Books about Divorce

📝 This post, The Best Books About Divorce for Kids, was originally published in 2014 and has been updated with new titles and resources.

Divorce is not an easy thing for anyone involved. When my boys were young, our family went through a divorce, and one of the first things I did was head to the bookstore to find books to help them understand what was happening. Books have always been my go-to for helping kids process big feelings, and this topic was no exception.

One thing I learned as a teacher was that most children going through a divorce did not want to be singled out or called attention to in the classroom. They wanted to feel normal, like everyone else. So, rather than making a big deal of it, I kept a small collection of divorce books in my classroom for parents to borrow and read at home with their children.  It was a small thing, but it made a real difference for a lot of families. 

If you are a teacher, I would encourage you to do the same.

As a child of divorce myself, I also found myself wishing books like these had been available when I was growing up in the 1970s. Like many children, my siblings and I wondered if there was something we could have done differently—or if somehow the divorce was our fault. That is one reason I have always loved books like Mom and Dad Glue and Was It the Chocolate Pudding? From a child’s perspective, wanting to glue your parents back together makes complete sense. So does wondering if you somehow caused what happened. These books gently remind children of something they need to hear: divorce is not their fault, and they are still deeply loved.

Every family’s situation is different, but these are the books that meant the most to us, along with several others I wish I had known about at the time. I hope this list helps.

The Best Books About Divorce for Kids

Mom and Dad Glue by Kes Gray

A child searches for glue to fix his parents’ marriage, only to learn gently that it is not his fault and his parents will always love him. Our absolute favorite — a frequent bedtime request at our house!

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

Not specifically about divorce, but one of the first books I recommend whenever children are struggling with separation or change. Everyone has an invisible string of love connecting them to the people they love, no matter how far apart they are.

Two Homes by Claire Masurel

A child has two homes, two toothbrushes, and two parents who love her wherever she is. Simple, sweet, and one I often recommend for younger children.

Was it the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids about Divorce by Sandra Levins

A little boy worries that the divorce is his fault. This book gently reassures children that divorce is a grown-up problem, never a child’s fault.

Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love  in the Mist Divorce by Tamara Schmitz

Addison’s parents are going through a divorce, but he knows that no matter what happens, they will always love him. Simple and affirming.

Living with Mom and Living with Dad by Melanie Walsh

A lift-the-flap story about a child who splits her time between two homes. In both places, she has adventures and people who love her very much.

Monday, Wednesday and Every Other Weekend by Karen Stanton

Henry lives in two homes and has lots of people who love him. His dog Pomegranate, however, is having a harder time adjusting! Warm, funny, and reassuring.

Fox’s Big Family Change by Kelly Oriard

A gentle story reminding children that family changes are never their fault. Includes Reflect and Connect questions at the end — a wonderful tool for parents and kids to use together.

Mom and Dad Love Me the Same by Melisa Torres

Eight-year-old William worries about how divorce will change his life. Over the course of a year, he discovers that the most important thing has stayed the same — Mom and Dad love him.

First Night at Dad’s by Elizabeth Rudnick

Henry feels nervous about his first overnight at his dad’s new house. An honest and tender story about navigating big feelings, with a touching author’s note about the writer’s own experience.

Why Do Families Change? by Dr. Jillian Roberts

Written by a child psychologist, this book helps parents start conversations with young children about separation and divorce. Part of the Just Enough series.

Two Homes, One Love by Chloe Gore

Max is learning to navigate life between two homes. A gentle newer book reminding children that even when families look different, love never goes away.

A Note for Parents and Caregivers

Sometimes it can be hard to know what to say when a child is hurting or confused. Books can open the door to conversations that might otherwise feel difficult to start.  I hope these books bring some comfort to your family.

Have a book about divorce that helped your family? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!