Children's Books About Divorce

Talking to your children about divorce isn't easy, especially when still processing your own feelings. Sometimes using books that are designed to guide the conversation can be helpful. Here is a list of age-appropriate children's books about divorce. Click on the picture of the book to find it on Amazon.

Books About Divorce by Age Group

Children's Books About Divorce for Ages 3-5

It's Not Your Fault Koko Bear

Koko is a preschool-aged bear whose parents are getting divorced. Koko is very upset. The book was written to be read by parents to their children and help them talk about how they're feeling. It reassures children that their parents still love them regardless of the changes happening in their family.

Mama and Daddy Bear's Divorce

Dinah is scared. Mama and Daddy Bear are getting a divorce. Daddy is moving out, and she's not sure when she'll get to see him again. This sweet book doesn't go into details about divorce but helps acknowledge that there are big feelings involved for kids.

Two Homes

This book focuses on the positive aspects of having two homes. Alex talks about the differences between his two homes and what he loves about each. He makes it clear that he feels loved and that he belongs in both.

My Family's Changing

This book directly explains to children what a divorce is and normalizes any feelings they may have. It also asks questions to engage children in conversation about how they're feeling. It's a good book for any adult who is working with a child going through a divorce.

Children's Books About Divorce for Ages 6-8

I Don't Want to Talk About It

This is a story about a young girl whose parents are getting a divorce. She has a hard time talking about what she's thinking. Instead, she imagines that she is an animal that can better express how she's feeling. If you're reading this with your child, the animals can help facilitate a conversation with them about they're feeling.

But...What About Me!

This book, complete with simple illustrations, helps families to see divorce, separation, and associated conflicts from a child's perspective. The emotions presented will help any young child better explain and deal with how they are feeling throughout the process.

Two Adventures with Mom and Dad: Explaining Divorce to Young Children

This book was written to help parents introduce the concept of divorce and separation to young children. It helps start a dialogue at home on what to expect during the divorce process. It also encourages families to talk about the positives of creating new adventures together.

Hope's Broken Snow Globe

This story is about Hope's first Christmas after her parents' divorce. While she's helping her Dad decorate, she finds a broken snow globe. It reminds her of the shouting and yelling shortly after she broke the snow globe last year. Hope is convinced that she can bring her parents back together if she can repair the snowglobe. In the end, she learns to accept her new family arrangement.

When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends

It can be hard for young kids when their parents separate or divorce. This book helps to assure kids that they are not responsible for their parents' inability to be friends. Read this book aloud and allow for some family discussion time around the topics.

Ages 9-11

A Smart Girl's Guide to Her Parents' Divorce

This book is written for girls to help them understand the changes they're experiencing and the emotions they're feeling. It talks about everything from how to live in two houses to what to do when parents start dating other people. It gives tips and has advice for real girls who have been there.

It's Not the End of the World

Karen is a sixth-grader whose parents are getting divorced. Her father moved out of the house but Karen is anxious to try and get them back together. While the book is fiction, Judy Blume does an excellent job of tapping into each character's emotions in a very realistic way.

Children's Books About Divorce for Ages 12+

Kids' Divorce Workbook

This workbook includes drawing, matching, and coloring activities to help your older children improve their coping skills and confidence levels as they navigate their parents' divorce. Use in a one-to-one situation or in a group setting.

Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids

This book is written for kids to read either by themselves or with their parents. It helps kids to help themselves through the changes they are experiencing. It's filled with practical tips, checklists, and even words that one can use when finding it difficult to communicate.

For additional information about how to help your children through divorce, check out our e-book on the topic.