Books have long been a source of help and healing for children in challenging circumstances. Listed here are some of the books I have found to be most meaningful for difficult experiences.
The best approach is to read the book with your elementary-aged children, even if they can read it independently. This gives you the opportunity to discuss issues and answer questions. You have the chance to see how your child responds to the book. Be sure you read the book yourself before sharing it with your child.
For middle school or high school youth, find time to talk about the book with them once they have read it.
More topics and titles will be added.
For Children
Gentle Willow by Joyce Mills
When Dinosaurs Die by Lauren and Marc Brown
Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
by Judith Viorst
Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs
by Tomie De Paola
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
I Miss You: A First Look at Death
by Pat Thomas
For Teens
How It Feels When A Parent Dies
by Jill Krementz
Losing Someone You Love: When a Brother or Sister Dies by Elizabeth Richter
When a Friend Dies: A Book for Teens About Giving and Healing by M.E. Gootman
A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle
Learning to Say Goodbye by Eda LeShan
Divorce
Divorce by Fred Rogers
Dinosaurs Divorce by Marc Brown
What in the World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce?: A Survival Guide for
Kids by Kent Winchester, et al.
At Daddy's on Saturdays by Linda Girard
Charlie Anderson by Barbara Abercrombie
Help! A Girl's Guide to Divorce and Stepfamilies by Nancy Holyoke
It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear by Vicki Lansky
What to Do When Your Temper Flares by Dawn Huebner
What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck by Dawn Huebner
What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner
Self-Esteem
Charlie the Caterpillar by Dom Deluise
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
You Are Special by Max Lucado
Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem by G. Kaufman
Friendship/Social Skills
How Full Is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath
How to Lose All Your Friends
by Nancy Carlson
One by Kathryn Otoshi
The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
A Smart Girl's Guide to Friendship Troubles by Patti Criswell
Simon’s Hook by Karen Burnett
Speak Up and Get Along! by S. Cooper
Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem by G. Kaufman
Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way by P. Criswell
Assertiveness/Bullying
Nobody Knew What to Do by B. McCain
Simon’s Hook by Karen Burnett
Speak Up and Get Along! by S. Cooper
Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem by G. Kaufman
The Meanest Thing to Say by Bill Cosby
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