Supporting Sensitive Topics: Picture Books for Navigating Childhood Challenges

As a school counselor, I often support students navigating significant life experiences such as domestic violence, divorce, grief, and other complex family or personal challenges. These topics require thoughtful, developmentally appropriate approaches that prioritize student safety, emotional readiness, and collaboration with families and caregivers.

One resource I frequently draw on is children’s literature. Carefully selected books can serve as gentle entry points for meaningful, child-friendly conversations or as supportive tools for caregivers who are helping children process difficult experiences at home. In some cases, I may read these books directly with students when clinically and ethically appropriate; in other cases, I provide them as recommended resources for families to use at home.

When considering whether to introduce sensitive topics through books in a school setting, I reflect on several guiding questions:

Is the student currently receiving support from an outside mental health provider, and would collaboration or referral be more appropriate?
Is the school setting the appropriate context for discussing this topic, based on the student’s developmental level, emotional readiness, and school role?
Do I have appropriate guardian awareness or consent when addressing personal or potentially sensitive family circumstances?

If the answer to any of these questions suggests caution, I pause to consider alternative next steps. These may include providing caregivers with curated book lists and community resources, consulting with colleagues or supervisors, or connecting families with appropriate outside supports.

Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that any use of literature in this context is responsive to the needs, rights, and well-being of the student and their family system.

I’ve included several topics, so jump to the topic you’re looking for below. Need more titles? Don’t forget to check out my Big Book Database.

Cancer/Illness

A Story About Cancer With a Happy Ending

by India Desjardins

While the story ultimately has a hopeful resolution, the narrator provides an honest portrayal of what it is like to be a teenager living with cancer. She describes wanting to be treated like everyone else and feeling frustrated by constant reminders of how “strong” she is—particularly from her mother. She also shares that, despite ongoing encouragement to remain positive, there are moments when she feels overwhelmed, loses hope, and even wishes for the pain to end.

Better for older ages (grades 5-9).

Harry Goes to the Hospital: A Story for Children About What It’s Like to Be in the Hospital

by Howard J. Bennett The story of Harry, who has to go to the hospital but finds it scary. For children who may need to go to the hospital or receive treatment.

The Great Katie Kate Tackles Questions About Cancer by M. Maitand Deland

Part of a series, this book follows Great Katie Kate as she takes on the Worry Wombat as she teaches a young girl about treating cancer. Written for young cancer patients on the road to recovery by helping them deal with their fears.

Champ’s Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too! by Sherry North

This book helps children understand cancer, whether it affects themselves, a loved one, a friend, or a pet. It follows a young boy who discovers a lump on his dog, leading to a diagnosis of cancer.

This book follows the story of a young boy and his mother who loses her hair while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Divorce

Mommy’s New Friend by Shelley Tougas

Perfect for exploring all the mixed feelings that come as a parent starts to date someone new. Wonderful for blended families.

Thursday by Ann Bonwill

After her parents’ separation and divorce, Thursdays no longer feel the same for the main character. Her stuffed unicorn comforts her, joining her on imaginative adventures and offering support during difficult emotions. Over time, she begins to reconnect with the changing world around her, gradually finding a way for Thursdays to feel like just Thursdays again.

Was It the Chocolate Pudding?: A Story For Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins

This is a favorite for talking with kids who fear that they are to blame for a divorce.

Two Homes, One Heart by Jessica Young

For children navigating the adjustment of living in two homes due to a separation or divorce, with a message that t while families change, love is constant.

Fred Stays With Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Told from a young child’s perspective, this story follows a girl and her dog, Fred, as they move between her parents’ homes. Through simple language, it highlights her need for stability, the comfort of her bond with Fred, and a cooperative resolution between parents.

Death/Grief

Just What To Do by Kyle Lukoff

Read this book with the class or friends of the person who has experienced a loss. It’s a gentle reminder that we all grieve differently, and sometimes the best support we can give is to listen and respect what that individual needs.

The Heavy Bag by Sarah Surgey

Enid’s grandpa has died, and she carries her grief in a heavy bag filled with special things that remind her of him. As she walks, the bag grows heavier, and her feelings become overwhelming. This bag goes on a journey through the 5 stages of grief.

The ABC’S Of Grief by Jessica Correnti

Each letter of the alphabet is related to the grief process. You can connect each letter with a different activity.

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

This beautiful picture book is funny and colorful, making it easy to talk about such a hard topic. It’s generic enough that it’s perfect for all types of grief- pet, family, friends, etc.

The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla

The story about the death of a sibling, this wonderful book uses the “hole” to represent tough feelings of missing your loved one. This one reminds us that talking about our deceased loved one can bring comfort to us.

Read about supporting kids through grief here.

Deployment

Deployment: One of Our Pieces is Missing by Julia Cook

This book explores how a family adjusts to a new routine during a parent’s deployment and navigates the emotions that come with returning home. It also includes guidance for adults to help children understand and discuss the challenges of deployment and reintegration.

Coming Home by Greg Ruth

This story focuses on a boy reuniting with his military mother, as well as other reunions (and dogs!).

I Love You Near and Far by Marjorie Blain Parker

This heartfelt rhyming story reminds children that loved ones can remain close at heart, even when far away.

Hero Mom by Melinda Hardin

This book compares military mothers to superheroes, highlighting their important jobs in the armed forces and reassuring children that their love is still felt even during deployment.

Also check out “Hero Dad.”

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

This book is perfect for anyone who is missing someone they love- whether it be grief, deployment, or just back to school. For anyone seeking assurance, this book has the message that love transcends and will always be there even when there is distance between us.

Domestic Violence

The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine

A young girl compares her mom’s new partner to the big bad wolf—charming at first, but soon frightening, unpredictable, and abusive. Note: This ends with the mother and daughter leaving and finding safety, which may not reflect what your students are experiencing.

The Strongest Thing: When Home Feels Hard by Hallee Adelman

This story follows a family as they navigate a father’s temper and anger. It explores feelings of fear, sadness, and anger as well as recognizing and breaking cycles of hurtful behavior.

My Quiet Ship: When They Argue by Hallee Adelman

This story is about a boy finding a quiet and safe place in his home when his parents argue. Note: It also encourages self-advocacy and the courage to talk to your family about feelings related to their arguments.

A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret Holmes

This book is wonderful because you can adapt it for any loss or traumatic situation. Helps children open up in ways other than talking- like art.

Hope by Jayneen Sanders

This beautifully illustrated book offers hope to children affected by family violence. Jonathon’s story encourages children to share their fears with trusted adults and reminds them that the violence is never their fault.

Foster Care

Two Ways Home: A Foster Care Journey by Marion Rhines

10-year-old Levi has recently joined a foster family and shares his experience adjusting to a new home. The story highlights positive aspects of foster care and can help children better understand and feel more comfortable in similar situations. Note: experiences in foster care vary widely.

Murphy’s Three Homes: A Story for Children in Foster Care by Jan Levinson Gilman

Murphy, a Tibetan Terrier puppy, shares the emotional challenges of moving through multiple foster homes and unfamiliar settings before finding a caring home where he feels safe, valued, and comfortable again.

Stellaluna by by Janell Cannon

Knocked from her mother’s safe embrace by an owl, Stellaluna, a baby fruit bat, falls into a bird’s nest. Adopted by the nest’s inhabitants, she adjusts to their unfamiliar bird behaviors while trying to find her place in a very different world.

Incarcerated Family Member

Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream For me by Daniel Beaty

A timeless award-winning story about an absent father and the love he leaves behind.

Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson

In this moving story, a young girl and her grandmother prepare for their monthly visit to see her father in prison. The book highlights the love, anticipation, and connection that remain strong despite separation.

My Daddy Is In Jail by Janet M. Bender

This book includes a discussion guide and group activities for helping children cope with the incarceration of a parent or loved one.

My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood

When a young girl’s older brother is incarcerated, she struggles with the mix of sadness, anger, embarrassment, and love that comes with his absence. A long-awaited visit reminds her that although life has changed, their bond remains strong.

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña

As Milo travels to visit his incarcerated mother, he imagines the lives of the people around him. Along the way, he learns that appearances can be misleading and that every person has a story others may not see.

Substance Abuse/Parental Addiction

Something Happened to Our Mom: A Story About Parental Addiction by Ann Hazzard PhD

This story addresses topics of parents struggling w/ addiction (opioid use), family changes after a car accident, support, and community.

A Kids Book About Addiction by Nicole Lendo

A nonfiction book for kids aged 5-9 to understand what addiction is, and to help all readers cope with and validate the many feelings that come when experiencing someone else’s addiction.

Louis Undercover by Fanny Britt

A graphic novel about a boy navigating life between his alcoholic dad and worried mom, while trying to find the courage to talk to his crush, Billie—with help from his best friend.

Sometimes Stormy by Amanda Davis

This story follows Ezra as he navigates life with a parent struggling with alcohol use disorder. With support from caring adults, he learns that he is not responsible for his parent’s challenges and discovers healthy ways to cope.

All the Pieces: When a Loved One Dies from Substance Use by Hallie Riggs

This compassionate book helps children grieve the loss of a loved one due to substance use. It explains addiction as a disease, reassures children that the death was not their fault, validates complex emotions, and encourages them to remember and cherish their loved one.

Natural Disasters

When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman

This reassuring story walks children through preparing for, experiencing, and recovering from a storm. It highlights how people and animals stay safe during difficult weather and reminds readers that storms eventually pass.

What to Bring by Lorna Schultz Nicholson

This story follows a family displaced by a wildfire, and the tough choices they must make when disaster strikes.

A Hat for House: One Storm, Many Helpers by Audrey Perrott

The story of a house and a community rebuilding and coming together after a tornado.

Golden Threads by Suzanne Del Rizzo

Following a storm, this story of friendship and Kitusugi (the art of repairing cracked pottery) is a testament to resilience.

The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarino

When a long storm keeps a family indoors, tensions rise, and conflicts emerge. Together, they learn new ways to connect, solve problems, and navigate challenges as a family.

Violence/National News

The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul

When troubling news impacts her community, a young girl notices the adults around her seem distracted and overwhelmed. This versatile story explores how children may respond to difficult events and changes that affect the people they depend on.

The Talk by Alicia D. Williams

As Jay grows older, his family begins preparing him for realities shaped by racial bias and prejudice. This thoughtful story explores racism, family, love, and the support children need as they navigate an unfair world.

After: A Survivor’s Story by Hallee Adelman

This story has many talking points: gun violence, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, activism/advoacy, community, and current events.

The Rhino Suit by Colter Jackson

A girl overwhelmed by the world builds a protective “rhino suit” to shut out pain, only to discover it also blocks out joy and connection. The story follows her journey toward finding balance and openness.

What to Do When the News Scares You by Jacqueline B. Toner

This interactive guide helps children understand current events and manage their emotions. Part of a workbook series, it can be used chapter by chapter to provide ongoing support.

Parental Mental Health

In the Blue by Erin Hourigan

This story uses color to gently explore a father’s depression and its impact on his daughter. It shows how their love remains steady through emotional changes and offers an accessible way to talk with children about mental health.

Gray by Laura Dockrill

This book helps children explore feelings of depression, showing how emotions can range from bright and sunny to heavy and gray. It validates days when someone feels unlike themselves or disconnected from the world around them.

Mama Moon by Noah Grigni

This story talks about the ups and downs of a loved one’s mental health and subsequent mood changes. Use it for opening up conversations about depression, bipolar disorder, and similar diagnoses.

Mama’s Days by Andi Diehn

A girl tells a story about a misunderstood dragon to understand her mother’s unpredictable emotions and to reveal her love for her.

Why is Dad So Mad? by Seth Kastle

This story supports children in military families whose parent is living with combat-related PTSD. It reflects the challenges of returning to civilian life and adjusting to family roles after deployment.

Pet Loss

Wonderful Goodbyes by Kelly Wu

The story of a girl and her dog as they know the end grows near.

Where Are You, Brontë? by Tomie dePaola

The story of the losing a beloved pet, this book is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola Partner with my pet loss book.

Where Lily Isn’t by Julie Paschkis

This book makes me cry every time I read it! It’s a tender reminder of the emptiness we feel after losing a pet. From under our feet to next to us in bed, their memory is always in our hearts.

The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst

Just as “The Invisible String” helps remind readers of our invisible connect, this one is specifically for pets.

Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

This set offers gentle, comforting visions of what it might be like for beloved pets after they die. These tender stories help children process grief and remember their animals with love.