Books for Pre-Schoolers
Where Is Daddy: The Story of A Divorce, by Beth Goff, Beacon Press, Boston, 1969.
The story of what happens to a little girl when her parents get divorced. It shows that she gets frightened and confused, but learns to understand and be happy again. This story may help a child understand the confusing situation and enable the child to confide feelings to his parents.
Two Homes to Live In: A Child's Eye View of Divorce, by Barbara Shook Hazen, Human Sciences Press, New York, NY, 1978.
This book encourages communication between the parent and child. Any young child experiencing the process of divorce will find this book comforting.
Two Special Cards, by Sonia Lisker and Leigh Dean, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York, 1976.
This is the story of a child trying to grow accustomed to her parents' divorce, designed to reassure, not frighten, very young children.
Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families, by Laurence Krasny Brown and Marc Brown, Joy Street Books, Little Brown and Co., Boston, 1986.
This reassuring picture book is the perfect resource to help young children and their families deal with the confusion, misconceptions, and anxieties apt to arise when divorce occurs. Its simple, direct text and lively, often funny illustrations of dinosaurs in situations every child can relate to encourage young readers to acknowledge and express their own feelings. Best of all, the book suggests positive ways of handling the many new situations and difficulties divorce brings.
The Family That Changed, by Francine Spilke, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, 1979.
This picture book reassures the child that each parent will still provide the love and security the child has always known.
Books for Elementary School Children
I Have Two Families, by Doris Wild Helmering, Abingdon, Nashville, 1981.
The character in the story describes her feelings about her parents' divorce and the living arrangements they decided upon. This book shows the children of divorced parents that they aren't alone in the emotions they experience and demonstrates that divorce need not be the end of the world for those involved.
How It Feels When Parents Divorce, by Jill Krementz, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY, 1984.
Children as young as seven years of age are interviewed about their emotional responses to divorce. The stories in this book help children understand that their own feelings are normal and appropriate as they read the personal accounts of children their own age who have experienced similar situations and emotions.
Books for Pre-Teens
What's Going To Happen To Me?, by Eda LeShan, Four Winds Press, New York, 1978.
This book helps answer questions children have about their parents' divorce, discusses the feelings they have, and suggests new ways of coping with the troubling personal and family problems that often accompany a divorce. This book will help children better understand themselves and their parents, and will show them that it will be possible to accept what has happened and feel good again about themselves and their future.
How It Feels When Parents Divorce, by Jill Krementz, Alfred A. Knopf, New York NY, 1984.
Children up to age sixteen areinterviewed about their emotional responses to divorce. Their stories help children understand that their own feelings are normal and appropriate, as they read the personal accounts of children their own age who have experienced similar situations and emotions.
It's Not the End of the World, by Judy Blume, Bradbury Press, Scarsdale, NY, 1972.
The book's main character devises plots and employs tricks, but finally realizes that nothing will not stop her parents' divorce. She has a difficult time admitting this, and has to work through her problems.
The Boys and Girls Book About Divorce, by Richard Gardner, Aronson, New York, 1971.
This book provides children with the security of knowing that they are not alone, and that someone understands what they are experiencing with their parents' divorce.
Talking About Divorce: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child, by Earl Grollman, Beacon Press, Boston, 1975.
This guidebook is designed to ease communication and enable parents and children to discuss their problems and emotions openly and honestly.
Books for Teenagers
Coping - When Your Family Falls Apart, by Diana Daniels Booker, Julian Messner, New York.
The author stresses throughout the book that a young person can learn to deal with and accept his or her new family situation. This book can be considered a handbook to assist the young adult who is just starting to deal with a parents' divorce. There is a focus upon a positive attitude, growth and adaptation with this life change.
My Parents Are Divorced Too, Bonnie Robson, M.D., Everest House, New York, 1980.
Teenagers talk to teenagers about what they encountered during their parents' divorce. The author identifies many of the fears, anxieties, pressures, and hostilities that teenagers endure.
Divorce Is A Grown Up Problem, Janet Sinberg, Avon, New York, 1978.
This book is designed to help the child of the family understand what is happening to his family and deal with his confusion and anger. It also helps the parents recognize what their children are experiencing and serves to acquaint the parents with some important issues they need to address with their child at this time.
How To Get It Together When Your Parents Are Coming Apart, Arlene Richards and Irene Willis, David McKay Co., New York, 1976.
Especially written for young adults of this age group, this book gives a sensitive approach to problems that such children tend to endure.
Prepared by Judith Knopf, an experienced matrimonial attorney, a former member of the New Jersey State Supreme Court Family Practice committee, and a qualified mediator pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:40 et seq.