World Book Day 2022: The best books to help children understand divorce

3 March 2022 marks this year’s World Book Day – a time to recognise and celebrate the stories and tales which we love. Reading can be an opportunity for children and adults to exercise and explore their imagination, and escape to a different place – whether that be a wizarding world, a spaceship, a laboratory, a faraway beach, or a magical castle. Books and stories can also be a great way of helping children understand certain issues and topics, including relationships, historical events, socio-economic differences, self-care, the environment, and families.

With the dynamics of families continuously changing it is not uncommon for children to only live with and spend time with one parent, split their time between parents or live in care away from their family. Sometimes children may live with both their parents but there may be tensions and difficulties within their relationship which gives rise to arguments and conflict, which could result in divorce or separation. Such an environment for children can be upsetting and they may have difficulty in navigating their way through their own family dynamics and set-up.

Here are some popular stories and books that children may find helpful and supportive in understanding some of the themes and issues that arise from divorce and separation:

For younger children (ages 3-7):

1. My Daddy’s Going Away by Christopher MacGregor
2. My Daddy is a Silly Monkey by Dianne Hofmeyr
3. Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck
4. Where Did you Go Today? by Jenny Duke
5. My Family’s Changing by Pat Thomas
6. Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray
7. Why Do Families Change? by Jillian Roberts

For older children (ages 8-11):

1. I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak
2. To Night Owl From Dogfish by Meg Wolitzer
3. The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson
4. Mum, Dad Can You Hear Me? by Despina Mavridou
5. The Mum Hunt by Gwyneth Rees
6. Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson
7. Love and Chicken Nuggets by Annie Kelsey
8. Goggle Eyes by Anne Fine

For teenagers (12 +):

1. Red Leaves by Sita Brahmachari
2. It’s Not the End of the World by Judy Blume
3. Step by Wicked Step by Anne Fine
4. The Lottie Project by Jacqueline Wilson
5. Booked by Kwame Alexander
6. We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

For other book recommendations, visit The World Book Day or The Book Trust.

Divorce or separation can be a very difficult time for any family. If you need support or advice on child arrangements, divorce, or separation, please contact one of our family law specialists.