When parents are divorcing, their kids can feel alone and not know who to talk to or what to do. This is where a good book can make all the difference in the world.
From picture books to young adult novels, the world of “kid-lit” is full of books about every subject, from every perspective, including divorce. To help you get the materials you need to help your kid, here are is a list of some new and classic books that you may want to give your child.
Dear Mr. Henshaw
This classic, 1984 Newbery Award-winning YA novel, is one of the first novels written about any child dealing with his parent’s divorce. It’s appropriate for middle-schoolers and younger, and explores themes of estrangement and reaching out for help.
Hatchet
Another classic written in 1987, is less directly about divorce, but it does feature a teenage-boy alone on a wilderness survival adventure. He learns about what it takes to survive and also comes to terms with his parents’ divorce and his relationship with his mother.
Divorce Is The Worst
This children’s book written in 2015, takes an empathetic look at the feelings children go through when their parents divorce. It is less about explaining what has happened and more about exploring the emotions involved for younger kids in a relatable way.
A Smart Girl’s Guide To Her Parents’ Divorce
This is a short read, appropriate for 8-to-12-year-olds. Released in 2009 by the publishers of the American Girl series, this book is written for girls having trouble with the prospective divorce of their parents.
Looking for more stories?
If you’ve looked online and you aren’t finding quite the right book for you and your family consider asking a librarian. You will find that there are many resources out there to help your child at this time.