7 Books to Help Kids Cope with a Loved One’s Incarceration
Having a family member in jail or prison can be really hard for kids to understand, and can bring on so many different emotions. This can also be an isolating time, as some kids may not feel comfortable talking about what they’re experiencing or may face pressure to stay quiet about it because of the social stigma.
These 7 picture books about kids who have an incarcerated family member offer gentle ways to talk about separation, love, and hope. They can also help children make sense of their emotions and experiences. The books are perfect to use when working with kids who have an incarcerated family member, but can also be used to help all kids develop a more empathetic view toward families who are navigating this experience.
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The night dad went to jail by melissa higgins
Recommended Grades: K-2
One night, Bailey’s dad is arrested for breaking a law. Readers follow along through Bailey’s experiences of meeting with a social worker, getting teased by a classmate for what happened, processing her emotions, visiting her dad in the local jail, and his transition to prison. At the end of the book, we see Bailey adjusting to life with her dad in prison and all of the feelings that come with it.
visiting day by jacqueline woodson
Recommended Grades: K-3
This story follows a little girl as she visits her father in prison. Readers follow as she prepares for the visit, goes to the prison, and then reflects on it afterward. This book helps readers reflect on some of the ways to find joy even in a tough situation like this.
My brother is away by sara greenwood
Recommended Grades: K-3
The girl in this story had such wonderful times with her brother, but now he is far away in prison. Readers follow along as the girl processes her feelings, sees her brother for the first time, and learns that while some things are different, some things are still the same - like her brother’s love for her.
see you soon by mariame kaba
Recommended Grades: K to 3
In this story, Queenie shares her experiences as she goes to drop off her mom - who struggles with addiction - at the jail. Queenie will miss her mom and all of the great times they’ve had when her mom has been well. After this hard experience, Queenie goes home to find a new quilt filled with pictures of her and her mom. Eventually, she receives a letter from her mom and gets news that she’ll be able to visit soon.
deena misses her mom by Jonae Haynesworth, Jesse Holmes, Layonnie Jones, and Kahliya Ruffin
Recommended Grades: 1 to 4
Deena is having a hard time with her mom in jail. She doesn’t want to talk about it and even lashes out at some of her loved ones. One day, her dad takes her to the carnival and after they have fun, they talk about her mom. Deena learns some tips for getting through this hard time and is even able to see her mom on video chat!
far apart, close in heart by becky birtha
Recommended Grades: 1 to 4
This is a WONDERFUL book that explores having an incarcerated parent, as it follows different kids and their diverse experiences. Each kid is in a different situation, experiences different things, and/or processes their emotions differently. The book is gentle and careful as it encourages readers through the hard things they may be going through.
dear dad, love nelson by margarett mcbride
Recommended Grades: 1 to 4
This book tells a story through Nelson’s letters to his father, who is in jail. The letters cover the course of several months as we see Nelson’s experience as a child with an incarcerated parent. He writes about what’s happening at home, asks questions, shares his feelings, and more.
Having a family member who is in jail or prison can be a confusing, isolating, and heartbreaking experience. I hope that these 7 books will help you support kids as they navigate the complex emotions that come with incarceration.
