Books About Single-parent Families · 143 titles considered

The Best Single-parent Families Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about single-parent families? 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-parent Families

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%

Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,566 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

By Leslie Connor

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

352 pages· 66,043 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,608 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Mason Buttle struggles with learning disabilities and grief after his best friend Benny's mysterious death. As the investigation stalls, Mason and his new friend Calvin face relentless bullying. They find solace in a secret hideout, but when Calvin disappears, Mason is thrust into a desperate search for answers. Can he unravel the mystery of both disappearances and prove his innocence, or will his story go unheard?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2020

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

By Kelly J. Baptist · Isaiah Dunn series

A boy finds strength in his late father's journal, discovering poetry and hidden powers.

208 pages· 41,637 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,498 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Isaiah Dunn faces the challenge of stepping into his late father's shoes, managing a silent mother and a curious sister. With his friend Sneaky's schemes and classmate Angel's ideas, Isaiah navigates life's hurdles. His father's journal, filled with tales of a superhero fueled by beans and rice, becomes his guide. Can Isaiah find the strength within these stories to become the hero his family needs? Discover the journey of a ten-year-old boy learning to harness his inner power and resilience in a world that demands he grow up too soon.

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2020

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

By Lyla Lee, Dung Ho (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mindy Kim series

A young girl starts a snack business to fit in and faces unexpected challenges.

96 pages· 9,421 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 904 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Mindy Kim, a young Asian American girl, dreams of fitting in at her new school, getting a puppy, and making her dad happy. Her dried seaweed snack isn't a hit, but with her friend Sally, they launch the Yummy Seaweed Business. When a classmate sabotages their efforts, Mindy must navigate the challenges of friendship and self-acceptance. Can she find the courage to be herself and achieve her dreams?

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

By Dan Gemeinhart · Book #1 in the Coyote Sunrise series

A girl schemes to return home, uncovering secrets and friendships on a cross-country journey.

352 pages· 82,710 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 33,536 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have roamed the country in a bus for five years. When Coyote learns her childhood park is being demolished, she hatches a secret plan to return home and retrieve a buried memory box. As they travel 3,600 miles, they gather a quirky group of travelers, each with their own dreams and struggles. Will Coyote's journey lead her to healing and a new beginning, or will the past prove too difficult to face? Discover the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past in this heartwarming adventure.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Shouting at the Rain

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Delsie faces life's storms, seeking family and friendship.

288 pages· 52,132 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,404 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Delsie, a weather enthusiast, feels the storms of life brewing as she longs for a 'regular family' while living with her Grammy. Her friend drifts away, but new ally Ronan, also grappling with loss, joins her on Cape Cod adventures. Together, they explore emotions and discover the true meaning of family and friendship, learning to weather any storm.

A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

By Jeanne Birdsall · Book #1 in the The Penderwicks series

Four sisters' summer adventures clash with a snobbish mother's disapproval.

262 pages· 52,813 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 66,082 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: The Penderwick sisters embark on a summer holiday at the enchanting Arundel estate. Amidst gardens and hidden treasures, they befriend Jeffrey, the owner's son. But his mother, Mrs. Tifton, disapproves of their lively escapades. Can the sisters navigate her icy demeanor and make this a summer to remember? Discover the magic and mischief that unfold in this charming tale of friendship and adventure.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

A Snicker of Magic

By Natalie Lloyd

A girl must break a curse to restore magic and find a true home in a once-enchanted town.

336 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 14,192 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Felicity arrives in Midnight Gulch, a town once brimming with magic, now silenced by a curse. As a 'word collector,' she sees words everywhere, but 'home' is new. With the help of Jonah, a mysterious boy, Felicity must unravel the town's secrets to restore its magic and heal her mother's wandering heart. Can she break the spell and finally find a place to belong?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1958

The Family Under the Bridge

By Natalie Savage Carlson, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

An old man's solitary life changes when he finds three children needing a home under a Paris bridge.

Newbery Honor (1959)

97 pages· 17,723 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 17,186 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Armand, a contented old man living on the streets of Paris, cherishes his solitary life. But just before Christmas, he discovers three cold, hungry children under his favorite bridge. Despite his initial reluctance, Armand's heart opens to this makeshift family, leading him on a quest to find them a real home. As they navigate the city, encountering gypsies and even Santa Claus, Armand learns the true meaning of family and belonging. Will he succeed in giving them the home they deserve? This heartwarming tale of unexpected bonds will captivate readers with its charm and warmth.

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Single-parent Families Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about single-parent families for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Home in the Woods

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A family moves to a new home in the woods after the father's death.

Sale price

$1899

Something About Hensley's

Ages 6–9 · 2006

A magical store and a kind manager change a struggling family's life.

Sale price

$1799

Pecan Pie Baby

Ages 5–8 · 2010

Gia fears a new baby will disrupt her life with Mama.

Sale price

$1895

The Keeper of Stars

Ages 3–7 · 2024

A boy's nightly comet ride reveals a secret starry world.

Sale price

$1795

Feather

Ages 6–9 · 2012

A girl takes up boxing to stand up to her brothers' demands.

Sale price

$1825

Happy Like Soccer

Ages 5–9 · 2012

Sierra loves soccer, but her aunt can't watch her play. Who will cheer her on?

Sale price

$1799

Across the Bay

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A boy crosses the bay to find his father, discovering the true meaning of home.

Sale price

$2885

Kevin Durant in the Community

Ages 10–13 · 2013

From humble beginnings to basketball stardom, discover Kevin Durant's inspiring journey.

Sale price

$1799

The Great Big Book of Families

Ages 5–8 · 2010

Explore the vibrant tapestry of family life across the globe.

Sale price

$1895

Walk with Me

Ages 4–7 · 2008

A girl imagines a lion to cope with her father's absence.

View all single-parent families picture books

Browse by age

Single-parent Families Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about single-parent families for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Two Naomis

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Two girls must navigate their parents' new relationship and redefine family.

Sale price

$799

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Ages 10–14 · 1998

A boy's wild impulses threaten to derail his future.

Sale price

$1699

Unseen Magic

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl unleashes a shadow self, threatening her magical town's safety.

Sale price

$1699

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

Ages 9–12

Discover the trials and triumphs of the Pepper family.

Sale price

$1699

Shine!

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Can Piper find her own light in a world where everyone else shines?

Sale price

$1499

The Final Year

Ages 9–12 · 2023

A boy's world unravels as friendships shift and family crises loom. Can he find his way through the chaos?

Sale price

$1699

Rare Birds

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A boy's quest to save his mom leads him into Florida's swamps, searching for a rare bird and himself.

Sale price

$1799

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Ages 10–14 · 2024

A boy's quest to keep his family together when his mom vanishes.

Sale price

$1799

Clues to the Universe

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Two unlikely friends confront grief and family secrets while searching for answers in the universe.

Sale price

$799

Nickel Bay Nick

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A boy discovers a secret that could save his town, but first, he must become a spy.

Sale price

$1299

A Tree for Peter

Ages 9–12 · 1941

A mysterious gift transforms a hopeless town, sparking a miraculous renewal.

Sale price

$1699

Lost Boy

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy's quest to find his father may be his mom's only hope for survival.

View all single-parent families chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about bullying Books about caregivers Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about family problems Books about father-daughter relationships Books about feelings and emotions Books about fishing Books about grief

Our 10 Favorite Books About Single-parent Families

Great books, picked for their age.

Single-parent Families Picture Books

Single-parent Families Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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