As I reflect on my own childhood experiences with divorce, I’m reminded of how rare it is for young adult books to tackle this topic. Growing up, I found solace in characters like Dawn from The Baby-Sitters Club, whose parents were divorced – a reality that resonated deeply with me, given my own circumstances.
My parents had divorced when I was young, and I spent my formative years shuttling between two homes, one with my mom and grandparents during the week, and another where I’d visit my dad and his new family. Despite the prevalence of divorce in the ’90s, I felt like I was among the few who had to navigate this complex situation. When I eventually cut ties with my dad in high school, it marked a turning point for me.
Fast-forward to today, and I’m heartened to see YA books about divorce becoming more prominent. While it’s still not representative of the reality of a 40-50% divorce rate in America, it’s a welcome shift that allows teens to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Divorce is a multifaceted experience, ranging from amicable and clean to messy and complex, with children often caught in the middle.
The books below offer a nuanced exploration of what divorce looks like, whether it’s a new development or a long-standing reality for a teenager.
Divorce in YA Books
Boy by Blake Nelson
Like Blake Nelson’s cult classic novel Girl, the story of Gavin Meeks is a poignant exploration of life-altering moments that challenge our perceptions of ourselves and those around us. Gavin is a typical high school ‘cool kid’, living an effortless life filled with parties, relationships, and adrenaline-fueled adventures. However, everything changes when Antoinette, a mysterious and enigmatic outsider, crashes into the social hierarchy at Evergreen High.
With a depth of experience that belies her youthful appearance, Antoinette is a force to be reckoned with – a rebellious spirit who has witnessed darkness and tragedy firsthand. As Gavin finds himself drawn to Antoinette’s captivating presence, he begins to explore new passions and desires, including his own creative expression through photography, which becomes a means of capturing the essence of his fascination with Antoinette.
Endangered by Eliot Schrefer
In the midst of chaos, even well-intentioned efforts can be met with peril. For one young girl, a reluctant participant in her mother’s conservation work at a bonobo sanctuary, this reality hits close to home. Initially unenthused about being part of her mother’s passion project, she’s forced to confront her reservations when revolution erupts and their haven is targeted.
With the sanctuary under attack, she must take matters into her own hands, leading a daring rescue mission to save the bonobos and flee into the treacherous jungle. Amidst the danger and uncertainty, she’ll fight tooth and nail for survival, driven by the primal urge to keep herself, her mother, and their primate companions safe from harm.
Fade Out by Nova Ren Suma
Imagine stepping into a black-and-white world where only one splash of color breaks through – a girl in vibrant pink polka-dot tights. The air is electric with the promise of adventure as a nostalgic soundtrack begins to swell, drawing you in like a magnet. You’re transported to a place where big lies and mysterious secrets lurk around every corner, and 13-year-old Dani Callanzano is at the heart of it all.
Stuck in her quiet town with only her beloved noir mysteries at the Little Art movie theater for company, Dani’s life is about to take an unexpected turn.
It starts when a real-life mystery begins to unfold at the Little Art itself – one that’s somehow connected to that enigmatic girl in polka-dot tights. With her vivid imagination, flair for drama, and knowledge of classic Hollywood star Rita Hayworth, Dani sets out to crack the case.
But as she navigates the twists and turns, she’ll discover more about herself than she ever thought possible.
Finding Felicity by Stacey Kade
Caroline Sands’ struggles with friendship began long before her parents’ divorce and their subsequent move to Arizona three years prior. As a socially awkward individual, navigating new relationships was always a challenge for her. When she invented an entire persona using characters from Felicity, an old show that had captured her heart, it became her coping mechanism of choice – a desperate attempt to please her worried mother and fit in with her peers.
However, as Caroline prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life at college, she’s eager to leave her manufactured identity behind and forge meaningful connections. Unfortunately, when her mother discovers the truth about her fabricated friends, she issues an ultimatum: Caroline must prove that she can form genuine relationships during this first semester or face the prospect of returning home – with a healthy dose of therapy, no less.
Armed with nothing but her determination and a plan inspired by Felicity’s most iconic moments, Caroline accepts the challenge. But as she soon discovers, reality rarely follows the script of her beloved TV show. To find a place where she truly belongs, Caroline may need to take the risk of being herself, abandoning the security blanket of her fictional persona for the uncertainty of real-life connections.
Happy Families by Tanita S. Davis
Teenage twins Ysabel and Justin Nicholas have a lot to be grateful for. Their sister’s jewelry designs are already turning heads in the art world, while Justin’s intelligence and drive are poised to earn him a spot at one of the most elite colleges. To top it off, they get along swimmingly with their parents. But beneath the surface, a ticking time bomb awaits.
A secret their father has been keeping threatens to upend the twins’ idyllic family life and everything they thought they knew about their reality. As spring break approaches, Ysabel and Justin will be forced to confront the harsh realities of their dad’s new path. But can they put aside their fears and work together to reassemble the pieces of their happy family?
He Forgot To Say Goodbye by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
In stark contrast, Ramiro Lopez and Jake Upthegrove seem like polar opposites. Ram resides in El Paso’s working-class barrio, ‘Dizzy Land’, where his family is grappling with the devastating consequences of his brother’s addiction. On the other end of the spectrum lies Jake, a privileged West Side resident struggling to control his anger issues as an only child.
Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two share a common thread – both were abandoned by their fathers at a young age, leaving deep scars and an unrelenting obsession with the men who left them behind. As Jake and Ram gradually set aside their initial distrust, they begin to transcend their isolated existences and discover that they are capable of extending beyond the wounds of their pasts and the confines of their neighborhoods.
Their unlikely friendship blossoms into a beacon of healing in a world marred by hurt.
An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes by Randy Ribay
As the final days of high school loom, four friends who find solace in their weekly Dungeons & Dragons game are forced to confront the complexities of adulthood. Archie’s grappling with the lingering emotional fallout from his parents’ divorce, while Mari’s torn between pursuing a connection with her biological mother and forging her own path.
Meanwhile, Dante’s building up the courage to reveal his true identity to his friends, and Sam’s desperate to hold onto a relationship that’s rapidly unraveling. In a last-ditch effort to find answers or avoid the uncertainty of their futures, the foursome embarks on a cross-country road trip, navigating the twists and turns of their own parallel universes.
The Lake Effect by Erin McCahan
As Briggs Henry departs his senior year, he leaves behind the turmoil of his ex-girlfriend and his parents’ financial woes for the serene shores of Lake Michigan. His summer job as a personal assistant and residence in a picturesque Victorian house along the beach seem like the perfect escape. However, his plans to one day buy this very house for his parents take a sudden turn when he’s summoned by his 84-year-old boss to attend her funeral, donning a suit no less.
This unexpected detour sets the stage for a summer of awkward encounters, gut-wrenching moments, intense beach volleyball matches under the scorching sun, profound insights gained during moonlit strolls, and a stash of funeral programs that serve as constant reminders of the somber tone.
Complicating matters is Abigail, the enigmatic neighbor whose unwavering indifference towards Briggs’s charms leaves him feeling perplexed and wondering if he’ll ever be able to make a ripple in her life, let alone the lake itself.
A Little Friendly Advice by Siobhan Vivian
When trust is shattered, it’s hard to know who to rely on. For Ruby, turning 16 wasn’t supposed to be a traumatic experience, but that’s exactly what happened when her long-lost father showed up unexpectedly. All she wanted was to celebrate with her friends – Beth, Katherine, and Maria – who always had an opinion or advice ready at hand. But amidst the chaos of her father’s return, Ruby found herself questioning everything, including the intentions of those closest to her.
And then there was Charlie, a charming newcomer who further complicated matters. As Ruby navigated this emotional minefield, she began to realize that not everyone around her was as truthful or reliable as they seemed.
Pushing Pause by Celeste O. Norfleet
Kenisha Lewis’s seemingly perfect world was turned upside down when her father dropped a divorce bombshell. The 15-year-old’s idyllic existence – complete with loving parents, a doting boyfriend bound for the NBA, and a life of luxury in the suburbs – was shattered by his announcement that he wanted to split from her mother. To make matters worse, his pregnant girlfriend would be moving in, forcing Kenisha and her mom to downsize to a small city home shared with her grandmother and cousin.
The once-carefree teenager found herself sharing a bedroom with someone she barely knew, struggling to cope with the rapid transformation of her life. Her boyfriend’s sudden departure, her friends’ increasingly erratic behavior, and her mother’s deepening despair only added to Kenisha’s woes. As her world spiralled out of control, she realized it was time to hit pause on her tumultuous existence and take a long, reflective breath.
Rani Patel in Full Effect by Sonia Patel
Rani Patel, a 17-year-old Indian girl from Moloka’i, defies cultural expectations by embracing hip-hop as an outlet for self-expression. Behind the confident exterior lies a shy, flat-chested teenager struggling to connect with her peers due to the stifling norms of Indian culture. Her parents’ arranged marriage is a facade, and Rani’s father seeks emotional support from his daughter, often crossing intimate boundaries.
When she discovers him cheating with a significantly older woman, Rani feels like a widow, prompting her to shave her head in a symbol of liberation. This bold move catches the attention of Mark, an older customer who frequents her parents’ store and is more akin to her father than her. As they grow closer, Rani finds herself drawn into 4eva Flowin’, an underground hip-hop collective, as well as other experiences she never imagined having.
Despite the warning signs, Rani’s choices ultimately lead her to rediscover her strengths and restore what she thought was lost, including a deeper connection with her mother.
Saints and Misfits by SK Ali
The notion that you can accurately gauge someone’s character by their appearance is a concept Janna Yusuf knows all too well. As an Arab Indian-American hijabi teenager, bookworm, photographer, and occasional graphic novelist, she defies easy categorization. Her eclectic blend of interests and passions makes it challenging for others to pin her down. And yet, Janna finds herself suddenly consumed by the opinions of those around her – particularly a certain boy named Jeremy.
Though she wouldn’t consider dating him (Muslim girls don’t, after all), his perception of her weighs heavily on her mind. As she grapples with her own identity, Janna is torn between the desire to conform and the need to express herself authentically. Her inner turmoil is palpable as she ponders what it means to be a saint, a misfit, or even a monster. The irony isn’t lost on her – she’s well aware of a ‘monster’ masquerading as a saint in their tight-knit Muslim community.
Will Janna be the one to expose this facade and risk the consequences that follow? Only time will tell.
Still Life with Tornado by AS King
Sixteen-year-old Sarah is a complex individual, comprising multiple personas with distinct characteristics. While her parents envision her as a talented artist with a bright future ahead, reality suggests otherwise – she can’t even draw her own hand. Meanwhile, there’s a ten-year-old version of Sarah, who harbors a potty mouth and a sunburned complexion, yet still recalls the family vacation in Mexico that marked a turning point for the family.
In contrast, twenty-three-year-old Sarah exudes confidence with her stylish highlights, but her attitude is less than endearing. Then there’s forty-year-old Sarah, whose culinary skills are unmatched – she whips up a mean queso dip and has a carefree approach to life, minus wearing a bra. She’s also keenly interested in the truth surrounding Sarah’s art teacher.
As these various Sarahs navigate Philadelphia alongside a mysterious homeless artist named Earl, they’re collectively anxious about her future. However, it’s the present that may be where Sarah is struggling – perhaps grappling with an existential crisis or awakened by her multiple personas to confront the chaos and denial that permeates her parents’ marriage.
Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake
As the news of her father’s infidelity sinks in, Hadley St. Clair is consumed by a burning desire to be angry – at everyone, including her dad. Her response is anything but conventional, as she’s determined to maintain her outrage and isolate herself from those around her.
Meanwhile, Sam Bennett has his own share of emotional baggage.
Still reeling from his parents’ divorce and a recent move to a new town, he’s desperate for a distraction-free senior year that will pave the way for a hassle-free college experience. Romantic entanglements are the last thing on his mind – until he lays eyes on Hadley.
The connection between Hadley and Sam is palpable, but there’s a catch: Sam harbors a secret that could shatter their budding relationship. Should he heed his heart or reveal the truth?
Summer of Yesterday by Gaby Triana
Summer’s arrival marks the beginning of Haley’s unpleasant journey. Following a seizure that occurred months prior, she’s forced to spend her vacation at Disney’s Fort Wilderness with her dad and his new family, rather than reuniting with friends at summer camp. The trip holds nostalgic value for her father, but none for Haley. However, another seizure sparks an unusual phenomenon – time travel – transporting her back to River Country, the abandoned water park, in its heyday: 1982.
Amidst the retro atmosphere of vintage fashion, classic tunes, and primitive technology, she encounters familiar faces: her teenage parents before they ever met. As Haley navigates this unfamiliar setting, she must find a way to return to the twenty-first century before her present-day parents’ frantic search for her begins. This challenge is further complicated by her growing connection with Jason, a summer resident and employee at the park, who takes the stranded teenager under his wing.
Seizures aside, Haley’s accustomed to being in control, but she’s unsure how to cope with this predicament. The question remains: can she fall for someone whose future she can’t share?
This Impossible Light by Lily Myers
In the midst of turmoil, fifteen-year-old Ivy’s life is turned upside down. Her father has moved out, leaving her mother withdrawn and isolated. Her brother is away at college, while her once-loyal best friend Anna now seems distant. To make matters worse, Ivy’s body appears to be perpetually expanding, with no end in sight. The constant changes have left her feeling disconnected from herself and everyone around her.
The only respite comes from her beloved math class, where she finds fleeting moments of solace. However, even this refuge offers little comfort as she struggles to find a solution to the chaotic equation that has become her life.
In an attempt to regain control, Ivy decides to make a drastic change in her eating habits. The initial boost in confidence is short-lived, though, as she realizes that limiting what she eats can have devastating consequences on her overall well-being.
With this newfound awareness, Ivy must confront the challenges of growing up and discovering her own identity, all while navigating her complex relationship with her mother.
Trouble Is A Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly
Philip Digby bursts onto Zoe Webster’s doorstep with a rude demeanor, treating her like a familiar story he’s already read. Despite this initial impression, Zoe finds herself drawn into a series of absurd, high-stakes, and borderline-illegal escapades all centered around the kidnapping of a local teenager. This mystery might be linked to Digby’s own troubled past, specifically the disappearance of his younger sister eight years prior.
As he drags Zoe along with him, she becomes increasingly entangled in his manic quest for answers. But is Digby a hero, driven by a genuine desire to help others, or is this just a desperate attempt to repair his fractured family and reconcile his own obsessive tendencies? And does Zoe’s involvement stem from genuine concern or mere fascination with the enigmatic Digby?
The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten
Adam Spencer Ross’s goals are ambitious and all-consuming. He strives to grow immediately, summon the courage to take risks, and maintain that courage in the face of uncertainty. His ultimate desire is to find normalcy and marry Robyn Plummer, a woman who has recently been released from a residential psychiatric program after battling severe mental health issues.
The instant Adam meets Robyn at his Young Adult OCD Support Group, he’s captivated by her hypnotic voice, piercing blue eyes, and ravishing beauty, which sends his insides into overdrive. Despite the fact that she’s struggled with some of the most challenging cases, Adam feels an overwhelming urge to save her, or die trying.
But as he reflects on their situation, he can’t help but wonder if it’s really Robyn who needs rescuing, and whether a normal relationship is even possible when life is anything but ordinary.
What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
McLean’s life has been marked by constant change since her parents’ divorce. With her dad, a restaurant consultant, moving every few months, she’s had to reinvent herself multiple times – from cheerleader to drama queen. But as she settles into yet another new town, McLean finds herself craving stability and wanting to discover who she is outside of the need to adapt to her surroundings. Maybe getting to know Dave, her enigmatic neighbor, will help her uncover that identity.
As you navigate your own experiences with divorce or uncertainty, which YA books have helped you process these emotions? Share your recommendations in the comments below.