While divorce might be a regular thing—estimates show that 40%-50% of American kids will experience the divorce or separation of their parents—it’s still a monumental change that many children will find difficult to deal with. Children whose parents are divorcing or separating will have to adjust to a new kind of family structure, potentially splitting their time between two homes, and possibly finding their feet in new blended families. Even in amicable separations, with full support from all family members and friends, children can find these changes confusing and disorienting, and can sometimes feel very emotional or alone.
Fortunately, there are many books out there dealing with parental divorce or separation, where young readers can see themselves and explore family situations that might be similar to their own. For very young children, there are picture books explaining separation in an age-appropriate way, which families can read together, and which emphasise the fact that, while the family situation is changing, the love that the child’s parents feel for them stays the same. Middle grade stories explore divorce and separation either as the main theme or an important context to the story, showing independent readers that there are plenty of other children out there dealing with the same feelings and complexities. Nonfiction books on divorce and separation give children sound advice on how to process change, and answer their questions about what might happen in their family’s future.
These recent children’s books about divorce and separation are great resources for children dealing with the end of their parents’ relationship, or for other young readers who want to support their friends.
Picture Books
Two Places to Call Home by Phil Earle and Jess Rose
Florrie has always liked twos —she has two pets and two brothers—but she never expected to have two homes. When her parents separate, Florrie has to adjust to her new living situation, and realises that while having two homes is different from what she’s used to, she can have just as much fun.
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Stuck in the Middle by Tom Tinn-Disbury
Separations aren’t always easy, and the emotional toll on children can be exhausting. In Stuck in the Middle, Tilly spends her time moving between her parents’ homes, which are each at the top of two different mountains. Moving between the mountains is hard, as Tilly isn’t allowed to use the rickety old bridge, and instead must climb between the mountains—an arduous journey. One day, Tilly decides to repair the bridge, in the hope that it will also build a new connection in her family.
One Day at a Time by Rachel Ip and Natelle Quek
Any change is hard at first, and this is particularly true for children dealing with divorce and separation. One Day at a Time follows siblings Poppy and Robin, who are finding it hard to adjust to their new situation, with two different homes and very different routines at each of their parents’ houses. But as time goes by, Poppy and Robin realise that things which seem hard at first can get easier, especially when you remember constants, such as their parents’ love for them.
Middle Grade
Lolly Luck by Ellie Daines
Lolly has always known she’s luckier than most people: if she enters a competition or plays a game, she’s bound to win. But Lolly’s luck seems to be running out when some major changes rock her family; first, her dad is fired, and then they have to move out of their home. The stresses cause her parents to split, and Lolly has to adjust to the fact that she might not be so lucky—but things can still be good.
The Humiliations of Welton Blake by Alex Wheatle
In this dyslexia-friendly book, Welton Blake is riding high after getting a date with his crush, when suddenly, everything in his life starts to go wrong. Against the backdrop of his parents splitting up, Welton has to dodge bullies and try to get his life back on track before he loses everything.
Jaz Santos vs The World by Priscilla Mante
Jaz and her friends aren’t afraid of a challenge; they’ve formed a football team, the Bramrock Stars, and they’re determined to make a name for themselves, despite often being brushed aside in favour of the boys’ teams. As well as her love of the sport, Jaz has her own motive for wanting to do well: she believes that if her team wins, her mum will come home.
The Street Art Mystery by Sharna Jackson
The third story in Jackson’s series following friends Josephine, Wesley and Margot, The Street Art Mystery sees the kids solving another murder, this one based around the work of a mysterious graffiti artist. Following Margot’s perspective, the theme of parental separation is a key part of the story—the friends are staying with Margot’s mum, who left her dad a little while ago. Margot and her mother’s relationship is tricky, especially as Margot’s mum has problems with alcohol, but as the story continues, Margot begins to resolve some of her feeling around her relatively new family situation.
Nonfiction
We Need to Talk About Divorce by Kate Scharff and Annika Le Large
Written by a divorce therapist, We Need to Talk About Divorce answers children’s questions about divorce and separation, looking at the practicalities of spending time between two homes and fitting into blended families. We Need to Talk About Divorce is frank about the sad realities of divorce or separation, but takes a hopeful tone, giving support and information to young readers.
The Kids’ Book of Family Changes by Catherine Stephenson and Hiruni Kariyawasam
Designed for parents and children to read together, The Kids’ Book of Family Changes focuses on reassuring kids who are anxious about the upcoming shifts in their family. It includes tips on managing emotions, explanations that break down complex concepts around divorce and separation, and an emphasis on all different kinds of family models.
For more books looking at different family situations, read our article on must-read children’s books about family. If you need books to help explain difficult events to children, try this guide on what to read with your kids (and teens) when the world is terrible.
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