Valley resident and 2013 Springwood graduate DeQuavien “Qua” James has published a children’s chapter book “The Day My Friend Went Away” to help kids with their mental health and teach them how to work through grief.
James was inspired to write the book after he lost his brother, David, affectionately known as “PoohPooh,” to suicide four years ago.
“As a way for me to channel my own grief and wanting to help others, I thought it would be beneficial to write a children’s book, and basically, the children’s book is a way to help young readers navigate their grief through communicating their feelings and understanding that they’re never alone,” James shared. “I do understand that grief can be confusing, especially for kids, and many children, they don’t have the language to express what they’re feeling. So, basically, I just created a story that creates a space for those conversations. It basically teaches compassion and reminds us that even in difficult moments healing is possible.”
James thanked his family and friends for showing up during his mental health process and helping him on the journey to write the story.
“It is an accomplishment, but it’s also overwhelmingly emotional,” James added about getting the book published. “It took four years. I didn’t think that I’d be able to do it, but I’m excited for other people to read how it made me feel going through the loss of my brother.”
“The Day My Friend Went Away” is about a child named Jay learning to cope with the loss of his imaginary friend David through memories, family support and new friendships. The children’s book is about loss, friendship and finding light after goodbye, “reminding readers young and old that the ones we love live on in the stories we carry and the hearts we keep open.”