Eight Great Kids’ Books About Divorce: Older Readers (10 – Teen)

Divorce (and separation) is hard for everyone – parents and kids alike, but it is often especially difficult for teenagers who are already navigating numerous physical and emotional changes, and may feel resentful of another challenge placed in their lap. 

In combination with other support, books can be a great resource to help teens cope, especially if they aren’t ready to talk openly about their feelings in the early stages. From starting conversations to just giving kids a character to relate to, we’ve gathered eight books for tween and teen readers to help work through this challenging time and come out the other side stronger and more resilient. 

For younger kids, check out Eight Great Kids’ Books about Divorce: Young Readers (ages 2 – 8)

Novels

• The Great Treehouse War by Lisa Graff 

For kids ages 8 to 12 years, The Great Treehouse War tells the story of Winnie, whose parents are divorced. In order to split time with her equally, Winnie spends three days a week with her mom and three days a week with her dad. On Wednesdays, she lives in a treehouse between their houses. Fed up with her parents’ fighting, Winnie barricades herself in the treehouse and refuses to come out until her parents resolve their arguments, and so begins “the great treehouse war.” Winnie’s story may be fantastical, but her frustrations and feelings about her parents’ divorce are not, and this fun, interactive book is a great way to give kids a chance to read about a character experiencing some of the same things they are, as well as to start conversations about family reorganization, divorce/separation, and new custody schedules. 

• The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

Bea’s family is changing – her parents are getting divorced, and suddenly, her life looks very different. Amidst the turmoil, Bea always carries a green notebook with a list inside – the list of things that will stay the same even as things change around her – the number one thing on the list being that her parents will always love her no matter what. As Bea’s dad prepares to remarry, Bea learns about the ups and downs of re-organizing a family. The List of Things That Will Not Change addresses many post-divorce circumstances that children face, including the divorce itself, remarriage of a parent, and gaining a new step-sibling, and can help reassure children that their parents’ divorce can be a positive step in a new direction. 

• It’s Not the End of the World by Judy Blume

Judy Blume’s books are well-loved classics, and her characters are not only lovable, but are very relatable for tweens ages 9 to 12 years. It’s Not the End of the World follows Karen Newman, whose parents are separated and soon-to-be divorced. Karen is determined to keep them together – if only she can get them in the same room, she’s sure they can work things out. Karen’s desire to keep her parents together is a common feeling among children of divorce, and this book is an honest and realistic portrayal of many of the big feelings kids may experience as they’re going through a family reorganization. 

• Mend: A Story of Divorce by Sophia Recca

Mend: A Story of Divorce, a graphic novel for kids ages 11 to 17 years, published by Zuiker Press, is the first in a series of books on important topics written by young adults to help their peers cope with challenges. Mend tells the story of fourteen-year-old Sophia, whose life changed when she was nine years old and her parents split up. Sophia recounts the turmoil she felt amidst her parents’ divorce and the resulting transitions she faced. Teens dealing with divorce will relate to Sophia’s feelings of self-blame, sadness, and frustration, but may find inspiration in Sophia’s determination to pick herself up and move forward. In addition, Mend  includes advice for parents to help their teens manage the challenges of divorce. 

Workbooks and Guides

• Divorce is Not the End of the World: Zoe and Evan’s Coping Guide for Kids by Zoe Stern and Evan Stern

After Zoe and Evan’s parents divorced, their lives changed drastically, and it was tough. As they adapted to their new life, they decided they wanted to help other kids going through the same things they had, so they wrote Divorce is Not the End of the World. This book covers a broad array of topics related to divorce – including the big feelings that come with it, and dealing with the logistics of a new life, from adjusting to living in two different houses with different rules, to celebrating holidays and birthdays with two separate parents, and even dealing with step-parents and step-siblings. Zoe and Evan have been there, and their insightful guide will resonate with kids ages 8 to 11 years dealing with a divorce or separation.

• Now What Do I Do? A Guide to Help Teenagers with Their Parents’ Divorce or Separation by Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski

For ages 10 to 17, Lynn Cassella-Kapusinski’s workbook is written in a relatable and empathetic  tone that doesn’t make kids feel “talked down to”, and is designed to help tweens and teens identify and work through changing circumstances in the midst of a divorce or separation. From defining and confronting losses, dealing with guilt and grief, to improving communication with parents, this workbook includes exercises and activities for teens that they can do on their own or with friends.  

• The Bright Side: Surviving Your Parents’ Divorce by Max Sindell

Max Sindell knows the struggles teens face when their parents divorce because he’s been there. When he was six, his parents got a divorce, and in the years that followed, his family has evolved many times. But Max’s book doesn’t focus on the hard emotions that often come with parental separation or divorce, and instead, his practical guide is a compilation of the good advice he received from friends and family through his experiences with divorce, and tips for kids managing the logistics of their parents’ new separate lives. Divorce is hard, but it can be an important opportunity for a new beginning for many families, and The Bright Side: Surviving Your Parents’ Divorce is a great resource to help your child look at the positives, not just the negatives, of their family reorganization.

• The Divorce Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Move Beyond the Breakup by Lisa Schab, LCSW

Written by a Licensed Certified Social Worker, The Divorce Workbook for Teens includes over 40 divorce activity worksheets to guide teens through the emotional and physical challenges related to divorce and separation, as well as helping them manage developmental challenges, and learn skills to help them deal with parental conflict. Described as “straightforward yet sensitive,” The Divorce Workbook for Teens is an essential resource for kids going through family reorganization.

Of course, books alone won’t solve every problem, but equipping your teen with resources can build trust, open the door to deeper conversation, and above all, show your child that you understand and care about how your divorce affects them. 

For additional support, consider reaching out to a child psychologist or therapist for professional guidance for you and your child(ren). For compassionate counsel through life’s unexpected challenges, contact Z Family Law at (301) 388-5528.