Allen, Susan. Review. New York Times Book Review (July 31, 1988): 33. Allen finds Deaver's treatment of Morgan's mourning process convincing, but her treatment of the relationship central to the plot less convincing.

Burns, Connie Tyrell. Review. School Library Journal (Fall 1988): 84. This review calls Say Goodnight, Gracie "[a] well-drawn portrayal of the complex emotions of an adolescent's first confrontation with death."

Sutherland, Zena. Review. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (Fall 1988): 114. A short, positive review of Say Goodnight, Gracie.

Trosky, Susan M, ed. "Julie Reece Deaver." In Contemporary Authors. Volume 129. Detroit: Gale Research, 1990.

Contains a brief sketch of the author's life and works.

Vasilakis, Nancy. Review. Horn Book (September/October 1988): 630. Vasilakis praises Deaver's effective description of the camaraderie between Morgan and Jimmy while noting a lack of tension in the first half of the book.