Divorce can be complicated and is very individual to each family. Sometimes, kids need reassurance or ways to work through their own experiences. The following stories and informational books will help children to better understand divorce.
Compiled by:
Children's Services Staff
Divorce is the Worst (Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Hig)
Series: Ordinary Terrible Things
Kids are often told, "it's for the best"—and one day, it might be—but right now, divorce is the worst. With honesty and humor, the author conveys the challenge of staying whole when your entire world, and the people in it, split apart. Recommended for ages 6–9.
Tuesday Is Daddy's Day(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Kre)
A young girl splits her time between her parents’ homes, but when that routine is interrupted, she becomes upset—not knowing a surprise is in store. Recommended for ages 3–7.
Mila Has Two Beds(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Kop)
Mila’s parents are divorced, so she spends time at Mommy’s, and at Daddy’s. This sweet story focuses on daily life, and even through divorce, both of Mila's parents love her very much. Recommended for ages 2–8.
Why Do Families Change?: Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Rob)
This story depicts an upbeat and positive explanation of separation and divorce. Colorful illustrations reassure that feeling sad, angry, or scared is normal when experiencing changes in your family. Recommended for ages 3–7.
Talking About Divorce(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Kai)
Series: Sesame Street Tough Topics
Sesame Street characters explain what divorce is, and how it's different for every family. Recommended for ages 5–8.
You Make Your Parents Super Happy! A Book About Parents Separating(Juvenile Nonfiction -- J 306.89 Cha)
This simple story helps children understand that divorce is not their fault, and sometimes parents are better when they're apart. Recommended for ages 3–7.
Thursday(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bon)
Thursday is when a little girl learns about her parents’ divorce, and it ruins her favorite day. But time, and a friend, can help Thursday become just Thursday again. Recommended for ages 5–8.
Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Ying Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon)
This story displays an approachable and engaging look at Amber’s life as she copes with a friend moving away, teasing, and divorce. Recommended for ages 6–9.
The House Swap(J Fiction – J Clark)
Told in alternating points of view, Allie and Sage become friends when their families swap houses for a summer. From sunny California to a small English village, these new friends deal with friendship, belonging, and what it means to be a family. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Cookies & Milk(Juvenile Fiction - J Amos)
Ellis spends the summer of 1976 dealing with his parents’ divorce, making friends, and helping his father open the world’s first chocolate chip cookie store! Recommended for ages 8–12.
Just Keep Walking(Juvenile Fiction - J Downing)
Jo’s parents split two years ago, and she and her mom head out on an 111 mile hike that was originally planned with her dad. Along the way, Jo confronts her feelings about the divorce, and what it takes to keep moving forward. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Dear Sweet Pea(J Fiction – J Murphy)
Seventh grade is full of challenges with changing friendships, crushes, and navigating her parents’ (amicable) divorce. To top it all off, Sweet Pea finds herself answering an advice column—with unexpected results. Recommended for ages 8–12.
The Many Fortunes of Maya(Juvenile Fiction - J Collier)
Maya uses her “Wheel of Fortunes” filled with fortune cookie wisdom to guide her. But when her parents separate for the summer, she's pulled between playing the flute and playing soccer, and how to be true to herself. Recommended for ages 8–12.
The Death and Life of Benny Brooks(Juvenile Fiction - J Long)
The illustrator of Stick Dog and Stick Cat writes this fictionalized memoir of his parents’ divorce. Fifth grade is hard enough without his mom moving into a house that isn’t big enough for everyone, and his dad has serious health concerns. Illustrations keep the tone from getting too dark despite the topics of death and divorce. Recommended for ages 9–14.
Stepping Stones(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Peapod Farm v. 1)
Series: Peapod Farm
Jen is having a hard time. It's hard enough to deal with her parents separating, but now she has to move to the country, learn farm chores, and navigate relationships with her mother’s boyfriend and his two daughters. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Divorce(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Lac)
Divorce can pose many hardships for a child. At times, they may feel like they have to choose between their parents, or they may feel like they're to blame for some of the issues within their family. This invaluable book helps readers navigate this tough situation and understand that they're not at fault for the difficulties they—or their parents—are going through. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Weekends with Max and His Dad(Juvenile Fiction - J Urban)
Max pursues neighborhood adventures with his dad as they both adjust to recent changes in their family. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards(Juvenile Fiction - J Tan)
Monica, or Mo, struggles with abandonment and anxiety after her stepfather leaves, and they have to move in with her aging uncle in Massachusetts. A new friend and a ghost haunting her dreams start to complicate life. Recommended for ages 8–12.
The Wondrous Wonders(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Jourdy Wondrous Wonders)
Jo is hurt by her parents’ divorce, and while on a picnic with her new stepfamily, she decides to run away—only to discover a magical world of talking animals and tiny elves. Recommended for ages 6–10.