Claim: In the novel Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott, Ben finds out that his father was dead and Miss Celia helps him through his grief.
Evidence: Under the Lilacs is a children's novel by Louisa May Alcott, first published in 1878. Ben eventually finds out that his father, who he loved dearly, was dead. A neighbor, Miss Celia, helps him through his grief and he moves in with her and her brother Thornton who is fourteen.