Resources for Children of Prisoners

This book is designed to be a self-help book for families experiencing parental incarceration. The content of the book is based upon current literature regarding paternal incarceration. This book can also be used as a tool to make others more considerate of the trials faced by children of incarcerated dads.

This story is about Doogie, a young boy, and his sister whose father is sent to prison. It explores their feelins of loss, fear and frustration at not being told what's going on until their mother finally takes them to visit their dad in prison.

Kofi's Mom is a story about Kofi whose mother is sent to prison. It explores his feelings of loss and confusion. Through friends at school, Kofi begins to talk about his mom and to look forward to her return.

The relationship between a mother and daughter is pushed to its limits when Mama is incarcerated. Sugar clings to the memory of her mother's stories and lives for her weekly visits to the prison when her grandmother is feeling up to the bus ride. On their shared birthday, Mama gives Sugar a special gift and a special way to feel close to her.

Regardless of the reason for the absence of a father - divorce, military service, imprisonment, or death - it can be a challenge to know the right words for the tough questions that children will ask.

Ricardo is a young child who is trying to cope with his dad being handcuffed and dragged away to jail. Ricardo’s mom explains to him why his dad was taken away, explaining how they can keep in touch and how they can help him after he is released.

Specifically written to address children's fear of being apart from the ones they love, The Invisible String delivers a particularly compelling message - that love is the unending connection that binds us all.

The Kissing Hand is just the right book for any child who is temporarily separated from home or loved ones. The rough but endearing raccoon illustrations are as satisfying and soothing for anxious children as the simple story.

A young girl and her grandmother prepare for a very special day - the one day a month they get to visit the girl's father in prison. As the little girl and her grandmother get ready, her father is getting ready, too,

When the truth is withheld from children they tend to blame themselves for other's mistakes and short-comings. What Is Jail, Mommy? not only explains why the parent is incarcerated but what his/her life is like as a prisoner.

When Mum tells Milly that Dad has been sent to prison, Milly feels angry and confused. She can't believe her dad won't be at home to read her stories and make her laugh.

Anger is a scary emotion for young children, their parents, and caregivers. As this little bunny experiences the things that make her angry, she also learns ways to deal with her anger - ways that won't hurt others.

Readers will recognize similar experiences in their own lives as this little guinea pig describes feeling sad when someone is cross or when something bad happens. Eventually our heroine realizes that feeling sad doesn't last forever.

Children often feel afraid. This book, with its comforting words and illustrations, will help children address those fears and learn some new ways to cope with being afraid.

The whole world may seem dysfunctional at times, so don't be surprised if it knocks at your door one day. Be prepared to endure and look to the future with hope, patience and love. You may even want to do a happy dance, every time you overcome an obstacle or receive an unexpected blessing.

Essie is smart. She can read hard library books and make cocoa. Amber is brave. She isn't afraid of the rat in the wall or of climbing up in high places. Amber and Essie are sisters and best friends. Together, they can do anything.

Little Jo Jo is your typical, fun-loving kid. He loves basketball, earns good grades and has plenty of friends in his Washington, D.C. neighborhood. Little Jo Jo's life, however, has changed tremendously since his father, Big Jo, moved away. To make matters worse, Little Jo Jo has no clue about his father's whereabouts.

Harry Sue Clotkin is tough. Her mom's in the slammer and she wants to get there too, as fast as possible, so they can be together. But it's not so easy to become a juvenile delinquent when you've got a tender heart.

Little Kennedy is so excited to visit her father again. After she tries on her princess dress and a tutu, Kennedy's mother finds something pretty for her to wear. Finally, they are ready to take the long car ride to visit her daddy!

What happens when, the "knock knock" on your bedroom door doesn't come? This powerful and inspiring book shows the love that an absent parent can leave behind, and the strength that children find in themselves as they grow up and follow their dreams.

Explains why one goes to a foster home, who foster parents are, what to do if things don't work out, and other matters regarding foster care.

Discusses why jails exist, why people go to jail, and how to deal with having a parent in prison.

This book has been a dream which has been in the works for two years. It was written to help my grandchild and other children who have parents who are in prison. In the future I hope to write more books to help children faced with problems.

Angel Morgan needs help. Daddy is in jail, and Mama has abandoned her and her little brother, leaving them with their great-grandmother. The only bright spot is the mysterious stranger who appears on clear nights and teaches her all about the stars, planets, and constellations. 

Kathryn Fitzmaurice's tender debut novel about food, family, friendship, and forgiveness is as full of promise as the swallows that return home to San Juan Capistrano every spring.

When Bernice and her favorite cousin, Malaika meet Mother Olivia - Bernice's mother - for the first time; the girls share similar emotions while forcing themselves to understand society, familial and gender issues.

This book takes a unique look at the internal struggles with which a child of an incarcerated parent is faced and creatively explores and validates the roller coaster journey of emotions that children of incarcerated parents endure.

When Mum tells Milly that Dad has been sent to prison, Milly feels angry and confused. She can't believe her dad won't be at home to read her stories and make her laugh.