A book list for kids navigating divorce, curated by The Children’s Book Review and presented in partnership with Kate Scharff, LCSW-C.
When families change, children need stories that reflect their experiences with empathy, clarity, and reassurance. The books below help young readers understand divorce, name their feelings, and trust that love and connection remain constant, even as routines and living arrangements shift.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, counselor, or caregiver, these books offer gentle guidance, emotional validation, and age-appropriate explanations to support kids through one of life’s most challenging transitions.
Here are six essential children’s books that offer compassion and give kids the confidence to navigate their parents’ divorce successfully:
We Need to Talk About Divorce
Written by Kate Scharff
Illustrated by Annika LeLarge
Ages: 10+ | 64 Pages
Publisher: Macmillan/St. Martin’s Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1684494484
Written by a seasoned psychotherapist and one of the very few books on divorce written for older children, this thoughtful guide offers honest, reassuring answers about why divorces happen and what they can expect. It helps kids validate big feelings, understand that divorce is never their fault, and develop practical coping strategies—from communicating needs to embracing positive changes during transition. With careful representation of diversity across race, culture, and family configurations, the book ensures that all kids can see themselves reflected in its pages. We Need to Talk About Divorce is a compassionate resource for older children who want a deeper understanding and a sense of agency.
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2025
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2025
A Children’s Book Review Editor’s Pick 2025
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Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families
Written by Laurene Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (1988) | ISBN: 978-0316109963
Using friendly dinosaur characters and clear explanations, this classic guide addresses children’s most common questions about divorce. It covers emotions, custody arrangements, new living situations, and what happens when parents date again. Kids will appreciate its mix of honesty and humor, while adults will value its ability to spark meaningful conversations.
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Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce
Written by Tamara Schmitz
Illustrated by Gary Torisi
Ages: 5+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Price Stern Sloan (2008) | ISBN: 978-0843132212
Built around simple yet powerful affirmations, this uplifting book helps children maintain a sense of worth and security during major family changes. The message is clear: kids can love both parents fully, even when parents no longer live together. A positive, grounding read for children who need confidence and emotional reinforcement.
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My Family’s Changing
Written by Pat Thomas
Illustrated by Lesley Harker
Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore (1999) | ISBN: 978-0764109959
Part of the A First Look At… series, this accessible book gives young readers a straightforward, developmentally appropriate explanation of what divorce means. It validates a wide range of feelings and offers practical ways children can adjust to new routines, family structures, and emotional challenges. Interactive discussion questions support parents and educators during read-alouds.
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The Kids’ Book of Family Changes: Understanding Divorce and Separation and Managing Feelings
Written by Catherine and Jenny Stephenson
Illustrated by Hiruni Kariuawasam
Ages: 6-10 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Wooden House Books (2024) | ISBN: 978-1739091439
Designed as an interactive, child-friendly guide, this book helps kids name complex emotions, understand new family dynamics, and learn tools for emotional resilience. Through scenarios, activities, and reflective prompts, it empowers children to navigate divorce and separation with confidence, empathy, and emotional literacy.
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A Kids Book About Divorce
Written by Ashley Simpo
Ages: 5+ | 72 Pages
Publisher: DK Children (2025) | ISBN: 978-0241742976
Direct, honest, and affirming, this newest installment in the A Kids Book About series offers children clear language to talk about divorce without fear or shame. Simpo explains why families may change, what children can expect, and how love continues throughout the transition. Its trademark design and straightforward voice make it an excellent conversation starter for families seeking openness and clarity.
