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Divorce can be a very difficult time, especially for teenagers. Where as little children can adapt more easily and go with the flow, teens are old enough to understand what is happening. They are also old enough to realize the implications that a divorce will have on their life.

Speaking from experience, broach reading material with caution. Choose books that are straight forward, honest and don't coddle them. If you choose books that are too immature they will feel like you are belittling their feelings or condescending them.

DIVORCE: YOUNG PEOPLE CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE, by Beth Levine (1995), is a straight forward book discussing a realistic picture of what divorce entails. It discusses strains in stresses in the home, facts, statistics, how custody hearings happen, emotions running rampant, and how to deal with your parents dating and possible remarriages. Although this book is most appropriate for older teens, if you have a particularly precocious teen that appreciates a no nonsense approach, this is the book for them.

ZOE & EVAN STERN (1997) Zoe and Evan Stern were twins who parents were divorced because their father was gay. This book contains letters that teens wrote them concerning divorce and the after effects, and their answers. It is a straight forward and honest book, one that won't make your child feel babied.

WHEN YOUR PARENTS SPLIT UP: HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF TOGETHER (PLUGGED IN) by Alys Swan-Jackson (1998) This book has interviews with teens who have experienced their parents divorce. It touches on subjects like step families and dealing with emotions. Be aware that it does have questionnaires and activities which may turn some stubborn teens off.

THE DIVORCE HELPBOOK FOR TEENS (REBUILDING BOOKS) by Cynthia MacGregor This book explores all stresses in a teens life and how divorce adds on to it. What I like about this book, is it also has teens recognize how much pain their parents are going through. Instead of your parents "doing" this to you, it helps a teen (who may be extremely self indulgent) realize that this has literally nothing to do with them. Having to pack up your stuff for a dreaded weekend with dad isn't a punishment your parents are dolling out. This book is very straight forward and explores many other stresses a teen feels at this point in their lives.

If you are searching for the perfect book for your child, you can talk with a librarian. Librarians usually are very adept at recommending books for specific age groups, and even different teen temperaments. Another good place is to talk to someone at a bookstore, or discuss with your students guidance counselor or a therapist what books they recommend. With new books coming out all the time, there is bound to be one that your child can identify with.

Learn more about this author, Molly Carter.
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