At Literacy Tree, we know that families come in all shapes and sizes and that there is no such thing as ‘normal’ when it comes to what a family make-up looks like. We think it’s crucial that children encounter a wide range of family types in literature from a young age, experiencing the rich tapestry of all the different kinds that make up our society, and seeing those that are similar and different to their own represented across the books they read.
Over the next three book lists, we’ll share recommendations for texts with authentic depictions of different kinds of families. This list focuses on texts which feature single-parent families, where one parent is represented as the main or sole carer for their child or children.
What We’ll Build
by Oliver Jeffers
This heart-warming picture book follows a father and young daughter as they plan their future together, dreaming of all the things that they will build that will keep them safe from harm and bring them love, hope and joy.
Themes and links: parent-child relationships, hope, love
Errol’s Garden
By Gillian Hibbs
Errol loves gardening. The flat that he shares with his dad and sister is full of the plants he grows and cares for. But Errol longs for a proper, outdoor garden. Luckily, a chance discovery enables Errol bring the community together to make his dream a reality.
Themes and links: community, teamwork, nature, flats/tower blocks
What’s my Superpower?
By Aviaq Johnston
Nalvana, a young Inuit girl with a big heart, feels like all of her friends have a superpower of some kind. When she struggles to identify what her own special talent is, her mother helps her to see that her superpower was in front of her all along.
Themes and links: superheroes, kindness, belonging
Birdsong
by Katya Balen
Annie’s world is turned upside down after a devastating car crash leaves her unable to play her beloved flute. A new friendship helps her to heal her wounds, inside and out, bringing about reconciliation with her mum and hope to her life once more.
Themes and links: moving home, nature, music, friendship, hope
Glitter Boy
by Ian Eagleton
James loves dancing, poetry and Mariah Carey. But while Mariah’s lyrics tell him to be true to himself, his father’s disapproval and his experiences of homophobic bullying begin to invoke feelings of self-doubt. A new friendship helps James to see himself for what he truly is: unique, endlessly kind and truly fabulous.
Themes and links: LGBT+, parent-child relationships, bullying, bereavement, friendship, music, hope, belonging
Cogheart
by Peter Bunzl
An alternative Victorian history of Zeppelins and mechanical beings provides the setting for Cogheart. Lily has no idea why her father has worked so hard to keep her identity a secret. But his sudden disappearance leads Lily on an adventure filled with daring and danger as she seeks to uncover the mysteries of her past and her present.
Themes and links: fantasy, historical, mystery, friendship, bereavement, inventions
Leila and the Blue Fox
By Kiran Millwood Hargrave
This stunning story of migration and hope follows the story of the two title characters – Leila, a young Syrian girl and Miso, an Arctic fox – as their lives intertwine on multiple levels during an exhausting but exhilarating journey. The complexities of Leila’s relationship with her mother are beautifully captured throughout.
Themes and links: parent-child relationships, friendships, animals, environment, refugees/asylum, hope
Boy in the Tower
by Polly Ho-Yen
Ade loves living on the 17th floor of a tower block, gazing out at the world around him. But as buildings begin to mysteriously collapse in the local area and his mum refuses to leave the safety of the flat, he must do all he can to ensure their survival. A brilliantly moving tale of hope, friendship and bravery.
Themes and links: science fiction, friendship, hope, survival, flats/tower blocks, mental health
The above is just a small selection of the growing body of children’s books featuring single-parent families. We hope to continue to add to this list over time.
Next month: Our next book list will focus on LGBT+ representation within families. Please feel free to get in touch with any or your own suggestions for inclusion on this list by Friday 10th November at jen@literacytree.com or on X using
