Books About Family Problems · 319 titles considered

The Best Family Problems Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about family problems? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Caterpillar Summer
Fighting Words
One for the Murphys
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Problems

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,558 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

Newbery Medal (2000)
245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,544 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Nebula Secret

A young explorer uncovers a family secret that threatens his future at an elite academy.

216 pages· 52,975 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,150 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2000

Because of Winn-Dixie

A young girl navigates a new town and a new life with the help of a stray dog she adopts.

192 pages· 22,105 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 284,715 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

320 pages· 63,618 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,000 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

A Night Divided

A girl risks everything to escape East Berlin and reunite her divided family.

352 pages· 71,577 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 49,273 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2020

Fighting Words

Two sisters face trauma and silence. Can they find their voices and heal?

272 pages· 49,943 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.6/5 Goodreads · 14,309 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Adventure Is Now

A boy must solve cryptic clues to save a threatened island.

336 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 483 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

One for the Murphys

A foster child must choose between her past and a new family life.

224 pages· 45,214 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 34,475 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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Family Problems Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about family problems for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Charlie Anderson

Ages 4–8 · 1990

A cat with two families vanishes during a storm, revealing a hidden life.

Two Homes

Ages 3–7 · 2001

A child finds love and comfort in two homes after parents' divorce.

Thursday

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A girl's world shifts after divorce, but a magical friend helps her find hope.

One Last Shot

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Malcolm's love for mini golf may be the key to mending his fractured family.

It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear

Ages 3–7 · 1997

A young bear navigates the emotional maze of divorce.

Dinosaurs Divorce

Ages 4–7 · 1986

Navigate the challenges of divorce with understanding and resilience.

The Invisible String

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A parent's love will always be present in a child's life, even when they are not physically there.

Weekend Dad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy navigates life between two homes after his parents separate.

Luna Loves Library Day

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A library visit reveals a book that changes everything.

Here and There

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A boy finds hope in nature's music amid his parents' separation.

I Love You More Than...

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A father expresses love and longing for his son despite their separation.

Emily's Blue Period

Ages 4–7 · 2014

Emily navigates life's changes through art, inspired by Picasso's blue period.

View all family problems picture books
Browse by age

Family Problems Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family problems for developing and independent readers.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Ages 14–18 · 1969

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

Far from the Tree

Ages 13–18 · 2017

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Ages 14–18 · 1999

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

The Someday Birds
Sale price
$1699

The Someday Birds

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A boy's cross-country journey to spot birds may heal his fractured family.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Sale price
$2499

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Ages 13–17 · 2012

Two teens form a life-changing friendship, uncovering truths about themselves.

Tyrell

Ages 14–18 · 2006

A teen struggles with homelessness, love, and the lure of crime. Will he escape his father's fate?

Crank
Sale price
$1099

Crank

Ages 14–18 · 2004

A perfect daughter spirals into chaos after meeting a dangerous addiction.

Blended
Sale price
$899

Blended

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Isabella navigates a divided family and racial identity, facing a life-altering encounter with police.

Where the Watermelons Grow

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl seeks magic honey to heal her mother's mind, but discovers the true cure lies within her own heart.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Hey, Kiddo

Ages 12–18 · 2018

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Moon Shadow

Ages 9–13 · 2018

A girl's shadow comes to life, revealing her true self.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Ages 9–12 · 1983

A young boy writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, and learns about the writing process and himself.

Keep exploring
Books about abuseBooks about belongingBooks about BerlinBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about coming of ageBooks about conservationBooks about crushesBooks about explorers

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