Books to Help Older Kids through Divorce

There are so many emotions and questions related to separation, divorce, visitation and stepfamilies. I read three books for older kids, best for eight to twelve year olds, that address concerns and answer many questions to help them through divorce. Reading can provide a safe outlet for kids to find answers and maybe best of all, validate the feelings they are going through.

My Parents are Divorced Too

The first book I’m reviewing is My Parents Are Divorced Too by Melanie, Annie and Steven Ford. This book is written by a brother and sister and their stepsister, all in their early teens. They have divided the book into three main topics, Learning About Divorce, Adjusting to Divorce and Dating, Remarriage and New Families.

Each of these three main topic includes many sub topics also. There is a one-page introduction to each topic and then each author takes a turn discussing their experiences and offering advice to other kids. There are fun cartoons relevant to the subjects scattered throughout the book.

I liked this book because the young authors tackled some tough subjects in a way that seemed authentic and relatable to other kids. It was good to read the kid’s pint of view, rather than an expert’s.

A Smart Girl’s Guide to Her Parents’ Divorce

A Smart Girl’s Guide to Her Parents’ Divorce is an American Girl book authored by Nancy Holyoke. My only regret about this book is that it is obviously marketed to girls but would actually be a great benefit to boys also. It has very bright, colorful graphics and large text that make each page appealing.

This book covers it all, from first finding out about the divorce all the way through new stepfamily situations. There are quizzes in each chapter giving a scenario then following up with advice on the best way to handle things.

Divorce is Not the End of the World

I also recommend Divorce is Not The End of The World by a brother-sister team, Zoe and Evan Stern, and their mother, Ellen Sue Stern.  This is the second edition of the book so it gives a very unique look at Evan and Zoe’s perspective when they were young teens first writing the book and then a follow up at the end of each chapter giving a “ten years later” update.

They have divided their book into twenty chapters covering all the expected divorce, custody, visitation and stepfamily issues. Older kids, probably ten to fourteen, will benefit from reading the viewpoint of a boy and a girl discussing each subject. At the end of each chapter, Zoe answers a letter and Evan gives quick tips. Their mother also gives her perspective on each subject.

For older kids, these books provide advice about various situations and validation of their feelings. I highly recommend these books for pre-teen and young teen age groups. All three of these books can be found in the young adult section at the Tulsa City County Library.