Sometimes Stormy - by Amanda Davis (Hardcover)

About the Book

Sometimes Stormy tells the story of a boy learning to cope with his dad's alcohol struggles. With tips, resources, and expert advice, it offers support for kids.

Book Synopsis

Help children ages 5-8 understand and cope with a parent's substance use disorder

Sometimes Stormy explores what it's like to live with a parent struggling with alcohol use disorder. A young boy named Ezra realizes his dad is plagued by a troubling storm--the Sometimes Storm--that sometimes visits their home and changes Dad. He goes searching for the storm's favorite thing, hoping that he can make it go away. But when the storm persists, Ezra turns to caring adults, who help him discover how to live with the Sometimes Storm instead.

This empathetic book includes a note from author Amanda Davis, relaying her inspiration for the story and setting the stage for a difficult but necessary topic. The book includes additional support materials, including a glossary, a message to adults, and online resources. With Sometimes Stormy, children can gain the skills and understanding to cope with a situation that is out of their control.

• Offers an age-appropriate explanation of alcohol use disorder
• Models strategies for coping with a stressful home situation
• Teaches children to seek support from a trusted adult
• Explains that adult addiction is not a child's fault or responsibility to fix
• Contains helpful resources for children and families

Sometimes Stormy is for children from all backgrounds and the adults who support them. It's an excellent resource for parents, teachers, mental health professionals, and others who need to help children understand that substance use is not their fault and how to find calm and stay safe when the storm surges.

Sometimes Stormy is a 2025 Endies Endpaper Award Winner in the Best Abstract category and a 2025 Hindi's Libraries Females of Fiction Award Winner, in the Picture Book, Best Book category.

Review Quotes

"If a parent struggles with substance use disorder, it can be extremely difficult for their children. Davis provides a gentle approach to guide kids dealing with [this] behavior from a loved one."-- "Children's Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review"

"Sometimes Stormy is a compassionate and powerful resource for children navigating the emotional landscape of living with a loved one who struggles with addiction, substance use, or mental health challenges. Through heartfelt storytelling, this book offers young readers a mirror to their own experiences--a place where they can feel seen, understood, and less alone. A vital addition to any home or therapeutic setting, Sometimes Stormy reminds every child: You are not alone, you are not responsible for someone else's choices, and no matter what storms come, you are always loved."--Jazmine Albarian, M.S. Counseling, LMFT

"When a loved one struggles with addiction, it can be a scary and confusing time for children. Sometimes Stormy is a much-needed book and resource that delicately addresses the topic of substance use disorder for children who have witnessed it, in a child-appropriate way. Amanda Davis has a gift for writing on the difficult situations that children face. An important book counselors, teachers, librarians, and families will want to add to their library."--Joanna Rowland, author of The Memory Box: A Book About Grief and Big Bear Was Not the Same

About the Author

Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. Amanda is the author of 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport and Moonlight Memories, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan. Her poetry and illustrations are featured in the anthologies Friends & Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children and Gnomes and Ungnomes. Amanda also has over ten years of experience as a classroom teacher and was selected as Massachusetts Secondary Art Educator of the Year for 2020. She's passionate about telling stories that allow children to feel seen, comforted, and less alone. When she's not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her family and her rescue pup, Cora.