12 Reassuring Books to Help Kids Deal With Change
by Janssen Bradshaw
Change is a normal part of life, but it can be challenging, especially for children.
Whether it’s a move (their own or a friend’s), a divorce, a new school, the end of a season, or any number of other things, learning to deal with change is an important life skill.
These books about change are perfect for starting conversations about those changes with your children. Independent readers can also explore these titles on their own. They’ll help your child know that they aren’t alone in navigating these changes.
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Picture Books
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Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!
Available from:When a friend moves away, it can feel like nothing but goodbyes. This sweet book shows children that while a move does mean goodbyes, it can mean hellos too!
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The Day You Begin
Available from:No one writes as beautifully as Jacqueline Woodson. This gorgeous book showcases the fears that accompanies a new situation and the amazing things that can come from stepping into the unknown.
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Rosie Goes to Preschool
The first day of preschool is a big transition for a young child. Beloved author and illustrator Karen Katz is the perfect person to guide little ones through it. In this charming book, a little girl named Rosie, shows readers everything they need to know about preschool, from meeting the teacher to eating lunch.
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When Sadness is at Your Door
Available from:Prolonged sadness is challenging to deal with or talk to children about, but Eva Eland does a magnificent job. This gorgeous book turns sadness into a visitor with suggestions for how to interact with them, instead of just trying to "get over it." This book is such a gift for any family dealing with depression, anxiety, or sadness.
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Little Tree
Available from:Little Tree loves his life as a young tree in the forest. He adores his beautiful leaves so much that he refuses to let go of them when fall comes. But because he refuses to accept the changing seasons, he's unable to grow. Once he's ready to let go of his leaves, he's finally able to progress.
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Bear Hug
All children grow up and become adults. This sweet story follows a bear making the transition from child to adult as he faces his first winter on his own. Later, he teaches those same necessary skills to his own cub.
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The Journey
Available from:Inspired by two girls the author met in a refugee center in Italy, this beautiful book explores what it means to leave behind everything you've ever known to find a new place to call home.
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Middle Grade Books
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Harbor Me
Available from:If you loved the National Book Award-winning novel Brown Girl Dreaming, pick up this heartfelt book from the same author. Every week, six kids meet together for a no-adults-allowed chat they call “A room to talk.” Together, they can talk about what’s bothering them, share their stories, and lean on each other.
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To Night Owl From Dogfish
Available from:It's hard when your family unit changes, and for Avery and Bett, who discover their single dads are considering creating a new family of the four of them, it's life-changing. It will take an unexpected summer adventure at sleepaway camp to bring the girls closer together. These soon-to-be sisters will steal your heart!
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Rock Star #1
Available from:Newly independent readers will adore this early chapter book starring a science-loving girl. When her best friend moves away, Jada Jones is devastated. To make matters worse, one of her science project teammates doesn't like Jada or her ideas. It will take some creativity to turn her foe into a friend and create a fantastic science project.
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Shine!
Available from:Moving to a new school is always challenging, but Piper finds this move extra tricky because she's starting at the same fancy private school where her dad works. In a school full of over-achievers, it's clear to Piper that some people are made to shine, and she's not one of them. Kids will love this funny and inspirational novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library and co-author J.J. Grabenstein.
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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Available from:Lucy was struck by lightning when she was young, and she has been a math genius ever since. But now there's a problem she can't solve – how to survive one year of middle school. To mollify her grandmother, Lucy must complete the year, join an activity, and tackle the biggest challenge yet making a new friend.
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