Let's Talk About It: Divorce

by Fred Rogers

"Mister Rogers's talent for calmly explaining scary emotional upheaval to young children shines in this latest volume....Rogers offers caring support and validation for readers working through such trauma, and he supplies concrete examples of ways kids can deal with the stress....Books that offer such honest reassurance are rare." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Excellent." -- American Bookseller "This book fills a gaping hole on library shelves." -- School Library Journal

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 1996

About the author

Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

Reviews

[Tyra Denine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Rogers, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood star, has written a book to better help kids cope with divorce and express their feelings in a positive manner. He goes through scenarios and calmly explains how to best deal with situations and feeling that may arise during this unpleasant time. His vivd photos help bring realness to a situation and better connects with his readers and listeners.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for children in Kindgergarten to Grade 6 to read with their parents when they may face the painful changes that divorce may bring.

[Vincent Sargenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saved my marriage. Fred Rogers, along with Arnold Palmer, is one of the most important role models of my life. Fred was one of the most endearing and genuine people to have ever lived and I truly learned to appreciate him, even long after his passing, I still try to be more like him, act the way he did toward others.

This book is about how to tell the children about your divorce. What I got was that I didn't want to put my children in that position.

This book tells it like it is and makes adults really think about what they are doing. For me, I decided it was more important to keep our family together. Fred makes you see things the way they really are. Sometimes what is best for our children is more important than what we want personally.

Fred helped me transcend myself and save my home from being broken. It saved my children from having their lives broken in two.

[Madison Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about what it says in the title: divorce. This book gives children some words to feelings that they have inevitably felt if their parents are divorced. Children have many questions, and this book looks to answer a few of them.

Students are going to be conflicted when going through this transition. This book will be perfect to share with students to let them know they are not alone. The things they are feeling are very normal. This is a great book to have; however, I would think twice before just putting it out on my shelf in the class room.

[Ta'Mya Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept on this book is nice. I appreciate that someone took the time to explain a complicated idea to kids. Since this book is pretty old, it is harder to judge the illustrations. I'm not really too fond of the real life pictures, but I can understand that they may have done this to express how real the issue is. I feel as if it could have been better executed and some of the word choice is questionable, but I think Rogers got the point across. I could use this book to help my kids grasp the understanding of divorce.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could Mr. Rogers not be on point in a book about hard stuff for kids. The book is a little older, but the information and advice is all timeless. Basic, helpful information for kids and, most importantly, comfort.

[Cassidy Reed]

Fred Rogers’ Divorce book explains the importance of needing a family for the love and care, even with divorced parents. Changes are going to happen that children are going to be very unsure about, and some children are going to wonder why their parents are splitting up. During divorce, kids and even the parents are going to have many different feelings, and there are several ways that can help with these feelings. The most important thing for kids to know is that no matter what happens or changes, there will still be a family that loves them.

I did not like this book all that much because the pictures all seemed to be a little depressing and sad, even though the message was a good intention.

Maybe if a child is facing a dramatic change with their family, this book would teach them that there are several things one can do when they are emotionally down and might not know what to do or who to talk to. I would probably read this book to an older group of kids that would be more likely to understand.