Studio of Books proudly showcased Alfred J. Liotta’s book titled, “When Students Grieve: A Guide to Bereavement in the Schools,” during the 2025 Bologna Children’s Book Fair at Bologna Italy on March 31 to April 3, 2025 at Bologna, Italy.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is an internationally renowned event that brings together publishing professionals, authors, illustrators, and storytellers from across the globe. Focused on the exchange of ideas and the buying and selling of publishing rights, it serves as a vital hub for discovering the next big stories in children’s media. For creators and publishers alike, it’s a place where imagination meets opportunity.
Being part of the Book Gallery at Bologna was a proud moment for Studio of Books. It provided a valuable platform to share a thoughtfully curated selection of titles with a global audience of readers, educators, and publishing professionals.
This international showcase not only highlighted the creativity and heart behind each book, but also opened the door to new opportunities, connections, and collaborations across borders—bringing fresh stories to life for children and families around the world.
Dr. Alfred Liotta brings over 40 years of experience to his role in the Behavioral Science Department at Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where he teaches medical ethics, sociology, and death and dying. His book, When Students Grieve: A Guide to Bereavement in Schools, first published in 2003, was recently introduced in Bologna, Italy.
He holds four degrees, including a doctorate in educational administration and a master’s in social work from Fordham University. He is also a certified Fellow in Thanatology through the Association for Death Education and Counseling.
Before Mercy University, Dr. Liotta spent over 30 years as a high school Spanish teacher and later as principal of Holy Spirit Regional School in Stamford, Connecticut. He has presented on grief and mental health at venues such as Trinity College Dublin, Bellevue Hospital/NYU Medical School, and various educational and community institutions.
“When Students Grieve: A Guide to Bereavement in the Schools” by Alfred J. Liotta is a practical, compassionate guide created to support school administrators, counselors, and educators in helping students cope with loss. Now in its second edition, this resource addresses the real challenges schools face when grief touches their community—offering clear strategies for navigating everything from memorial services to mental health support.
This hands-on guide covers essential topics like how to start effective bereavement counseling groups, recognize age-specific grief responses, and support both students and parents through difficult times. It also dives into more complex issues such as grief related to trauma, depression, and disenfranchised loss—when a student’s pain may go unacknowledged or unsupported.
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