Books for Children Aged 8 to 12

Bonkowski, Sara. Kids are Nondivoceable: A Workbook for Divorced Parents and Their Children. 1987

Byars, Betsy. The Animal, The Vegetable, And John D. Jones. 1983 (Fiction. Two sisters look negatively upon a beach vacation with their father, his woman friend, and her son.)

Cleary, Beverly. Dear Mr. Henshaw. 1983 (Fiction)

Cruise, Robin. The Top Secret Journal of Fiona Claire Jardin. 1998 (Fiction)

Danzinger, Paula. Amber Brown Sees Red. 1998/2009 (Fiction)

Freestone, Daisy.  A Kid’s Guide to Divorce and Life After It: Tips, Tricks, and More.  2020

Gardner, Richard A. The Boy’s and Girl’s Book About Divorce. 1985

Gardner, Richard A. The Boy’s and Girl’s Book About Stepfamilies. 1985

Giff, Patricia. Rat Teeth. 1990. (Fiction)

Glass, Stuart. A Divorce Dictionary: A Book for You and Your Children. (Uses anecdotes to explain legal terms.)

Grollman, Earl. Talking About Divorce and Separation: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child. 2005 (Written by a Rabbi. Read together.)

Harris, Scott & Sherman, Richard. Divorcing With Kids: An Interactive Workbook for Parents and Their Children. 2007

Holyoke, Nancy & Nash, Scott. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Her Parents’ Divorce: How to Land On Your Feet When Your World Turns Upside Down. 2009

Hunter, Evan. Me and Mr. Stenner. 1976 (Fiction. An 11 year old learns she can love her father and stepfather at the same time.)

Ivery, Martha. Pickles and Peanuts. 1996 (Fiction. A 12 year old girl experiencing the separation of her parents has a renewed relationship with her mother whom she holds responsible for the break-up. Peanuts is the girl, Pickles is a dog.)

Jukes, Mavis. Like Jake And Me. 2005 (Fiction. About a boy and his step-father.)

Krementz, Jill. How It Feels When Parents Divorce. 1988 (Photographs and essays of 19 children/teens presenting their feelings about their parents’ divorce.)

LeShan, Eda. What’s Going To Happen To Me? When Parents Separate or Divorce. 1986 (Answers questions about divorce in simple language.)

Mayle, Peter. Why Are We Getting A Divorce? 1988 (Illustrated)

Nickman, Steven. When Mom And Dad Divorce. 1987 (Fictional accounts highlighting divorce issues.)

Nightingale, Lois. My Parents Still Love Me Even Though They’re Getting Divorced: A healing story and workbook for children. 2016 (Combines story and activities to foster conversation.)

Park, Barbara. Don’t Make Me Smile. 2002 (Fiction. A boy’s adjustment to his parents’ divorce.)

Prokop, Michael. Divorce Happens To The Nicest Kids: A Self-help Book For Kids. 1996

Ricci, Isolina. Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids. 2006.

Schab, Lisa.  Divorce Workbook for Children:  Help for Kids to Overcome Difficult Family Changes and Grow Up Happy.  2008

Snyder, Zilpha. The Headless Cupid. 1999 (Fiction. Step-sister is a witch.)

Stern, Zoe and Even.  Divorce Is Not the End of the World:  Zoe’s and Even’s Coping Guide for Kids.  2008

Thomas, Shirley & Rankin, Dorothy. Divorced But Still My Parents: A Helping Book About Divorce For Children and Parents. 1997 (with workbook activities for ages 6-12)

Winchester, Kent & Beyer, Roberta. What In The World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce? A Survival Guide For Kids. 2001