Divorce Stinks

by Paul M. Kramer

Nine-year-old Kate shares her feelings about her parents' divorce, and learns that her parents still love her, and that it is not her fault.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2012

About the author

Paul M. Kramer lives in Hawaii on the beautiful island of Maui with his wife Cindy and their son Lukas. Paul was born and raised in New York City.
Mr. Kramer’s books attempt to reduce stress and anxiety and resolve important issues children face in their everyday lives. His books are often written in rhyme. They are entertaining, inspirational, educational and easy to read. One of his goals is to increase the child’s sense of self worth.

He has written books on various subjects such as bullying, divorce, sleep deprivation, worrying, shyness, and weight issues.

Mr. Kramer has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “The Doctors,” “CNN Live” as well as several other Television Shows in the United States and Canada. He’s been interviewed and aired on many radio programs including the British Broadcasting System and has had countless articles written about his work in major newspapers and magazines throughout the world.

More information about this book and Paul M. Kramer’s other books are available on his website at www.alohapublishers.com.

Reviews

[Sheila]

This short tale by Paul M. Kramer, illustrated by BJ Nartker, presents the trials of divorce through the eyes of a child. Any parent contemplating divorce might do well to read these words and imagine them in the thoughts of their child. “I’m not sure that they understand how badly this is affecting me. I wish everything could go back to the way it used to be,” thinks the pigtailed little girl as she quietly cries. Her thoughts drift into rhymes fairly naturally, making the words easy to read while the thoughts might be hard to contemplate. And a microphone and recorder help keep record of her words.

Support groups, pet therapy, and wise advice ensue, and the voice changes to that of a wise advisor. “It may be hard to see now but your parents will do everything possible to continue to support and protect you,” writes the author under brighter images, and Kate learns it’s “important to talk about your feelings and to say what’s on your mind. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about anything troubling you, most everyone will be understanding and kind.”

Rhyming words keep the writing kid-friendly, despite some long and complex sentences. Sensible advice makes the story useful to adults too. And the issue is all too real in the lives of all too many children.

Disclosure: The author gave me a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.

[Lynn Dixon]

Paul M. Kramer has beautifully written the story called Divorce Stinks through rhythmic poetry. It is told through the eyes of nine-year old Kate who is highly upset about her parents’ divorce and she thinks that she is to blame. She has a divided love for both of them and when her mother offers her a puppy for compensation, she does not think it will suffice. She is in search of a friend who understands her pain and after a little counseling and a bit more acceptance of the break-up, she realizes that she can love them both and that their love for her has not changed.
The illustrations by BJ Nartker are breathtaking and Kate’s emotions are quite visible. These pictures alone can act as a wordless book because some can decipher the story’s meaning by studying the poignant illustrations. This can be a great aid for the reluctant reader as individual vocabulary is used for personal comprehension. A lot can be done in a library or classroom with this text. It could be recited as poetry or even set to music. Its message is timeless in this ever-changing society and this could be used for elementary school students of all grade levels.
I, also, believe that Divorce Stinks could also be used with high school students and even adults. The youth could set it to a rap beat or use it as a reader’s theatre piece. It would also make a great read-aloud for a college library course and could be used on so many creative levels for its poetic form and visual effects. I highly recommend this book and I think that it should be in every school library because there too few books on this topic for children.

[Melanie Adkins]

When divorce strikes, children often believe it's their fault. They see their life changing very quickly. Children aren't sure how to cope with the divorce. We, as parents, should be working hard to help them understand what is happening.

This book might be the easiest way to start a conversation with your child. You need to stress this is an adult problem and the parents are leaving each other, not their children. Children feel pulled in two directions and need guidance. I love this book because it really will help.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I like books that are teaching tools for children. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[Rosalind Sedacca]

Paul Kramer's new children's book, Divorce Stinks, addresses a very complex subject with insight and compassion. It provides clear messages that the children are never to blame and that both parents still love them, despite the changes taking place in their lives. The book is beautifully illustrated and the messages all rhyme which makes it easier to read aloud or to oneself. Most importantly, it opens the door to conversations between parent and child which is so crucial before, during and long after the divorce.

Rosalind Sedacca, CCT
The Voice of Child-Centered Divorce
www.childcentereddivorce.com