We have jotted down a non-exhaustive list of books suitable for children age 3 and up which deal with the issues affecting children with imprisoned parents.

The following books are available to order from Action for Prisoners’ Families.

Changing Places: a Kid’s View of Shelter Living

by Margie Chalofsky et al, (ages 8-12)

Captures the voices of eight homeless children, ages 6 to 13, drawing a touching picture of children’s incredible strength and clarity under very difficult circumstances…

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart

by Vera Williams, (ages 8-12)

As their family faces hard times, sisters Amber and Essie know they have to help their mother and work together to get things moving in the right direction once again.

Finding the Right Spot: When Kids Can’t Live with Their Parents

by Janice levy, (ages 6-12)

Finding the Right Spot is a story for all kids who can’t live with their parents, regardless of the circumstances. It’s a story about resilience and loyalty, hope and disappointment, love, sadness, and anger, too. It’s about whether life is fair, and wondering what will happen tomorrow, and talking about all of it. And finally, it’s about what makes the spot you’re in feel right. A “”Note to Caregivers”” by Jennifer Wilgocki, MS, and Marcia Kahn Wright, PhD, discusses the emotional experience of children who are in foster care, kinship care, or otherwise not living with their parents, and the vital support that the adults in their lives can offer.

Danny’s Mum

Illustrated by Lesley Saddington. for 3-6 year olds.
2004. (24 pages)

Danny’s Mum is the story of Danny whose mother is sent to prison. It explores his feelings of loss and confusion. Through friends at school and others, Danny begins to talk about his mum and look forward to her return.

Tommy’s Dad – by Emma Randle-Caprez 
Illustrated by Nick Sharratt. For 4-7 year olds
2005 (24 pages)

Tommy’s Dad is the story of a young boy and his sister whose father is sent to prison. It explores their feelings of loss, anger and frustration at not being told what’s going on, until their mother finally decides to take them to see their dad.

Finding Dad – by Dan Lee
Illustrated by Korky Paul. For 8-11 year olds.
2005 (136 pages)

Finding Dad tells the story of 8-year-old James Orchard who turns detective to find out the truth about his dad, who disappears with the police early one morning. James’ mum will only say that he has gone on a secret mission, sending James off into his imaginary world as he tries to track dad down.

It’s a Tough Time for Everyone
by Deirdre Sloan, Barnardos (N. Ireland) and John Farrelly

This comic-style colour magazine is aimed at the older child who has a parent or relative in prison. A must for any young person coping with this difficult situation.

My Daddy is in Jail by Janet Bender
Story, Discussion Guide & Small Group
Age 5- 11, Activities for Grades K to 5.

My Daddy is in Jail offers professionals and caregivers resources for providing information and support in helping young children cope with the incarceration of a loved one.

Visiting Day – by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by James Ransome.
Age 4 – 8

On visiting days, a little girl and her grandma take the long bus ride to visit her father. On the ride they share food and hope and give comfort to others who make the trip with them. The waiting is hard, but Grandma and the little girl count their blessings and wait for the time when daddy will be back home.