Difficult Topics for Kids: Incarceration and Deportation

Sometimes we have to learn about difficult things like losing family members to incarceration and deportation. This list of books can help us start the conversation.

Updated June 20, 2026
B
Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Far apart, close in heart : being a family when a loved one is incarcerated
Birtha, Becky
Paper Book
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2017 - Best Picture Books to Give Readers Strength STARRED REVIEW! "This book is a necessary one."--Kirkus Reviews starred review STARRED REVIEW! "A highly recommended title that...
I wish you knew
Azu?a Kramer, Jackie
Paper Book
An immediate and heartfelt story that explores the aftermath of deportation and celebrates the power of connection and empathy among children. When Estrella's father has to leave because he wasn't born here, like her, She misses...
Mi hermano est ̀lejos
Greenwood, Sara
Paper Book
En este libro conmovedor basado en las experiencias propias de la autora, una nina reflexiona sobre las emociones y los desafios que enfrenta en torno al encarcelamiento de su hermano. Con su hermano mayor en prisi n, una nina aprende a procesar las emociones confusas que crea su...
Milo imagines the world
de la Pen?a, Matt
Paper Book
The team behind the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book Last Stop on Market Street and the award-winning New York Times bestseller Carmela Full of Wishes once again delivers a poignant and timely picture book that's sure to become an instant classic.
Visiting day
Woodson, Jacqueline.
Paper Book
Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson has written a poignant picture book about a little girl who waits hopefully for her father's release from prison. Only on visiting day is there chicken frying in the kitchen at 6 a.m. And Grandma in her Sunday dress, humming...
Something happened to my dad a story about immigration and family separation
Hazzard, Ann
Paper Book
In this realistic and empowering tale, Carmen learns that through community and love, she can find strength in herself and maintain her connection with her Papi, who has been detained because of his immigration status. Also available in a Spanish edition, Algo Le Pasó A Mi Papá: Una Historia...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.