Recommended Books for Children About Divorce

SPECIAL REPORT #9
RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR
CHILDREN ABOUT DIVORCE
By Irwin M. Pollack, Esquire
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Attorney Irwin Pollack
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TalkingAboutDivorce.com
Thousands of kids experience the stress of divorce each
year. How they'll react depends on their age, personality,
and the particular circumstances of the separation and
divorce process.
what is gained rather than what is lost when parents
divorce, while the sensitive illustrations, depicting two
unique homes in all their small details, firmly establish
Alex’s place in both of them.
Age-appropriate books help children better understand
what divorce means and cope with their feelings. They also
allow children to identify with characters in similar
situations and to learn ways of thinking and talking about
the change in their family.
For Elementary School Children
For Pre-School and Early
Elementary School Children
Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids (Isolina Ricci) is
packed with practical tips, frank answers, easy-to-use lists,
“train your brain” ideas, reproducible worksheets and
things to try when words just won’t come out right.
Kids will learn how to deal with parents living apart, settle
comfortably in one home or two and stay out of the middle
when parents fight. Young children can’t get their parents
back together, but they can help themselves get stronger
and go on to succeed in life.
Dinosaur’s Divorce (Marc Brown) helps young readers
understand the different divorce words and what they
mean, why parents divorce, the different parenting scenarios, how celebrating holidays and special occasions are the
same – including some ways that they may be different, how
to tell their friends about divorce and what it’s like living with
stepparents and (potentially) new sisters and brothers.
Two Homes (Claire Masurel) is a winner! At mommy’s
house, Alex has a soft chair. At daddy’s house, Alex has a
rocking chair. In each home, Alex also has a special bedroom and lots of friends to play with. But whether Alex is
with mommy or with daddy, one thing always stays the
same – Alex is loved. The gently reassuring text focuses on
My Life Turned Upside Down, But I Turned It Rightside
Up (Mary Blitzer Field and Hennie Share) tells the story of a
young girl whose parents are divorced and how she handles
the challenges of living in two places. On every other page,
she tells about a problem she had and, when the reader flips
the page, the next page tells how she solved it. Told with
humor and sensitivity, this child’s feelings and concerns echo
those of most children of divorce.
Divorced But Still My Parents (Shirley Thomas &
Dorothy Rankin) is an interactive workbook perfect for
children because it keeps their attention while they learn
more about divorce and themselves.
At Daddy’s on Saturdays (Linda W. Girard) is especially
appropriate for children who have been told about
separation plans in which they will live primarily with their
mother and visit their father regularly. The book reassures
children that they will have an ongoing relationship with
the father after he moves out of the family home.
Smart Girl's Guide to Her Parents' Divorce
(Nancy Holyoke) Short chapters illustrated with bright
cartoon drawings cover many important concerns and
offer explanations of the divorce process. Topics range
from how to deal with negative emotions, family changes
and new living arrangements, to tougher issues, such as
violence and financial troubles. The text has a
compassionate tone, and sprinkled throughout are
answers to questions that readers might have, as well as
snippets of advice from other girls.
For Middle School Children
It’s Not the End of the World (Judy Blume) This
excellent book is the story of how a girl and her siblings
react to their parents’ separation. Karen is concerned about
how the family will manage financially and who will take
care of them. She tries to get her parents to reconcile. Her
6-year-old sister develops fears of the dark and of being left
alone. Her 14-year-old brother runs away for a few days.
Karen meets another girl whose parents are divorced, and
learns some new ways of coping from her.
The Big D: Divorce Thru The Eyes Of A Teen
Student Workbook (Krista Smith) Divorce changes families but it does not have to destroy them. The Big D offers
hope and help to teens and their families. Teens can learn
how to process their feelings and hurts and find themselves
emotionally healthier. The Big D is designed to lead teens
through the journey of recovery and find hope in the midst
of this tragedy. It is filled with many practical high energy activities and hands on tools to help teens process
their feelings.
For High School Children
Yours Truly (Judie Angell) tells the story of a girl who
struggles with growing up after her parents separate.
She experiences difficulties in school, tries cigarettes and
alcohol, and experiments with sex but ends up a perceptive
and mature young lady. What makes this book so good is
the girl’s inner self is presented in an accurate manner. One
of the better books about divorce!
How to Get It Together When Your Parents Are
Coming Apart (Arlene Richards & Irene Willis) A
comprehensive coping book that addresses those needing
help with the stresses and confusion of parental divorce;
includes an excellent section on legal aspects of divorce.
It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book
for Parents and Children During Divorce
(Vicki Lansky) This easy-to-understand children’s story
and parenting guide is intended for families where both
parents plan to stay active and involved in their child’s life.
The story revolves around a lovable bear who doesn’t want
to have two homes. KoKo’s experience will help children
learn what divorce means, and how family life will change,
and understand that the divorce is not their fault.
How it Feels When Parents Divorce (Jill Knopf) This
book can be helpful to teens as well as younger pre-teens.
It shares the experiences and feelings of children whose
parents have gone through divorce. It helps children
understand the emotions they are likely going through and
how many of their peers are experiencing the same.
The Divorce Helpbook for Teens (Cynthia MacGregor)
tells teenage readers that there aren’t any easy answers on
how to get through it all, but this book gives readers
several ideas about how to handle the tough questions and
issues they face.
Let Our Expertise Guide You
If you’re overwhelmed by divorce, Pollack Law Group, P.C. is here to help! We can let you
know what to look out for, and how to prepare for the worst-case scenario, despite the fact
that our clients typically end up with their best-case scenario.
Call 800-331-IRWIN (4794) for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys will happily
meet you at any of our Massachusetts law offices or satellite centers. Plus, get free legal
advice in easy-to-understand articles and information-packed downloads.
Take the first step today. You can also email us for an appointment. When you’re ready to
talk, we’re here to listen!
– Irwin M. Pollack, Esquire
800-331-IRWIN (4794)
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