By sharing stories together and having conversations about the books you read, you can help young children understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.

Children have concerns when parents divorce. These books address issues like stepfamilies and shared custody in ways that young children can identify with.

Not every book is available at all locations, but any title can be requested. The children’s librarian at your neighborhood library is also here to help, with suggestions for additional titles on topics of interest–or feel free to suggest some titles to us. New books are always being added to the collection. You can find more Here to Help booklists on different topics by clicking here.

You can sign up for a free library card here.

If you need help using our Digital Media tools to access these selections, visit our Online Resources Support page.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org. You can find additional ways to contact us on the Need Help? page.

In the Catalog

Annie and Snowball and the Wedding Day

Annie and Snowball and the Wedding Day

The Thirteenth Book of Their Adventures

Cynthia Rylant

Annie loves living with her dad and her bunny, Snowball. But she wants her dad to find someone to love. Then he meets a woman named Martha. Soon it is time for a wedding!

From the Catalog
Fred Stays With Me!

Fred Stays With Me!

Nancy Coffelt

A child describes how she lives sometimes with her mother and sometimes with her father, but her dog is her constant companion.

From the Catalog
Here and There

Here and There

Tamara Ellis Smith

After Ivan’s parents separate, he has trouble finding joy at either of their homes until he discovers that the birds and music that he loves may be found in both places.

From the Catalog
Living With Mom and Living With Dad

Living With Mom and Living With Dad

Melanie Walsh

A little girl describes what her life is like now that her parents no longer live together.

From the Catalog
Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend

Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend

Karen Stanton

Although Henry enjoys the time he spends at his mother’s apartment and his father’s house, his dog Pomegranate gets confused about which place is home.

From the Catalog
The Ring Bearer

The Ring Bearer

Floyd Cooper

Jackson’s mom is getting married, and Jackson is nervous about his role and his new family.

From the Catalog
Room in My Heart

Room in My Heart

Zetta Elliott

It took some time for Nikki to adjust to her parents’ divorce, but now she and her little sister Natalie enjoy their new routine. But everything changes when Daddy picks them up for their weekend visit and introduces the girls to his new friend Sylvia. Nikki feels invisible when Sylvia’s around and so she decides not to spend the weekend with Daddy anymore. Only after talking about her feelings with her aunt does Nikki learn that her father’s love is unchanging, and that there is room in his heart to love many different people.

From the Catalog
Why Do Families Change?

Why Do Families Change?

Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce

Jillian Roberts

A nonfiction picture book that introduces very young children to the concept of separation and divorce in a resassuring and straightforward way.

From the Catalog