As a parent of three children (now 17, 15 and 15), I’ve read my share of parenting books. I started with the iconic What to Expect When You’re Expecting, moved into Dr. Sears’ Attachment Parenting series and lately, have explored books to support teenage development, parenting through a pandemic and navigating the college process, too. 

But lately, I’ve found the best parenting books aren’t really parenting books at all. They’re parenting books disguised as other genres, particularly memoirs and middle grade novels. 

Really. 

Today, I’m sharing three books that offer incredible parenting advice…but are not parenting books. You see, we can learn lessons from ALL the books we read, even those that come in unexpected places.

Click on the video to watch or head to your favorite podcast platform to listen instead (It’s called Get Lit(erate) with Stephanie Affinito), but whatever you do, DON’T SCROLL TOO FAR because I’m listing the books mentioned below. =)

Here are the books mentioned in this episode. Just click on each one to purchase from my Amazon or Bookshop affiliate stores. Thanks for your bookish support!

Where the Children Take Us: How One Family Achieved the Unimaginable by Zain E. Asher (Bookshop, Amazon)

Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Bookshop, Amazon)

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden (Bookshop, Amazon)

Now, it’s your turn . What books do YOU recommend that taught you a parenting lesson or two?

Share your titles and ideas in the comments below!