Books on divorce and family transitions.

A curated list of books that may be helpful for people navigating divorce, co-parenting, and family transitions — organized by age group and topic.

This website provides general legal information and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. Consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.

Books For Children

Picture books and early readers that help young children understand and process family changes.

Two Homes

by Claire Masurel

A reassuring story about a child who has two homes — one with Mama and one with Papa — and feels loved in both. Gently introduces the concept of separation to very young children.

Dinosaurs Divorce

by Laurie Kransy Brown and Marc Brown

A guide for families that uses dinosaur characters to explain divorce to young children in a straightforward, non-threatening way. Covers topics like living in two homes, holidays, and new partners.

The Invisible String

by Patrice Karst

A beloved picture book that reassures children that love is an invisible string connecting them to the people they love — even when they are apart. Widely used by therapists and counselors.

The Kids’ Book of Family Changes

by Catherine Stephenson

This gentle book supports children’s emotional wellbeing during a divorce or separation, offering them reassurance, comfort, and practical tools.

Two Homes Filled with Love: A Story about Divorce and Separation

by Steve Harman

Join Drew and his dragon Diggory Doo on this uplifting story to help a friend during the most difficult change in his life when his parents live apart and he is now living in two homes.

Why Do Families Change? Our First Talk about Separation and Divorce

by Jillian Roberts

Often young children blame themselves or are unsure of their place in the family when these events occur. Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed this book to empower parents and caregivers to talk openly with young children about family changes.

Books For Older Children & Pre-Teens

Chapter books and guides for children ages 8–12 navigating their parents’ separation.

Divorce is Not The End of The World: Zoe and Evan’s Coping Guide for Kids

by Zoe and Evan Stern

Written by two siblings who experienced their parents’ divorce firsthand, this guide offers honest, practical advice for kids on handling the emotional challenges of divorce — from feeling caught in the middle to dealing with new family structures.

Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?

by Despina Mavirdou

Irene is a 10-year-old girl whose parents are getting a divorce. Amid her confusion and helplessness, Irene turns to her diary to express her feelings and better process her parents’ divorce. With the help of her school counselor, Irene gradually learns to cope.

The List of Things That Will Not Change

by Rebecca Stead

After her parents’ divorce, Bea’s life changed in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. A thoughtful middle-grade novel about resilience, family, and belonging.

Books For Teens

Resources for teenagers processing family changes and developing emotional resilience.

Stuff That Sucks: A Teen Guide to Accepting What You Can’t Change and Committing to What You Can

by Ben Sedley, PhD

Stuff That Sucks offers a compassionate and validating guide to accepting emotions rather than struggling against them. With this book as a guide, teens learn to prioritize their thoughts, feelings, and actions — and build a life that matters even when things are hard.

Books For Adults

Practical and emotional resources for parents and adults navigating divorce, co-parenting, and life transitions.

The Truth about Children and Divorce: Dealing with the Emotions So You and Your Children Can Thrive

by Robert E. Emery, PhD

Nationally recognized expert Robert Emery applies his twenty-five years of experience as a researcher, therapist, and mediator to offer parents a new road map to divorce. Dr. Emery shows how our powerful emotions can drive us to make decisions that hurt our children — and how to change that.

The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults Through Divorce or Separation

by Karen Bonnel and Kristin Little

A valuable parenting guide for divorced or separated couples with kids. This handbook offers tools for navigating conflicts and setting boundaries so both children and co-parents can thrive.

Divorce, Simply Stated: How to Achieve More, Worry Less, and Save Money in Your Divorce

by Larry and Laila Saretzky

Ranked by Book Authority as the #1 best family law book of all time, this guide offers a laser-focused approach to divorce and separation. Covers legal strategy, financial planning, and how to protect your interests throughout the process.

Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay

by Mira Kirshenbaum

To make up or break up? Whether you are just getting serious or have a long-term commitment, no other question causes so much heartache and self-doubt. This book provides a diagnostic approach to help you make the decision that is right for you.

Putting Children First: Proven Parenting Strategies for Helping Children Thrive Through Divorce

by JoAnne Pedro-Carroll

The breakup of a family can have an enduring impact on children. But as Dr. Pedro-Carroll explains, parents can positively alter the immediate and long-term effects of divorce on their children. This book provides proven, emotionally intelligent parenting strategies that promote children’s emotional health and resilience.

Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After

by Katherine Woodward Thomas

There is another path to the end of a relationship — one filled with mutual respect, kindness, and deep caring. Conscious Uncoupling offers a step-by-step guide to ending a relationship in a way that honors what you once meant to each other and sets both parties up for a healthy future.

Christian-based

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way

by Lysa TerKeurst

New York Times best-selling author Lysa TerKeurst unveils her heart amid shattering circumstances and shows readers how to live with assurance when life does not turn out like they expected.

Coparenting Compass: Practical Strategies for Common Coparenting Challenges

by Al Huntoon, MSW

Drawing on over three decades of experience in family services, mental health, and custody mediation, Al Huntoon cuts through the fog of coparenting with sharp insights and practical solutions. A field guide packed with real-world strategies for addressing logistical challenges, managing emotional triggers, and making decisions that protect your child’s well-being.

Your Coparenting Copilot: How to Use AI to Communicate Better, Reduce Conflict, and Put Your Child First

by Albert Huntoon, MSW

Written by a custody mediator with 2,000+ cases and personal coparenting experience, this practical guide shows how to use AI as a personal communication assistant — drafting clearer messages, organizing complex schedules, and responding thoughtfully instead of reactively. Includes copy-and-paste AI prompts, scripts for difficult conversations, and conflict de-escalation techniques.

Grab Your Slice of Financial Independence

by Monica Scudieri

Written for those who have been through financial hardship and want more for themselves and their families. After her divorce, Monica found herself a single parent with $257,000 in debt — and still managed to achieve financial independence in ten years. This book outlines how to achieve your definition of financial independence with grit, perseverance, and courage.

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