10+ Best Books About Divorce for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the topic of divorce with children can be challenging, but finding the right resources can make a big difference. If you're looking for ways to help a 10-year-old understand and cope with this significant change, books can be a comforting ally. Our carefully selected list of books about divorce for 10-year-olds offers stories and insights that can provide support and understanding during this tough time. Keep reading to discover various books that can help guide your child through their questions and feelings about divorce.

Fun Books About Divorce for 10-Year-Olds

• Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Through letters written to his favorite author, Leigh Botts navigates the struggles of his parents' divorce, school issues, and his dreams of becoming a writer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand and express their feelings about divorce and other challenges, using a relatable and engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories told through letters and those dealing with parental separation.

• It's Not the End of the World by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Karen deals with the emotional turmoil of her parents' impending divorce by focusing on the hope that they might reunite, eventually coming to terms with the reality of the situation.
  • Why we recommend this book: Judy Blume masterfully addresses complex emotions and promotes resilience, making it a great read for children experiencing similar family dynamics.
  • Perfect for: Children who are coping with or anxious about divorce and looking for a story that reflects their experiences.

• The Great Treehouse War by Lisa Graff
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Winnie barricades herself in a treehouse to avoid being caught in the middle of her divorced parents’ custody battle, leading her friends to join her in protest.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and inventive approach to dealing with divorce and custody issues, encouraging readers to find creative solutions to their problems.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with a mix of adventure and humor, and those learning to navigate split family dynamics.

• Two Homes by Claire Masurel, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Alex describes what it's like to live in two homes — one with his mom and another with his dad, showing that he is loved in both places.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a simple and reassuring perspective on having two homes, ideal for younger readers needing affirmation during a parental split.
  • Perfect for: Younger children who are adjusting to life between two homes and can benefit from seeing their experiences reflected positively.

• Was It the Chocolate Pudding? by Sandra Levins, illustrated by Bryan Langdo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: This story follows a young boy who believes his parents' divorce was caused by an accident he had with chocolate pudding, eventually learning the real reasons that adults may choose to live apart.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the common misconception among kids that they are to blame for their parents' divorce, helping to alleviate guilt and confusion.
  • Perfect for: Children who might be feeling responsible for their parents' separation and need reassurance and clarity.

Educational Books About Divorce for 10-Year-Olds

• Dinosaurs Divorce by Laurene Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book helps children understand all aspects of divorce, from the initial separation to living in two homes, using dinosaur characters to explain and soften the complexities of divorce.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of family changes, emotional coping strategies, basic concepts of divorce
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses familiar and friendly dinosaur characters to explain divorce in a way that is accessible and less intimidating for children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a clear and gentle explanation of divorce and its effects.

• Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids by Isolina Ricci
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers advice and comfort to children dealing with their parents' separation or divorce, focusing on managing feelings and adjusting to having two homes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional resilience, adaptability, understanding of family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical tips and emotional support to help children navigate the changes in their family life.
  • Perfect for: Children who are experiencing their parents' separation and looking for guidance and reassurance.

• What in the World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce? A Survival Guide for Kids by Kent Winchester and Roberta Beyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Guide
  • Synopsis: This survival guide offers explanations, advice, and real-life examples to help children cope with their parents' divorce.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Coping mechanisms, emotional understanding, practical advice for daily challenges
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of divorce-related topics, providing both support and practical advice.
  • Perfect for: Kids seeking deeper understanding and coping strategies for dealing with divorce.

• Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child's Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Addison is a young boy who learns about his parents’ divorce and discovers that no matter where he lives, both parents love him unconditionally.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional security, self-affirmation, understanding of parental love
  • Why we recommend this book: It emphasizes the unchanging love of both parents, reassuring children that parental love remains strong despite physical separations.
  • Perfect for: Children needing affirmation of parental love and support during the transition of a divorce.

Challenging Books About Divorce for 10-Year-Olds

• The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel follows ten-year-old Andy, who is shuffled between her divorced parents' homes, each week packing her small suitcase. She struggles with the constant changes and the feeling of not fully belonging in either place.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex emotions and the psychological impact of divorce on a child, portrayed through a deeply personal and introspective viewpoint.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic and heartfelt exploration of the challenges faced by children in split households, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are experiencing or know someone experiencing life in multiple homes due to parental separation.

• Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Amber Brown is dealing with her parents' recent divorce and the additional pain of her best friend moving away. She navigates her changing family dynamics and friendships with humor and resilience.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the theme of divorce along with the complexity of maintaining friendships amidst personal and family changes, presented through sophisticated humor and emotional depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book mixes humor with serious topics, providing a comforting yet realistic view on handling life’s tough changes.
  • Perfect for: Children going through parental divorce or separation and experiencing shifts in their social circles.

• The Divorce Express by Paula Danziger
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Ninth-grader Phoebe copes with her parents' divorce by splitting her time between New York with her mother and rural Woodstock with her father. She rides the "Divorce Express," a bus ferrying children between separated parents, and learns to navigate her new life.
  • Why this book is challenging: This story addresses the logistical and emotional complexities of having two homes, integrating themes of identity and belonging in a mature narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the logistical challenges of post-divorce life, encouraging adaptability and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Teens who travel between parents and are finding their own path through family changes.

• Stranded in Boringsville by Catherine Bateson
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: After her parents' divorce, twelve-year-old Agnes and her mother move to a small town. Agnes uncovers family secrets and learns about her mother's past, which helps her cope with the present changes in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines the theme of divorce with a mystery element, requiring readers to engage with a more complex plot and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It intertwines personal growth with the unraveling of a family mystery, offering an engaging and enriching reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a blend of drama, mystery, and real-life issues.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Navigating through books about such a sensitive topic like divorce can be challenging for 10-year-olds. To help them get the most out of their reading experience and develop good habits, here are some engaging exercises designed specifically for young readers.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes progress measurable.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with a friend, family member, or teacher.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the book's themes and messages.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book right after reading to keep details fresh.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the main events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story structure and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or turning points.

• Role-Play Scenarios from the Book
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters' emotions and decisions.
  • Tips: Don't worry about getting it perfect; focus on the feelings and motives behind actions.

• Write a Letter to a Character
  • What it is: Write a letter to one of the characters expressing your thoughts or advice.
  • How it helps: Encourages empathy and critical thinking about the character's situation.
  • Tips: Imagine what you would say if the character were a real person in your life.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, write down predictions about what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory thinking.
  • Tips: Revisit your predictions after reading to see how accurate they were.

• Connect the Story to Your Own Life
  • What it is: Identify events or emotions in the book that relate to your own experiences.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more personal and relatable.
  • Tips: Keep a list of these connections in your reading journal.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a multifaceted experience that supports emotional and intellectual growth. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only understand the book better but also develop skills that are valuable in all areas of learning. Happy reading!