10+ Best Books About Divorce for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the topic of divorce with young children can be incredibly challenging, but fortunately, there are some thoughtful resources out there designed to help. "Books About Divorce for 6-Year-Olds" are crafted to explain this complex issue in a gentle and understandable way. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, these books can be a comforting aid in addressing divorce with sensitivity. Keep reading to discover various lists of books that can help guide your little ones through this tough time.

Fun Books About Divorce for 6-Year-Olds

• Two Homes by Claire Masurel, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: This charming story follows a young boy named Alex who learns to happily navigate life between his two homes, one with Mom and the other with Dad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle and reassuring depiction of how family love transcends living arrangements, making it easier for young readers to relate and find comfort.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing transitions in family structure, especially those moving between two homes.

• Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child's Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Addison, a lovable character who shares his story about his parents' divorce, emphasizing that the love of his parents remains strong even though they live apart.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a positive affirmation that helps children understand that their parents' love for them will never change, despite any changes at home.
  • Perfect for: Young readers needing reassurance about their parents' unchanging love during and after a divorce.

• My Family's Changing by Pat Thomas, illustrated by Lesley Harker
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-fiction, Family Issues
  • Synopsis: This picture book, which is part of a series about dealing with different issues, explains what a child might expect during a divorce, including how they might feel and how to talk about it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses complex feelings in a simple and understanding way, helping children to feel less alone and more understood.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are looking for answers and comfort about the changes happening in their family.

• Dinosaurs Divorce by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Through the experiences of dinosaur characters, this book explores a wide range of divorce topics such as why parents divorce, living in two homes, and celebrating holidays.
  • Why we recommend this book: The use of dinosaurs makes the subject approachable and engaging for young readers, helping them understand and cope with divorce in a less intimidating way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy creative storytelling and need help understanding the various aspects of divorce.

• It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear by Vicki Lansky, illustrated by Jane Prince
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: Koko Bear faces the changes that come with his parents' divorce. Each page offers a tip for parents on how to help their children cope with these changes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only helps children adjust to divorce but also provides parents with practical advice on supporting their children through the process.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and their parents looking for ways to navigate the emotional complexities of divorce together.

Educational Books About Divorce for 6-Year-Olds

• When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illustrated by Marta Fàbrega
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family Issues
  • Synopsis: This story explores the feelings of a young girl whose parents are going through a divorce, highlighting her emotional journey and adjustments to the changes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of family dynamics, coping with change
  • Why we recommend this book: It sensitively addresses the confusion and sadness that can accompany a parent's divorce, helping children understand that their feelings are normal and valid.
  • Perfect for: Young children needing help to express and understand their emotions during their parents' separation.

• Mom and Dad Glue by Kes Gray, illustrated by Lee Wildish
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: A young boy seeks a glue to fix his broken parents' relationship, only to learn how to cope with their separation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional coping skills, resilience, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a gentle metaphor for dealing with divorce, emphasizing the importance of love and support during family changes.
  • Perfect for: Children who are trying to make sense of their parents' divorce and looking for emotional support.

• I Don't Want to Talk About It by Jeanie Franz Ransom, illustrated by Katharine Davies
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Health
  • Synopsis: A young girl uses her imagination to escape the reality of her parents' divorce but learns to face her feelings with the help of a compassionate stuffed animal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional expression, imaginative play, understanding of personal feelings
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively helps children open up about their fears and sadness, providing a comforting approach to discussing tough emotions.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are initially reluctant to talk about or accept the changes happening in their family.

• Living with Mom and Living with Dad by Melanie Walsh
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family Life
  • Synopsis: This book uses simple text and lift-the-flap features to explain a child's life living separately with both parents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of new family structures, adaptability, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive format and straightforward narrative make it easy for young children to relate to and understand living in two homes.
  • Perfect for: Very young children who are adjusting to their time being split between two homes.

• At Daddy's on Saturdays by Linda Walvoord Girard, illustrated by Judith Friedman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story focuses on a young girl who spends Saturdays with her divorced father, exploring their new relationship dynamics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family bonding, adaptation to changes, emotional strength
  • Why we recommend this book: It emphasizes the continuing bond between a father and daughter despite divorce, providing a positive outlook on parental relationships.
  • Perfect for: Children who spend part of their time with a divorced parent and need reassurance about maintaining strong bonds.

Challenging Books About Divorce for 6-Year-Olds

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Health
  • Synopsis: This story introduces the concept of an invisible string made of love that connects us all, even when we are apart.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces abstract concepts of love and connection that are not typically easy for young children to grasp.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand and feel comforted about the emotional connections that persist despite physical separation, such as during a divorce.
  • Perfect for: Children who need reassurance about their relationships with absent family members.

• Was It the Chocolate Pudding? by Sandra Levins, illustrated by Bryan Langdo
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family Issues
  • Synopsis: A young boy believes his parents' divorce was caused by an accident he had with chocolate pudding, exploring themes of guilt and misunderstanding in divorce.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex feelings of guilt and causation, which are sophisticated concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the common misconception among children that they are to blame for their parents' divorce, helping them understand they are not responsible.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with feelings of guilt or confusion about the reasons behind their parents' divorce.

• The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Through simple illustrations and text, this book explores the feelings someone might have after saying goodbye, whether due to moving, losing a pet, or parents separating.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses minimal text to convey complex emotions, requiring children to interpret and understand the deeper meanings behind the illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a straightforward, empathetic approach to dealing with loss and separation, making it accessible and comforting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are trying to understand and cope with the emotional impact of saying goodbye in various scenarios, including divorce.

• Fred Stays With Me! by Nancy Coffelt, illustrated by Tricia Tusa
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family Life
  • Synopsis: This tale follows a child who navigates life between two homes, with her dog Fred as a constant companion, providing comfort and continuity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the logistical and emotional challenges of joint custody through the eyes of a child, a topic that can be complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of stability and emotional support through pets, which can help children feel more secure during transitions.
  • Perfect for: Children who are adjusting to life in two homes and might find solace in having a constant, like a pet, to help them cope.

• Always Mom, Forever Dad by Joanna Rowland, illustrated by Penny Weber
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family Issues
  • Synopsis: This book explores the different ways divorced parents show their love for their children, emphasizing that both parents remain important despite the changes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents the dual perspectives of mom’s house and dad’s house, helping children understand different expressions of love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It reassures children that they are loved by both parents, promoting a sense of security and stability amidst family changes.
  • Perfect for: Children who need affirmation of continuous love from both parents despite living in separate homes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When it comes to helping 6-year-olds understand and cope with the concept of divorce through reading, it's essential to integrate exercises that not only enhance their reading skills but also support their emotional well-being. Here are some thoughtful exercises designed to accompany books about divorce, tailored specifically for young readers:

• Picture Story Recap
  • What it is: After reading a book, the child draws a picture of their favorite scene.
  • How it helps: This encourages children to think critically about the story and express their understanding through art.
  • Tips: Provide them with colorful markers and encourage them to express what they felt was important.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book together, then have a discussion about the story.
  • How it helps: This helps children process the themes of the book and express their feelings about the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions like "How do you think the character felt?" to guide the discussion.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Identify a character in the book and discuss their feelings and decisions.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand different perspectives and empathize with others' feelings.
  • Tips: Encourage the child to compare their feelings with the character’s to build empathy.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, ask the child to predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why they made such predictions, focusing on story cues.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out a part of the book with the child taking on the role of one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Helps children express emotions and understand the story better.
  • Tips: Keep the role play light and fun, and switch roles to give different perspectives.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only foster a deeper understanding of the books about divorce but also help develop strong reading habits and emotional intelligence in your young reader. Happy reading and exploring together!