Local author Corinn Reinhard transforms her childhood experience growing up in a blended family into an accessible, relatable new narrative for young readers.
When Corinn Reinhard was 8 years old, she sat down to write a story processing the emotions of her brother living in two homes — one with her, her mom, and her dad, and another with just him and his dad.
Now, nearly 30 years later, Reinhard has refined the story through an adult lens and brought it to life as a published book to offer comfort, support, and understanding to families navigating similar dynamics.
My Brother Has Two Houses is a sweet, easy-to-understand narrative about a little girl who misses her big brother when he goes to his father’s house. It offers simple explanations for complex things like divorce and shared custody, while ultimately focusing on the touching bond between the two siblings.
“Blended families are common yet often underrepresented in children’s books,” Reinhard says. “These stories can be tough to tell in a way kids understand, but they’re so important because they remind kids that love and family come in many forms, and that it’s okay if theirs looks different. It also helps other children build empathy for different kinds of families. It’s about helping kids feel seen, valued, and comforted during uncertain times.”
Some parents may shy away from addressing the complexities of adult relationships with their children, but Reinhard believes transparency is the way to go.
“Children are incredibly perceptive. And while they might not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing, they pick up on emotions, changes in routines, and unspoken tension,” Reinhard explains. “Kids need their feelings validated. This helps them build confidence in who they are. It teaches them that emotions aren’t something to hide or be ashamed of — they’re part of being human.”
Regardless of whether relationship shifts are spoken about, children will pick up on them. And often, they need help finding language and outlets for their feelings.
“Even as a kid, I noticed the little things — like how the house felt quieter when my brother left, or how certain days carried a different kind of weight. I didn’t have the vocabulary for it at the time, but I felt it. That’s why I believe in giving kids the space to process, ask questions, and trust that they can handle honest, age-appropriate conversations about what’s happening in their world.”
While Reinhard’s book was written with children of blended families in mind, she believes its potential impact goes far beyond that.
“’My Brother Has Two Houses‘ isn’t only for kids in blended families, it is a story for any child — because it helps them understand that families come in all shapes and forms,” Reinhard explains. “The world can feel complicated and uncertain, especially for kids, and having stories that reflect real-life experiences, emotions, and different kinds of families makes a difference. If we can help children feel seen and teach them to be gentle with others who might have a different story than theirs, we’re giving them tools for a kinder, more understanding world.”
Book Reading on Saturday, July 19
Corinn Reinhard will be performing a book reading of ‘My Brother Has Two Houses’ on Saturday, July 19 at Paper Boat Bookstore in West Seattle at 11 a.m.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon here.
