Tender Topics

Children's books that address sensitive topics, such as divorce, bullying, and grief.

Updated June 1, 2023
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City of Orange
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Music is a rainbow
Collier, Bryan
Paper Book
The music turned into color and light and filled the room.   A young boy remembers quietly watching his father read the paper and sip a cup of coffee. He remembers his sweet momma, who lovingly pressed away the wrinkles on his clothes. Then one day, his...
Why do families change? : our first talk about separation and divorce
Roberts, Jillian
Paper Book
Separation and divorce are difficult on the entire family. Often young children blame themselves or are unsure of their place in the family if these events occur. Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations...
Sometimes love
Moore, Katrina
Paper Book
A tender, poetic picture book about a military family experiencing happiness, heartache, and learning to grow through change "Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow." When her mother is deployed overseas, a young girl is temporarily...
Joy Ride
Rinker, Sherri Duskey
Paper Book
When a girl and her grandfather put their hearts into sprucing up an old bike by hand, neighborhood kids are less than kind in this tender story about bullying, peer pressure, and feeling the freedom to express yourself. Needing something to fill up her summer days, Joy seeks out...
I Walk with Vanessa: a Story about a Simple Act of Kindness
Kerascoët
Paper Book
Named by Parents Magazine as the "Best Book that Champions Kindness"! This simple yet powerful picture book--from a New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team--tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. Inspired by...
Yard sale
Bunting, Eve
Paper Book
When a family has to leave their house and move to a small apartment, it's hard to let go of things--but having one another is what counts. Almost everything Callie's family owns is spread out in their front yard--their furniture, their potted flowers, even Callie's bike. They...
A mother for Choco
Kasza, Keiko.
Paper Book
Family is about love no matter how different parents and children may be, adopted or not. Choco wishes he had a mother, but who could she be? He sets off to find her, asking all kinds of animals, but he doesn't meet anyone who looks just like him. He doesn't even think of asking Mrs....
Maybe tomorrow?
Agell, Charlotte
Paper Book
This affectionate, deeply soothing story exemplifies how to comfort someone who is hurting. A wonderful gift for any occasion, perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened. "[Offers] hope that the world can be beautiful place." --School Library Journal Elba has a big...
Yes! No! : a first conversation about consent
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about consent, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. A board book bestseller - now in picture book!     ...
Wolfie the bunny
Dyckman, Ame.
Paper Book
Families of all kinds will delight in this sweet New York Times bestselling tale of new babies, sibling rivalry, bravery, unconditional love...and veggies! The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can--and...
The night dad went to jail : what to expect when someone you love goes to jail
Higgins, Melissa
Paper Book
When someone you love goes to jail, you might feel lost, scared, and even mad. What do you do? No matter who your loved one is, this story can help you through the tough times.
I walk with Vanessa : a story about a simple act of kindness
Kerascoe?t
Paper Book
This simple yet powerful picture book--from a New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team--tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom! Don't miss the companion book,...
Consent (for kids!) : boundaries, respect, and being in charge of you
Brian, Rachel
Paper Book
With clear explanations, fun illustrations, and expertly-presented information, Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and respect for yourself and others. Consent is like being ruler of your own country.....
Bodies are cool
Feder, Tyler
Paper Book
This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over.   From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the...
Tienes un secreto?
Moore-Mallinos, Jennifer.
Paper Book
Every child has secrets, and many secrets are fun to keep�for instance, a surprise birthday gift for Mom, or a secret handshake with a young friend. But sometimes, children have secrets that make them feel bad, and these secrets are best shared with their parents, or with some...
The gardener
Stewart, Sarah
Paper Book
The Gardener is a 1997 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and a 1998 Caldecott Honor Book. From the author-and-illustrator team of the bestselling The Library. Lydia Grace Finch brings a suitcase full of seeds to the...
A history of me
Theodore, Adrea
Paper Book
An uplifting message of hope for the future and pride in your history, inspired by a mother's experience of being the only Black child in her classroom. Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Emphasizing the strength, creativity, and courage passed down through...
Fred Stays with Me!
Coffelt, Nancy
Paper Book
Don't hug Doug
Finison, Carrie
Paper Book
Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn't like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent--from author Carrie Finison and the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People, Daniel Wiseman.<...
The blue house
Wahl, Phoebe
Paper Book
In the tradition of Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House comes a heartfelt story about a father and son learning to accept the new while honoring and celebrating the old. For as long as he can remember, Leo has lived in the blue house with his dad, but lately the...
Fred stays with me
Coffelt, Nancy.
Paper Book
A poignant picture book about a young girl, who in the face of her parents' divorce, turns to the one constant in her life-her dog Fred. Sometimes I live with my mom. Sometimes I live with my dad. But Fred stays with me. Told from the point of view of a young child...
On our street : our first talk about poverty
Roberts, Jillian
Paper Book
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in a way that is accessible. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just...
When you are brave
Miller, Pat Zietlow
Paper Book
An inspiring picture book affirmation about having courage even in difficult times, because some days, when everything around you seems scary, you have to be brave. Saying goodbye to neighbors. Worrying about new friends. Passing through a big city. Seeing a dark road...
Kaleidoscope
Selznick, Brian
Paper Book
  '[Selznick is] a postmodern hero of middle-grade children's fiction... Those who revel in puzzles, philosophical conundrums and musings on transience, time and grief will adore this challenging read'  The Times 'The most perfect feat of storytelling' Scott Evans, The...
A piece of home
Watts, Jeri Hanel
Paper Book
A child-friendly story about the trials and triumphs of starting over in a new place while keeping family and traditions close. When Hee Jun's family moves from Korea to West Virginia, he struggles to adjust to his new home. His eyes are not big and round like his classmates',...
A pocket full of kisses
Penn, Audrey
Paper Book
In this tender sequel to the bestseller and children's classic "The Kissing Hand," Penn provides a heartwarming story, perfect for families who are adjusting to all the changes new members can bring.
The new small person
Child, Lauren
Paper Book
Lauren Child tells the familiar tale of a less-than-welcome sibling with subtlety, insight, affection, and humor. Elmore Green starts life as an only child, as many children do. He has a room to himself, where he can line up his precious things and nobody will move them one inch....
Rissy no kissies
Howes, Katey
Paper Book
A lovebird who doesn't like kisses?! Rissy's friends and family wonder if she's sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care? Rissy No Kissies carries the...
Life without Nico
Maturana, Andrea
Paper Book
Maia and Nico are best friends. They never get tired of playing together. Unexpectedly, though, Nico and his family have to move far away for a while. Maia is devastated. But, slowly, things begin to change, and Maia meets an unexpected companion... she makes a new friend... she even discovers a new...
Every body : a first conversation about bodies
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
A picture book edition of the board book about body liberation, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this...
Yes! no! : a first conversation about consent
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed...
Your body belongs to you
Spelman, Cornelia.
Paper Book
Most of the time you like to get a hug or a kiss, but sometimes you don't want to be touched. At these times it's okay to say "no", because your body belongs to you. In simple, reassuring language, therapist Cornelia Spelman explains that a child's body is his or her own; that it is all right for...
Our skin : a first conversation about race
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed...
I said no! : a kid-to-kid guide to keeping private parts private
King, Zack.
Paper Book
Helping kids set healthy boundaries for their private parts can be a daunting and awkward task for parents, counselors and educators. Written from a kid's point of view, I Said No makes this task a lot easier. To help Zack cope with a real-life experience he had with a friend, he and his mom wrote a...
For black girls like me
Lockington, Mariama
Paper Book
In this lyrical coming-of-age story about family, sisterhood, music, race, and identity, Schneider Family Book Award and Stonewall Honor-winning author Mariama J. Lockington draws on some of the emotional truths from her own experiences growing up with an adoptive white family.
Forever, or a long, long time
Carter, Caela
Paper Book
3 starred reviews * A Kirkus Best Book of 2017 * A New York Public Library Top Ten Books for Kids pick * An ALA Notable Book * 2018 NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Book From rising star Caela Carter, author of My Life with the Liars and How to Be a Girl in the World,...
Isaiah Dunn is my hero
Baptist, Kelly J.
Paper Book
A coming-of-age tale about a boy who proves that with superhero courage--and a few great sidekicks--you can take on even the toughest of odds. Adapted from a story that first appeared in Flying Lessons & Other Stories and perfect for fans of The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson....

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