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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Single Parents

No Small Thing
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2003

No Small Thing

By Natale Ghent

Three siblings answer an ad for a free pony, but keeping it costs more than money.

245 pages· 49,130 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 962 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: When twelve-year-old Nat and his sisters, Cid and Queenie, find an ad for a free pony, they can hardly believe their luck. Their mother has struggled since their father walked out four years ago, but she relents once Nat promises his paper-route money for the pony's keep. Caring for the pony tests the family as Nat searches for love and a sense of who he is.
Playing the Cards You're Dealt
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 Goodreads · 1,148 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?
The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2021

The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife

By Maz Evans · Book #1 in the The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife series

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 Goodreads · 190 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?
Deep Water
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2024

Deep Water

By Jamie Sumner

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 Goodreads · 1,020 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?
Cardboard
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 Goodreads · 14,745 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?
Geekerella
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

Geekerella

By Ashley Poston · Book #1 in the Once Upon a Con series

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 Goodreads · 71,579 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.
Here Today
Sale price
$284
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2004

Here Today

By Ann M. Martin

When her mother leaves to chase fame, an eleven-year-old must hold her family together.

308 pages· 60,917 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,539 ratings
$2.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1963, eleven-year-old Ellie Dingman lives in small-town Spectacle, New York, with an off-center family. Her mother dreams only of becoming a rich and famous actress, and when that dream takes her away from home, Ellie has to take charge of her younger siblings as she starts sixth grade in a year of upheaval.
Seahorses Are Sold Out
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Seahorses Are Sold Out

By Constanze Spengler, Katja Gehrmann (Illustrator)

A bored kid is allowed one quiet pet from the store. It doesn't stop at one.

40 pages
3.8 Goodreads · 137 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mika's dad works from home and never has time for the promised swimming trip, so he lets Mika pick a pet from the store: something quiet, like a mouse. When the mouse gets lost, they need a dog to find it, and the dog leads to a seal, the seal to a penguin. How many animals can move in before Dad notices?
The Last Resort
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

The Last Resort

By Erin Entrada Kelly · Book #1 in the The Last Resort series

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 Goodreads · 1,765 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?
Stacey McGill... Matchmaker?
Sale price
$379
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

Stacey McGill... Matchmaker?

By Ann M. Martin · Book #124 in the The Baby-Sitters Club series

A babysitter sees a perfect match for her single mom in her charges' dad.

125 pages
3.8 Goodreads · 603 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Stacey is babysitting the Brooke kids when she notices their charming single dad might be the ideal partner for her single mom. As she navigates this matchmaking mission, will her plan succeed, or will unexpected complications arise? With family dynamics and budding friendships at stake, Stacey's heart is set on bringing two lonely hearts together. But can she manage to play cupid without causing chaos?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door every month.

BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
Books from a Bookroo book club in their box