Something Happened to Our Mom
A Story about Parental Addiction
From the Series Something Happened
Can a family heal after addiction touches their lives? In this heartfelt story, two siblings begin to understand what happened to their mom—and how love and support can help them move forward.
Something Happened to Our Mom is a compassionate picture book that gently introduces children to the topic of parental addiction. When Claire and Emmett notice changes in their mom after a car accident, they feel confused and scared. But with honesty, support, and time, they begin to understand what addiction means—and that they are not alone.
Key Features:
- Helps children understand addiction in age-appropriate, emotionally safe ways
- Encourages empathy, emotional awareness, and open family conversations
- Perfect for ages 5–9—ideal for family reading, classrooms, therapy, and support groups
- Created by Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association—trusted experts in children’s emotional development
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-4338-4754-7
|
$18.99 | |
|
978-1-4338-4755-4
|
$23.99 |
| Interest Level | Kindergarten - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 3 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Category | Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2026 |
| Publisher | Magination Press, American Psychological Association |
| Imprint | Magination Press — American Psychological Association |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2025-10-07 |
Author: Ann Hazzard, PhD
Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP, is a faculty member at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, working at clinics serving mostly minority and immigrant families. As a psychologist, Ann has utilized therapeutic stories in treatment with children and teens. As a community advocate, she has focused on children’s behavioral health and social justice. She is a co-author with Drs. Collins and Celano of the New York Times bestselling Something Happened in Our Town and Something Happened in Our Park.
Author: Marianne Celano, PhD
Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP is a faculty member at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, providing psychological services to underserved adults, youth, and families. Marianne is a co-author with Drs. Hazzard and Collins of the New York Times bestselling Something Happened in Our Town and Something Happened in Our Park.
Author: Marietta Collins, PhD
Marietta Collins, PhD, is a faculty member at Morehouse School of Medicine, providing psychological services to underserved adults, youth, and families. Marietta is also involved in community advocacy efforts focused on children’s behavioral health and social justice in the Atlanta, GA, area. She is a co-author with Drs. Hazzard and Celano of the New York Times bestselling Something Happened in Our Town and Something Happened in Our Park.
Illustrator: Rita Tan
Rita Tan has loved to draw since she was a kid. She grew up in Indonesia and now lives in Washington state with her husband and two kids.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Something Happened
Fictional stories based on real-life, common experiences help explain sensitive, important events happening in communities across the US and around the world. Told in clear, compelling stories for young readers, the books come with the authority of psychological… View available downloads →
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“The co-authors sensitively unpack complex feelings and dynamics, underscoring that addiction doesn’t make someone a bad person, that the path to rehabilitation can be bumpy, and that drug issues are far more common than children might realize. Tan’s artwork is emotionally charged, reinforcing the theme of support. . . . Robust backmatter includes information for educators and caregivers, including a sample dialogue for discussing the story. . . . An empowering and empathetic jumping-off point for important conversations about addiction and recovery.”—Kirkus Reviews
