When a loved one is incarcerated

Last week I wrote a post for the ALSC blog about how libraries can serve children whose parents are incarcerated. I'm kind of proud of it, so please give it a read. Here's the link: alsc.ala.org/blog

As you can imagine, it is very stressful to have a family member in jail or prison. Many people feel ashamed and are too embarrassed to talk about the situation with new acquaintances. There are financial problems. It can be heartbreaking to be separated from a loved one. Children miss their parents and worry about their safety.

Here are three picture books that might help children in this situation feel a little less alone:

 Woodson, Jacqueline, and James Ransome.  

Visiting Day. New York: Scholastic Press, 2002. Print.

Higgins, Melissa, and Wednesday Kirwan. The Night Dad Went to Jail: What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Jail. Mankato, MN: Picture Window Books, 2012. Print. 

 Brisson, Pat, and Laurie A. Caple. Mama Loves Me from Away. Honesdale, Pa: Boyds Mills Press, 2004. Print.