There is a wide assortment of books that address separation and divorce. What follows is a list of books for children by age as well as a list for separating/ divorced parents. Whether a book is appropriate for any individual child should ultimately be decided by the parents based upon a number of factors, such as: age, maturity level and the specific circumstances of the family. The inclusion of these resources is for informational purposes only.
It’s Not Your Fault, KoKo Bear, by Vicki Lansky and Jane Prince
This children’s story and parenting guide is intended for families where both parents plan to stay active and involved in their child’s life.
Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families by Laurie Krasny Brown, Marc Brown
“Dinosaurs Divorce” will help children understand divorce words and what they mean, why parents divorce, and what happens after the divorce.
Two Homes, by Claire Masurel
“Two Homes,” introduces children to the dichotomy of two separate homes, and what is gained rather than what is lost. It was designed to help children make the transition to life after divorce.
The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst
“Invisible String” was specifically written to address children’s fear of being apart from the ones they love, with a message that though we may be separated from the ones we care for (whether by distance, divorce, and even death) love is the unending connection that binds us all.
A Tale of Two Seders, by Mindy Avra Portnoy And Valeria Cis
When her parents get divorced, a little girl is worried about many things, including how she will celebrate the Jewish holidays in two different households. The girl and her family work to adjust to this new world, creating happy new lives and new family traditions.
A Smart Girl’s Guide to Her Parents’ Divorce, by Nancy Holyoke
The changes that come with divorce can be difficult. In this book, letters about every aspect of divorce are answered, from the initial split-up to a parent’s remarriage.
You Weren’t With Me, by Chandra Ghosh Ippen
This story was designed to help parents and children talk about separation using characters that reconnect and find their way back to each other.
Why Do Families Change?: Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce, by Jillian Roberts
Separation and divorce are challenging for each member of the family. Young children may blame themselves or are unsure of their place in the family. Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the “Just Enough” series and “Why Do Families Change?: Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce” to empower parents to be able to start conversations with young children.
Divorce Is Not the End of the World: Zoe’s and Evan’s Coping Guide for Kids, by Zoe Stern
The authors of “Divorce Is Not the End of the World: Zoe’s and Evan’s Coping Guide for Kids” is a practical guide based on the authors’ firsthand experience of how it feels when parents divorce. With some help from their mom, Zoe and Evan write about topics like guilt, anger, fear, adjusting to different rules in different houses, dealing with special occasions like birthdays, adapting to stepparents and blended families, and other topics. The book also includes updates from Zoe and Evan 10 years later. The book aims to reassure children about life after divorce.
Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One Home or Two, by Isolina Ricci
“Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids” is a guide of practical tips, easy-to-use lists, reproducible worksheets, and things to try when words just won’t come out right. Kids will learn how to deal with parents living apart, schedules, and dueling house rules.
Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes For Your Child, by Isolina Ricci Ph.D.
“Mom’s House, Dad’s House” includes examples, self-tests, checklists, tools, and guidelines to help separated moms and dads with the legal, emotional, and financial issues they will encounter as they work to create a happy and stable home. This comprehensive guide looks anew at the needs of all family members with creative options and common-sense advice.
What Should We Tell the Children…? A Parent’s Guide for Talking About Separation and Divorce, by Joan B. Kelly, Ph.D.
Putting Children First: Proven Parenting Strategies for Helping Children Thrive Through Divorce, by JoAnne Pedro-Carroll
The Optimist’s Guide to Divorce: How to Get Through Your Breakup and Create a New Life You Love, by Suzanne Riss
The Truth about Children and Divorce: Dealing with the Emotions So You and Your Children Can Thrive, by Robert E. Emery