Helping kids understand addiction, especially when it’s a parent or loved one, is so important. Books can be powerful tools to help children feel less alone, make sense of what’s happening, and begin to heal. This list includes the books I’ve shared with families, friends, and readers over the years. As an author and adult child of an alcoholic, I believe these are some of the best books out there to help explain addiction to kids and teens in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.

Preschool through second grade books (ages 4-8)

I Wish Daddy Didn’t Drink So Much by Judith Vigna

This is one of the most thoughtful and well-crafted children’s books about a parent’s drinking. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is incredibly relatable for kids who feel the sting of broken promises. We see the story through Lisa’s eyes—like when her dad growls “Later” instead of going sledding after breakfast. She’s noticing more than the adults around her realize. After a tough Christmas, Lisa gets support from her mom and an older friend who helps her understand what’s going on and how to cope. If you’re looking for a gentle, honest way to start explaining addiction to a child, this is one of the best books out there.

Up and Down the Mountain by Pamela Leib Higgins

Jenny, a sixth grader, is always holding her breath, wondering if her dad will show up or let her down again. On graduation day, she thinks about all the times his drinking has caused him to miss the moments that mattered. This tender, honest story is great for older kids—especially second and third graders—who are trying to make sense of life with a parent struggling with addiction. The book gently explores the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it, reminding kids that their feelings are completely valid and showing them ways to cope with sadness, anger, and confusion. It’s one of the most compassionate children’s books about addiction I’ve read.

Wishes and Worries: Coping with a Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Maggie’s birthday is ruined when her dad shows up drunk, and the embarrassment and anger she feels spill over into school. After talking with the school counselor, Maggie learns that her dad has a substance use disorder and, most importantly, that his drinking isn’t her fault. With support, she begins to understand what’s happening and how to cope with it. Her dad eventually enters treatment, and by her next birthday, he’s in recovery.

Some readers feel the ending is a bit too hopeful, since not all parents choose recovery but I believe this book offers a powerful message: children are not to blame for a parent’s addiction. It gently opens the door to conversations about healing and what recovery can look like, making it a valuable read for many kids navigating similar situations.

My Dad Loves Me, My Dad Has a Disease – A Child’s View: Living with Addiction by Claudia Black

This book is made up entirely of stories and drawings from kids themselves. It gives an honest, powerful look at addiction through a child’s eyes. The stories gently reinforce the idea that chemical dependency is a disease and that the parent or loved one isn’t a bad person, but someone who is sick and needs help. I love the way this book is structured; who better to explain these confusing feelings than other kids who truly get it?

When a Family Is in Trouble by Marge Heegaard

This fill-in-the-blank workbook helps kids (ages 6–12) name their feelings and learn how to cope. It covers big topics like anger, safety (“Don’t ride with someone who’s drunk or high”), and healing in simple, kid-friendly ways. It’s also a great tool for adults to better understand what kids living with addiction are really going through.

A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret Holmes

Perfect for kids who’ve been through trauma, this story follows Sherman Smith after he witnesses something awful (the book never says what, so kids can apply it to their own experience). Sherman struggles with bad dreams and anxiety until he gets help and learns to talk about it. A gentle, relatable way to start important conversations with kids coping with tough experiences like addiction in the family.

Middle-grade books (ages 8-13)

It’s hard to find middle grade novels that truly reflect the experience of having a parent, sibling, or loved one struggling with alcoholism or addiction. These are some of the best middle grade books I recommend for children in third through seventh grade to help them feel seen, understood, and less alone.

Easter Ann Peters’ Operation Cool by Jody Lamb (that’s me!)

Easter Ann Peters’ Operation Cool is a heartfelt middle grade novel about what it’s like to grow up with an alcoholic parent. Written for readers ages 8–13, it follows 12-year-old Easter Ann as she faces the ups and downs of friendship, first crushes, and hidden struggles at home.

This story was written to give kids hope and to remind them that their family’s challenges don’t define who they are. Easter Ann Peters’ Operation Cool has been honored with awards and kind praise from readers, educators, and recovery advocates for its honest, uplifting message.

Waiting For Normal by Leslie Connor

This inspiring middle grade novel follows Addie, a girl full of perseverance and quiet hope. Addie becomes the mini-adult in her household, trying to manage life with her unpredictable mother, who struggles with bipolar disorder. Although her mother isn’t identified as an alcoholic, the chaotic, all-or-nothing behavior will feel very familiar to kids growing up with addicted parents—one day it’s a food fiesta, the next, an empty pantry.

Addie longs for something steady, something safe—something normal. Through it all, she holds onto hope that one day she’ll find her place with her half-sisters and stepfather. This beautifully written story earned multiple top literary awards and it absolutely deserves them.

Tall Tales by Karen Day

Meg’s family moves a lot because of her dad’s drinking. In her new town, Meg finally finds a real friend, Grace but she’s too scared to tell her the truth about her family. Instead, Meg covers it up with tall tales.

This sweet, honest story shows how hard it is for kids to trust and how friendship can help break the cycle of hiding. It’s one of my favorites because it captures both the tough stuff at home and the real joy of growing up.

Books for teenagers (ages 13+)

Hey, Kiddo: A Graphic Novel by Jarrett Krosoczka

In this powerful graphic memoir, Jarrett grows up with a mom battling addiction, a missing dad, and grandparents who raise him their own colorful way. Through it all, art becomes his lifeline.

Hey, Kiddo is an honest, unforgettable story about family, resilience, and finding your voice when life doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to. A must-read for kids who feel like their family story is anything but “normal.”

Coping with a Parent Who Overdrinks: Insights and Tips for Teenagers by Michelle Shreeves

This is the first book of its kind and such a needed resource. It offers clear, practical advice to help teens understand what’s really happening in their family and how to cope in healthy ways.

Filled with relatable stories and simple healing tools, it brings both comfort and hope. A must-read for teens living with a parent’s drinking—and a vital guide for anyone supporting them.

For Teenagers Living With a Parent Who Abuses Alcohol/Drugs by Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer

This easy-to-read Q&A book answers the big questions teens have about addiction, family dynamics, and their own future.

It feels a little dated (originally published in 1974), but the advice holds up and offers a solid crash course for teens, young adults, and adult children of alcoholics.

Alateen: Hope for Children of Alcoholics by Al-Anon Family Groups

This book is a great introduction to Alateen and Al-Anon, featuring real stories from teens dealing with a parent’s addiction.

It feels a little dated, but the experiences shared are powerful and relatable. A great resource to help teens realize they’re not alone and that healing is possible.

Whether you’re searching for children’s books about addiction, middle grade novels about parental alcoholism, or books to help make sense of growing up with an alcoholic parent, stories have the power to heal.

Find the Right Books to Help Kids Understand Addiction

Whether you’re searching for children’s books about addiction, middle grade novels about parental alcoholism, or books to help make sense of growing up with an alcoholic parent, stories have the power to heal. These books offer comfort, connection, and real hope for kids, teens, and adults who have lived with addiction in their families. Wherever you are on your journey, you are not alone and the right book can be a powerful first step toward understanding, healing, and feeling less alone.

P.S. If you’d like even more book recommendations, healing tips, and encouragement, I’d love for you to stay connected:

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