Something Happened to Our Mom: A Story about Parental Addiction

by Ann Hazzard, Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Rita Tan (Illustrator)

Overview

Claire’s life turns upside down when her mom is in a car accident.

Although Mom’s body gradually heals, she doesn’t seem like herself. Sometimes she doesn’t go to work, and Claire has to take care of her younger brother, Emmett, more and more. When things take a turn for the worse, Mom tells the kids what’s going on: She’s become addicted to pain medication.

Told through a child’s perspective and featuring families with diverse experiences, this much-needed resource aims to answer questions children may have about coping with addiction in their family. The story reassures readers that they are not to blame for what’s happened, nor are they responsible for a parent’s recovery.

Includes an extensive note to caregivers and educators with more information about substance misuse, child-friendly language, and sample dialogues to help start difficult conversations with young children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433847561
Publisher:	Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Publication date:	10/07/2025
Series:	Something Happened
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	8 - 9 Years

About the Author

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.

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.

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.

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.