Books for Children about Divorce

Two Homes by Clair Masurel

An excellent choice for toddlers and pre-school aged children. In this book,  a young boy talks about his two homes and how he has everything he needs in both of his homes. He is happy in both of his homes and even when away from one parent, he feels he can connect with his other parent. 

The D Word by Julia Cook

This is the story of a little boy who struggles when he finds out his parents are getting divorced.  With the help of a supportive Grandma, the little boy comes to understand that he did not cause his parents’ divorce and he learns how to cope with his feelings.  This book is well suited for children ages 7 through 12.

Standing on My Own Two Feet by Tamara Schmitz

This book tells the story of a little boy who is happy living in two homes.  He is well aware that both of his parents love him and he feels loved when he is with each of hem.  Though he knows that his parents don’t always get along with each other, he is able to recognize that this has nothing to do with him. This book is well suited for toddlers and pre-schoolers. 

Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families by Marc Brown

This book is part of the Dino Life series that deals with challenging topics for children such as illness and death. In a very sensitive and honest manner, the dinosaur characters are humanized to show the changes that families and children deal with when parents separate or divorce. This book is especially suited for children ages 4–7.

Where am I Sleeping Tonight? by Carol Gordon Ekster

This book about a little boy who talks about his experience of having a step-parent.  He talks openly about sometimes wishing his parents were still together but he also demonstrates a growing acceptance of his new family situations.  This book shares feelings in a very honest way and is well suited for children from ages 5 through 10.

When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends (Let's Talk About It!)  by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

This book assures boys and girls that children are in no way responsible for their parents' inability to get along with each other. It lets kids know that although one parent chooses to move away from the home, both parents continue to love their little boy or girl. Parents are advised to read these books aloud while their preschooler listens and looks at illustrations of the boys and girls in each story. Many children in early grades will be able to read the stories for themselves.