Books About Single Parents

The Best Single Parents Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about single parents? 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.

Playing the Cards You're Dealt
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About Single Parents

Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Playing the Cards You're Dealt

By Varian Johnson

A boy's secret partnership in a card game reveals family truths that could change everything.

320 pages· 54,055 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,139 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin faces a family tradition: winning the spades tournament. With his best friend grounded, Ant teams up with the new girl, Shirley, despite his father's disapproval. As they strategize in secret, Ant discovers his father harbors a secret that could unravel their family. Can Ant navigate the game and his father's expectations, or will the hidden truths tear them apart?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2021

The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife

Scarlett's emotions cause chaos, risking her dream trip. Can she control them before disaster strikes?

240 pages· 29,443 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 188 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Scarlett Fife's emotions are a ticking time bomb. After a hamster mishap at her aunt's party, she's on thin ice. One more outburst, and her dream trip to Mega Awesome Sicky Fun World is off. But suppressing her feelings only causes chaos—like exploding smoothies and paint. Can Scarlett control her emotions before disaster strikes at the wedding?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2024

Deep Water

A marathon swim tests Tully's resolve to bring her mom back, but danger looms in the deep waters.

224 pages· 22,450 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 990 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Tully Birch embarks on a daring marathon swim across Lake Tahoe, hoping to set a record and win back her absent mother's attention. With her best friend Arch by her side, Tully faces the physical and emotional challenges of the 'Godfather swim.' As memories resurface and the waters grow treacherous, Tully must decide whether to push on and risk everything or abandon her quest for safety. Will her determination lead to triumph or tragedy?
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2012

Cardboard

By Doug TenNapel · Book #1 in the Cardboard series

A cardboard man comes to life, but a bully's creations threaten chaos.

288 pages· 8,674 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,723 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Cam receives a cardboard box for his birthday, a gift that seems disappointing until it transforms into a living man. But when Marcus, the neighborhood bully, gets hold of the magical cardboard, he creates sinister creatures that spiral out of control. As these creations multiply, Cam must confront the chaos and find a way to stop the impending disaster. Can he reclaim the magic and restore peace, or will Marcus's army of cardboard monsters overrun them all?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

Geekerella

A cosplay contest could change everything for a geek girl and a reluctant teen actor.

336 pages· 85,296 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 71,302 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Elle Wittimer, a devoted fan of the sci-fi series Starfield, enters a cosplay contest to win a chance to meet the new Federation Prince. Meanwhile, teen actor Darien Freeman, struggling with his fame, feels disconnected from the fandom he loves. As ExcelsiCon approaches, Elle and Darien's worlds collide, challenging their perceptions and sparking unexpected connections. Will Elle's dreams be dashed by her stepsisters, and can Darien prove he's more than just a heartthrob? Dive into a world where fandom magic and fairy tale romance intertwine in surprising ways.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

The Last Resort

A girl must solve her grandfather's murder in a haunted inn bridging the living and the dead.

240 pages· 43,374 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,543 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Lila's summer plans are upended when her estranged Grandpa Clem dies, leaving her at his eerie Victorian inn. As strange occurrences unfold, Lila discovers the inn is a portal for ghosts. With her brother Caleb and neighbor Teddy, she must solve her grandfather's murder and prevent malevolent spirits from crossing into the living world. Can Lila, determined to be less dramatic, uncover the truth and save both realms?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2002

The Worry Website

Students anonymously share worries online, seeking unexpected advice.

128 pages· 21,818 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.5/5 Goodreads · 5,064 ratings
$7.89Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Mr. Speed's class, everyone has worries—from new family dynamics to school struggles. To help, Mr. Speed creates the Worry Website, where students like Holly and Greg can anonymously share their concerns and receive advice. As they navigate their troubles, they discover that sometimes the best solutions come from surprising sources. Will the website bring the comfort and answers they seek, or will it reveal more than they anticipated? Dive into these interconnected stories and explore the unexpected ways young minds find solace and support.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2013

Despicable Me 2

Book #2 in the Despicable Me series

A former villain becomes a spy dad. Can he balance both worlds?

144 pages· 15,991 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 192 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Gru, once a notorious villain, now juggles fatherhood with his three adopted daughters. As he trades moon heists for pancake breakfasts, a new challenge arises. Recruited by the Anti-Villain League, Gru must navigate the world of espionage. Can he protect his family while embracing his new role as a spy? Discover the twists as Gru's life takes an unexpected turn.
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