to activate prior knowledge:

  1. Have you ever been to a cemetery? What was it like?

  2. Have you ever felt scared of something new? What helped you feel braver?

  3. What do you think you might see in a cemetery?

  4. Who helps you when you're feeling nervous or scared?

Vocabulary to introduce:

  • Cemetery

  • Reluctant

  • Courage

  • Explore

DURING READING

Pause and discuss:

  • When Radha feels reluctant: "How do you think Radha is feeling? How can you tell?"

  • When they decide to explore: "What helps Radha feel brave enough to go?"

  • As they discover interesting things: "What surprises Radha? What would you want to look at in a cemetery?"

  • By the end: "How have Radha's feelings changed? Why?"

AFTER READING: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

For Younger Children (Ages 4-6)

  1. What made Radha nervous at the beginning of the story?

  2. Who went to the cemetery with Radha?

  3. What interesting things did Radha and Rion find?

  4. How did Radha feel at the end of the story? How is that different from the beginning?

  5. What's something that seemed scary to you at first, but then wasn't so scary?

For Older Children (Ages 6-8)

  1. Why do you think Radha was reluctant to walk near the cemetery?

  2. What role did Rion play in helping Radha feel safe?

  3. What did Radha learn about cemeteries by exploring them?

  4. Can you think of a time when curiosity helped you overcome fear?

  5. Why do you think some places or things seem scary before we know much about them?

  6. What do cemeteries tell us about the people in our community?

Talking About Death (For All Ages)

  1. Why do people visit cemeteries?

  2. What are some ways people remember loved ones who have died?

  3. How can we honor people who lived before us?

  4. What does it mean that death is a natural part of life?

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Art & Creative Expression

Draw Your Neighborhood Have children draw a map of their neighborhood, including places they visit often and places they haven't explored yet. Discuss: What places would you like to know more about?

Design a Memorial Create artwork or write something to honor someone important to you—a family member, pet, or community helper. What would you want people to remember about them?

Nature Observation Art Draw or paint things you might find in a cemetery: trees, flowers, birds, interesting stones, old architecture.

Outdoor Exploration

Cemetery Visit (with adult supervision) If appropriate, visit a local cemetery and practice respectful observation:

  • Look for interesting names, dates, or decorations

  • Notice plants, trees, and animals

  • Practice walking quietly and respectfully

  • Discuss how cemeteries can be peaceful, beautiful spaces

Nature Walk Take a walk somewhere that might seem a little intimidating at first (a new trail, a quiet park). Notice what interesting things you discover.

Writing & Storytelling

Courage Stories Have children share or write about a time they did something that seemed scary at first. What helped them be brave?

Interview Project (Ages 7-8) Talk to an older family member or community member about someone they remember who has passed away. What stories do they share? What do they want to remember?

Social-Emotional Activities

Feelings Chart Create a chart showing how Radha's feelings changed throughout the story. Discuss: How do our feelings change when we learn new things?

Bravery Badges Children design "bravery badges" for themselves or characters in the story, celebrating moments of courage.

TIPS FOR ADULTS

Talking About Death with Young Children

Be honest and age-appropriate:

  • Use clear language like "died" rather than euphemisms like "passed away" or "went to sleep"

  • Answer questions simply and directly

  • It's okay to say "I don't know" to questions you can't answer

Follow the child's lead:

  • Answer the questions they ask, but don't overwhelm them with information

  • Some children want to talk a lot; others process quietly

  • Revisit conversations as questions come up over time

Acknowledge feelings:

  • Let children know all feelings are okay—sadness, confusion, even curiosity

  • Share your own feelings in age-appropriate ways

  • Provide comfort and reassurance about their own safety

Use books as tools:

  • Stories like A Neighborhood of Dead People provide safe ways to explore difficult topics

  • Reading together creates opportunities for natural conversations

  • Books validate children's questions and feelings

Creating a Supportive Environment

  • Model curiosity about new or unfamiliar things

  • Celebrate when children face their fears

  • Provide support without forcing children into situations that feel unsafe

  • Normalize talking about death as part of life

CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies

  • Self-Awareness: Identifying emotions, recognizing strengths

  • Self-Management: Impulse control, stress management

  • Social Awareness: Perspective-taking, empathy

  • Relationship Skills: Communication, seeking help

  • Responsible Decision-Making: Evaluating situations, problem-solving

Common Core Standards (Kindergarten-Grade 2)

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3: Identify characters, settings, and major events

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2: Retell stories including key details

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3: Describe how characters respond to major events

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K-2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations

Next Generation Science Standards

  • K-LS1-1: Patterns of what plants and animals need to survive

  • 2-LS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation of relationships between plants and animals

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Books with Similar Themes

About Death & Grief:

  • The Memory Box by Joanna Rowland

  • The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

  • When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown

  • Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie

About Courage & Facing Fears:

  • The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

  • Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

  • What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

About Nature & Exploration:

  • Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

  • The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

For Adults

  • Talking About Death with Children (resources from The Dougy Center)

  • How to Talk to Children About Death by The Child Mind Institute

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Matthew Oliphant is an Alaska-born author who creates thoughtful, inclusive stories for young readers. He believes in helping children approach the world with curiosity and kindness.

Peter Russo is an illustrator whose vibrant artwork brings warmth and beauty to every page.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

We'd love to hear how you've used A Neighborhood of Dead People in your classroom, library, or home!

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Copyright © 2024 Matthew Oliphant