The Night Dad Went to Prison: What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Prison

Author: Melissa Higgins
Illustrator: Wednesday Kirwan
Publisher: raintree

This story is told from the point of view of a child who’s parent goes to prison. It explains in simple terms what happened from the time their Dad gets arrested and ends when his Dad has been in prison for a little while. The story highlights some of the challenges that may arise when a parent has gone to prison; feeling angry at the parent, peer teasing, and changes to the family dynamic. The child in the story details his feelings in simple language throughout.

The book also includes some facts relevant to parts of the story and some practical advice for families. There is a glossary and further resources suggested within.

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

This book acknowledges that a child may feel a range of emotions towards their incarcerated parent; anger, sadness, love and forgiveness, amongst others.
There is a character in the book who helps the child normalise his own feelings.
The book ends while the child’s Dad is still in prison. This helps to show how life for the child is now different to before and indicates a level of acceptance without sugar-coating the outcome.

Guidance:

There is some advice and guidance throughout. This includes practical ideas and suggestions for both adults and children.
There are also ideas for supporting young people who have a parent in prison throughout the narrative, for example the child accesses a peer support group and speaks to his school counsellor.
A glossary of terms is included.
The narrative highlights some things that may happen after a parent is incarcerated, such as prison moves.

Hope & Inspiration:

The child accesses support through various channels and this helps him to cope with his feelings.
Overall the book ends with the child still feeling upset by his Dad’s actions, but ultimately trying to forgive because he loves his Dad. He talks about what they might do when his Dad comes out of prison.