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.
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(Juvenile Picture Books -- Ej Cai)
When Caillou asks his cousins why their mother does not live with their father, he learns about divorce, what it is like to have two homes, and the feelings that his cousins experience. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction Picture Books - Ej 306.89 Ro)
This book discusses healthy ways to deal with what children might be feeling about divorce. Though the photos are dated, the compassion and wisdom of Mister Rogers are timeless. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Lev)
A boy's parents help him adjust to his new stepfamily when his mother remarries after a divorce. Includes a note to parents. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dal)
After her parents get divorced, Emily finds comfort in making and learning about art. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Ra)
After reluctantly talking with her parents about their upcoming divorce, a young girl discovers there will be some big changes but their love for her will remain the same. Includes an afterword for parents on helping children through such a change. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Early Readers - J-ER Per)
A girl finds that most things in her life remain the same after her parents' divorce. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Wal)
A little girl describes what her life is like now that her parents no longer live together. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sta)
Although Henry enjoys the time he spends at his mother's apartment and his father's house, his dog Pomegranate gets confused about which place is home. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bui)
Taken to live with her grandmother in the country, a young city girl finds a way to cope with the change brought about by her parents' separation when an owl, a frog, and a mouse take her on a nighttime tour of her extraordinary new world. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sch)
Addison's parents are divorced. He lives in one house with his mom and another with his dad, but one thing he knows about both homes is that his parents love him and always will. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.89 Hig)
When your parents divorce, it can feel like the world turns upside down. What do you do? Whether you live mostly at your mom's or dad's, this story can help you through the tough times. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction -- J 306.89 Cha)
This simple story helps children whose parents are separating to feel better. Recommended for ages 3-6.
Older Elementary
(Juvenile Fiction - J Bowe)
Fourth grader Wren Jo Byrd questions lots of things--both little and big--when her parents decide to get a divorce, and learns a lot about the true meaning of family, home, and friendship. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(J Fiction – J Murphy)
Thirteen-year-old Patricia, widely known as Sweet Pea, navigates her parents' unconventional divorce and finds herself in the unlikely role of her town's advice columnist. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(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 are to blame for some of the issues within their family. This invaluable book helps readers navigate this tough situation and understand that they are not at fault for the difficulties they, or their parents, are going through. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(J Fiction – J Stead)
Despite her parents' divorce, her father coming out as gay, and his plans to remarry, ten-year-old Bea is reassured by her parents' unconditional love. She is also excited about getting a stepsister. As her life becomes different in many ways, Bea can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Payne)
Fizzy struggles to find her place in her blended family after her parents' divorce, hoping her entry in the Southern Living Cook-Off will show them she is more than just a leftover kid. Recommended for ages 9-12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Urban)
Third-grader Max pursues neighborhood adventures with his dad as they both adjust to recent changes in their family. Recommended for ages 9-12.