Children's books about divorce
Over the years, children’s books about divorce have been the booklist I’ve received the most private requests for — so many people need these titles.
And now, I need these titles.
I’m getting a divorce, and that’s all I’m ever going to say publicly about it, out of respect for my husband and our 21 years together, to protect my children, and to preserve my privacy, which does still exist, even in ye olde 2026, where nothing feels too personal to share, and nothing really is sacred.
If you are facing this challenge, my heart is with you in ways I cannot even put into words. I am forever trying to make medicine for others out of my own pain — so I hope the following books support you as you navigate these changes to your family and your life.
As always, this list is not exhaustive — these are only the titles I have read and recommend.
It’s also worth noting that while some of these do a nice job with narrative, most are pretty straightforward and overtly didactic — the point is to help children understand and cope with divorce. For younger readers — toddlers and preschoolers — a clear explanation about what is happening in times of difficulty or distress, especially if you yourself are struggling to find the words to explain and support, can be more helpful than a story. None of these are going to win literary awards and that’s fine — sometimes you need a book to do a job, and these do the job well.
I normally do not break things down into age groups, but since children of different ages do need different levels of information regarding this change in their lives, I have done so here.
For toddlers and preschoolers
Just Like Always by Anne M. Perry
Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz
Living With Mom and Living With Dad by Melanie Walsh
For elementary-aged children
Fred Stays With Me by Nancy Coffelt
Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend by Karen Stanton
Hearts in My Pocket by Nancy Tupper Ling
For middle-grade readers
Max’s Logbook by Marissa Moss
That Missing Feeling by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Why Do Families Change? Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Cindy Revell (2017)
🧒 Preschool–Early Reader (3–6)
Though there is no real narrative here — it’s a straightforward, question-and-answer format that offers information simple enough for younger readers to understand — this is the pick for you if you are looking to foster a conversation about what, exactly, is happening, but need some support.
Revell’s digital illustrations aren’t spectacular, but you aren’t reading books like this for their art — what matters most is Roberts’ gentle but clear explanation of why families sometimes change shape, while repeatedly reaassuring children that divorce is not their fault, and they are still deeply loved.
Best for ages 3-6 — or kids who are struggling to understand — this one doesn’t overwhelm with too much information or attempt to make painful experiences seem easy. Instead, it offers simple, compassionate language for feelings that can be confusing and enormous, in a time when that’s needed most.
Two Homes, One Heart by Jessica Young, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne (2024)
🧒 Preschool–Early Reader (3–6)
📖 Independent Readers (6–9)
Less a narrative and more a poetic exploration of the challenges that come with a changing family, here a girl moves between two homes after her parents separate, carrying beloved routines, memories, and love from one place to another. O’Byrne’s warm watercolor, pastels, colored pencil and digital illustrations bring warmth and movement to the story’s shifting spaces, while Young captures the emotional complexity of shared custody with tenderness and care.
Of all the books I read for my own purposes on this topic (many), this is my favorite for the way it acknowledges how difficult change can be without making the child responsible for holding everything together. There’s absolutely sadness here — it’s unspeakably sad to go through this — but also reassurance, adaptability, and moments of genuine joy.
The title itself says it, the most important message of all: even when a child lives in two homes, they are still one whole person, deeply loved in both places, and it’s possible to learn how to belong in both.
One Day at a Time by Rachel Ip, illustrated by Natelle Quek (2024)
🧒 Preschool–Early Reader (3–6)
📖 Independent Readers (6–9)
In this lovely book, a family moves through the difficult emotional terrain of divorce, learning to adjust to two homes, changing routines, and the ache of missing what used to be.
Using the sunflowers they all used to plant together at their home, the story moves the whole family through a gentle — though, at times, pretty tough — year. It’s hard to think of the sunflowers growing in two different places at all, much less trusting the seeds to sprout. But with time and patience, new plants grow, and the family enjoys their blooms in different ways than they used to, but they enjoy them, all the same.
What makes this one especially powerful is its gentleness — Ip allows space for sadness, confusion, anger, and love to exist all at once, which feels emotionally honest without diminishing the heaviness of the grief. It’s also deeply hopeful, which is comforting and helpful when trying to help children navigate such enormous change.
It doesn’t promise that everything will feel easy, but it does offer reassurance that hearts can stretch, families can change shape, and love can keep growing even when life looks different than it did before.
A Kids’ Book About Divorce by Ashley Simpo (2025)
📖 Independent Readers (6–9)
📚 Middle Grade (9–12)
While I don’t love the series titled A Kids Book About, I do recognize that they can be useful for conversations that are necessary and important, and certainly A Kids’ Book About Divorce fulfills that need.
Solidly for older readers — including ones that can read on their own — this is another straightforward, informational text that addresses what divorce is, what it means from a practical standpoint, and why it happens. It does not go into details or scenarios, just gives a broad overview of the breakdown of such an important relationship and speaks directly, with honesty and empathy, and without metaphor or emotional distance.
Simpo also acknowledges the many complicated feelings divorce can bring, while emphasizing that families can change shape and still remain loving families. Using a visually clean format — meaning, there are no images whatsoever — isn’t my favorite, but does leave plenty of room for reflection and conversation.
By far my favorite part of this one is that it validates uncertainty and reminds readers (of all ages, ahem) that healing takes time.
🙏 This issue is dedicated to the Mt. Horeb Public Library and all of its librarians and staff who support me patiently and tirelessly in finding books on whatever topic I need at whatever time I need them; field emails from me when I am traveling for work and did not have time to pick up my holds before I left, check everything out for me, and hang onto them until I get back; receive me with tremendous compassion when I show up one day looking like I have just decided to get a divorce, and ask, “Hey, are you okay?”; and so much more. (The library is where you go to print off your divorce paperwork, because the library holds you. Get it? No matter how devastated, may I never lose my willingness to pun.)
My deep and enduring gratitude and love to all of you — especially Melissa, Hannah, Jessica, Amy, Rachael, and Margaret. I might be able to write this newsletter and read piles of books and live through my life without you, but I wouldn’t want to.
To anyone who needs this issue — sending you support and strength,
Sarah
Go lightly ❤️
May you feel loved. May you know you are important. May you find peace.
You are a gift to many, and we are grateful for you in so many ways. ❤️🩹