How I Survived My Parent's Big Scary Divorce (ISBN 1419642618)

this book will help your child:
Undeniably, divorce is tough on kids but reading this book to a child will ease the pain and anxiety, open meaningful discussions, stir the beginnings of the healing process and put a smile back on your face. How I Survived My Parents' Big Scary Divorce by Audrey Lavin is a wise, funny book certain to help both children and parents cope in a time of uprooted confusion. This spirited book helps children navigate the perplexing and frightening feelings surrounding their parents' break up. Children will love the attitude-infused little girl, Maggie McFatcha, who is mad at her parents, madder at herself and absolutely furious at divorce. Maggie's sure her parents' split is her fault somehow, but with the help of her parents and an astute "feelings" doctor, Maggie learns that her parents still love her, that it's possible to have a conversation that doesn't involve yelling or flushing a cell phone down the toilet, and that her friends will still like her even if she lives in two houses.

Excellent!:
An extremely well written and engaging story. As an elementary school teacher, I am impressed with the bigger ideas this story addresses--the importance of self-expression and helping children to share their feelings honestly, and of letting them know they are not responsible for events out of their control. Divorce is painful for all parties, but this story helps children and adults alike understand the critical part perspective and love play in healing and emotional growth.

A personal favorite!:
"How I Survived my Parents' Big Scary Divorce" deals with the now common reality of divorce in a sweet, funny and poignant way. The main character, Maggie MacFatcha, well represents every child who has ever remotely thought their parents' divorce was his or her fault (and that IS every child, despite what we-divorced parents want to believe). The book drives home the crucial point that kids need to be kids, and not worry about the stuff that goes on in the "worn out and shriveled up brains" of grown ups, finding security and safety in the fact that both parents, though now separate, love them "more than anything in the whole world." My children, 11 and 8, both read it separately and I could visibly see them relax, as if they were relieved that someone truly understands them. My thanks to the author!