Death is a topic most of us tiptoe around, especially when it comes to children. But what if we’re doing them a disservice by keeping it shrouded in silence? This is the question that fueled author and poet Amber McBride to write The Leaving Room, a National Book Award finalist that tackles death head-on—for kids. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a story about loss; it’s a celebration of love, joy, and the liminal spaces we all navigate.
McBride’s journey with death began in 2008, when her father, Mario, had a near-death experience during a routine surgery for prostate cancer. Under anesthesia, he described floating above his body, guided back to life by his long-dead grandmother. This haunting yet hopeful encounter left an indelible mark on McBride, planting the seeds for her future work. But here’s where it gets controversial: in 2022, while teaching at the University of Virginia, McBride witnessed the aftermath of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of three football players. This tragedy collided with her earlier musings on the cruel irony of children dying before their lives truly began. Is there a place in between life and death where young souls can acclimate? she wondered. That question became the heartbeat of The Leaving Room.
Set to release on October 14, the novel follows Gospel, the Keeper of The Leaving Room, a mystical space where young souls go after they die. When another Keeper, Melodee, arrives, their love story blossoms, but their desire to stay together forces them to confront the boundaries of life and death. Beyond its fantastical elements, the book grapples with themes of grief, love, and queer representation, all while challenging the taboo around death. Why do we shield children from conversations about mortality? McBride asks. She believes that bringing death into the open can foster honest discussions, helping children process loss without feeling isolated.
The Leaving Room isn’t just a fantasy novel; it’s a tool for educators. Written in verse, it introduces young readers to poetry while exploring complex emotions. Yet, despite its literary acclaim, McBride fears the book’s subject matter and queer characters could make it a target for censorship. Should books that tackle hard truths be banned, or do they serve a greater purpose? she wonders. This question feels especially urgent following PEN America’s recent list of banned books for the 2024-2025 school year.
McBride remains steadfast in her mission to write authentic stories, even if it means risking controversy. “Young people are often underestimated in their ability to understand and discuss deep topics,” she says. For children experiencing grief, she hopes the book will shift their focus from sorrow to the joy of remembering loved ones. After all, isn’t remembrance the ultimate gift of those we’ve lost?
As The Leaving Room prepares to meet its readers, McBride invites us to rethink how we approach death—not as a taboo, but as a natural part of life. And she leaves us with a thought-provoking question: What if talking about death could actually help us celebrate life more fully? Let’s discuss—do you think books like this should be embraced or avoided in schools? Share your thoughts below.
