Kids Books for Blended Families
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The Children’s Book Review
Blended families are a beautiful thing! They are proof that families can rebuild with love, even after loss and trauma. There’s no denying that when a couple and their children from this and all previous relationships come together, there can be growing pains. Navigating the needs of a family can be filled with both wonders as well as worries. The following five heartwarming kids’ books are fantastic choices for blended families—or any tween looking for a great read—who are in want of a new or even similar perspective on the ups and downs of the step-family life.
The Sea in Winter
Written by Christine Day
Ages 8-12 | 272 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780063078222
As this moving tale of loss, tragedy, resistance, resilience, triumph, and joy unfolds, Maisie discovers things about her Native American history and her blended family that highlight the importance of being able to identify one’s own pain and recognize it in others—both essential in learning self-love and empathy. Author Christine Day does an incredible job of weaving the past with the present, highlighting these deep connections and the importance of family and history. Children who have experienced a loss, heartbreak, or any kind of trauma will certainly feel seen and will hopefully come away with the understanding that pain is temporary. “Dreams change. Realities change. People change. We all go through it in different ways.” The Sea in Winter is medicine for the heart. Highly Recommended!
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Two Naomis
Written by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick
Ages 8-12 | 208 Pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray | ISBN-13: 978-0062414250
Two girls, both named Naomi, have nothing in common besides the fact that their divorced parents have started dating (or so it seems). Naomi Marie is African-American. Naomi Edith is white. When their parents’ dating becomes serious, Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi Edith’s dad have them take a class together. Both girls are reluctant to leave behind the lives they know, but when push comes to shove, they may find that they come together to create a new kind of family. With plenty of common age-appropriate problems, the girls are more alike than they realize. Told in alternating authentic viewpoints, this is a delightful and enjoyable coming of age story focused on friendship and family.
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Five Things About Ava Andrews
Written by Margaret Dilloway
Ages 8-12 | 320 Pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray | ISBN-13: 978-0062803498
Ava Andrews is a shy eleven-year-old who lives with her blended family. She has a rare heart condition and suffers from anxiety—most people think she doesn’t even talk. She’s looking forward to middle school until her best friend moves across the country and they begin to struggle with their friendship. Next, her Aunt Linda starts pushing her to speak up about social issues—to save their neighborhood from gentrification. She begins to withdraw further, but when some classmates encourage her to join their comedy improv group, Ava discovers her voice and how to use it in a way that matters. Five Things About Ava is a highly relatable story for fans of realistic fiction!
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Wedgie & Gizmo
Written by Suzanne Selfors
Illustrated by Barbara Fisinger
Ages 8-12 | 176 Pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books | ISBN-13: 978-0062447630
Sometimes it’s great to get a fresh perspective from characters who are far from intimidating—even humorous. Blended families can have some growing pains. As we discover in the illustrated chapter book Wedgie & Gizmo, even the pets can have their troubles. Gizmo, the guinea pig (an evil genius), will stop at nothing to destroy the excitable pup Wedgie. Readers will laugh all the way through!
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The List of Things That Will Not Change
Written by Rebecca Stead
Ages 8-12 | 112 Pages
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books | ISBN-13: 978-1101938096
In her attempt to remember the things that will stay the same even after her parents’ divorce, Bea makes lists in her green notebook. The most important note is that her mom and dad will always love her no matter what. When Bea’s dad shares with her that he and his boyfriend, Jesse, will be getting married, she revels in the fact that she will get the sister she’s always wanted. But a new family brings new beginnings and also some surprises. The List of Things That Will Not Change is a tender, timely tale for tweens who will surely appreciate the inner-workings of Bea’s expanding world!
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The article 5 Heartwarming Kids’ Books for Blended Families was curated by The Children’s Book Review and sponsored by HarperCollins. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Books About Blended Families and Middle Grade Books.
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