A general consensus among experts is that parents should be as transparent and open as possible from the time their adoptive children are very young. Kids often raise questions that are hard to answer. Parents may want to talk about the special way they united with their children, but don't quite know how to start the conversation. Children's adoption picture books are an incredible resource for opening up the dialogue and sharing the stories of loving families who have come together in a similar way.
A little girl asks her parents over and over again to tell her about the very special night she entered this world, and how she came to be united with her parents. She finds enormous comfort in hearing about how much her parents loved her from the very beginning. A charming story is filled with with warmth, happiness and reassurance.
Best Picture Books for Adopted Children
About 135,000 children are adopted each year in the US. , and currently there are 1.5 million kids and counting. Every family has a unique story to tell, and their children will inevitably want to hear all about it. A wonderful way to foster conversation and transparency is through reading children's books about adoption from a very young age. Every story on this list is a little different they share one common theme- the unconditional love parents have for their children. These stories offer a from a different perspectives and backgrounds, and provide a number of tips for talking to kids about adoption. Illustrations that reflect diverse families are helpful in showing a child that their experience is shared by others. If you know a family that is expanding, pairing a few of these wonderful books with a personalized adoption gift or keepsake.
We Belong Together
Adoption is cheerfully celebrated in this colorful, accessible book perfect for young children. All situations are unique and families come together in different ways. However, one very important common theme is that they all share their hearts and homes.
And Tango Makes Three
A heartwarming, true story about two male penguins who build a nest together and hatch their own baby penguin. A few tender words convey a powerful message about what family means. Highly recommended for parents who want to begin talking to their toddlers about this topic, or for anyone who wants to broaden their child's view of family.
Love Makes a Family
A large, sturdy board book celebrates a diverse group of families with the single most important thing they have in common- love! This book is a wonderful addition to every adoptive child's bookshelf. Colorful illustrations showcase happy families- led by single parents, moms and dads, two dads, and two moms- who all love each other unconditionally.
I Wished for You: An Adoption Story
A mama bear and her baby boy, Barley, snuggle together on their favorite cozy chair to talk about how they came together. Barley asks his mama lots of questions which she answers gently and lovingly. Mama tells her son, "I wished for you", and God answered her prayers and chose them to be a family.
The Day We Met You
A mother and father prepare for the arrival of their new baby. In this sweet and simple story, toddlers will enjoy learning all the things they do to get ready. They set up the cradle, prepare bottles with formula, and lay out clothing for the new little one who will be joining them soon.
Just Right Family: An Adoption Story
A six year old little girl named Meili is not happy about her parents' decision to add a new child to the family. Meili was adopted from China by her loving parents and she thinks her family is the perfect size. Soon she comes to realize that her baby sister, who is coming from Haiti, will complete their family and she cannot wait to be a big sister.
Yes, I'm Adopted!
A loving family is something that should be celebrated by every child. In this joyful book, a young boy takes the reader through his adoption journey step by step until he is united with his parents. This short, sweet story told in verse is an upbeat addition to a child's collection about this subject.
From Maybe to Forever: An Adoption Story!
Waiting to adopt a baby can be an excruciating, long process. That is especially true for this little girl who cannot wait to meet her new baby brother or sister. The trouble is that she just doesn't know when it is finally going to happen. This adorable story told from the perspective of a big sister shows just how much a new child is anticipated, loved, and welcomed into a family.
Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale
Told from the experience of the author and her daughter, this story is about a couple who adopts a baby from a distant place. Beautiful illustrations and lovely verse work together to convey the beauty, love, and unique experience of families who come together through this beautiful journey.
The Story of My Open Adoption
A baby squirrel is united at birth with a loving rabbit family. He experiences a wide range of emotions which he can freely express with his parents. One day, the squirrel even gets to meet his first family with the blessing of his parents. This story is perfect for young children with its gentle, rhyming verse and appealing illustrations.
When the Babies Came to Stay
This fairytale takes a whimsical approach to teaching children all the many ways "family" is defined. One mysterious day, all kinds of babies arrive in a small town with no one to take care of them. They come by ferry, airplane, and other interesting means of transportation. The local librarian takes on the challenge of raising all of these babies at once, but not without the help of her neighbors. Everyone shares their own special talents, skills and knowledge as they come together in a large, loving, and quite unconventional family.
A Mother for Choco
Families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and species! We love this story about a little bird who wants to find a mother. Choco goes searching for a mama bird who looks just like him, but he can't seem to find her. He crosses paths with all kinds of animals that just don't fit the bill. Then one day he runs into a mama bear who is doing all sorts of motherly things. Hmmm....could she be the one? She takes Choco home to meet all of her children- a piglet, an alligator and a hippo! Choco learns a valuable lesson about family and, just as importantly, he has finally found a mother.
Oliver: A Story About Adoption
Oliver is angry at his dad for punishing him. He climbed a tree that was not yet strong enough to hold Oliver, so he was sent to his room. While he is pouting alone, he ponders what life would be like if he lived with his birthparents. Surely they wouldn't be as strict, or would they? This is a great story for kids who raise some challenging and sensitive questions.
Emma's Yucky Brother
Emma's family has adopted a four year old boy named Max. She has been waiting for a little brother for a long time, but now that he is here, she's not so sure about him. And as far as Max is concerned, Emma is a yucky big sister. Emma learns a valuable lesson about how to be a good big sister, and maybe she will ultimately have the relationship she desires with her brother.
God Found Us You
A most tender story about a conversation between a mother and baby fox. Mama Fox tells her baby how long she waited for his arrival and how he miraculously changed her life for the better. Baby Fox wonders why his birth mom couldn't keep him, and Mama Fox knows exactly what to say in this loving book for young children.
Some Babies Are Adopted
A darling story with an emphasis on the love of a birth mother who makes the choice to find a family for her baby. She searches and prays for the best parents to raise her baby in a warm, loving home. A short, sweet, simple story for preschool children.
My Family is Forever
The narrator in this heartwarming book tells her very personal story. It's about parents who waited a long time and traveled a far distance to eventually bring her home. Very direct and straightforward tale about how families may not look alike, but that does not change their love for each other or forever home.
How I Was Adopted
This highly recommended book opens with tips for parents on talking to their children about adoption. Then the story begins with a little girl openly and happily sharing her unique story. Sam covers all the details in a matter-of-fact, non-sentimental manner, which leaves room for readers to form their own emotions around the experience. At the end, children are invited to talk about their own experience.
And That's Why She's My Mama
A touching story for preschoolers about how a mother is defined. Not all mamas carry babies in their bellies, but they love them just the same. Mothers take their kids to the park, make their special food, and help them feel better when they get hurt. A colorful representation of many different moms and kids from all races and ethnicities.
Our Adoption Story
A beautiful keepsake journal for adoptive parents to complete and give to their children. There are prompts to fill out all the important details and special moments around the adoption journey, affix memorable photographs, and opportunities for friends and family members to write notes. Once finished, this book will be cherished by adopted children who will be reminded of how much they are loved.
A Most Unusual Day
It is no wonder that Caroline is having a hard time getting through the day. Normally she remembers everything she needs to take to school and likes to assist the teacher. But today is different and she can't seem do anything right. Turns out she has a pretty good reason for her absentmindedness- her parents are bringing home her new baby sister! The tiny sibling was adopted from a place far away, and Caroline simply cannot wait to meet her. Finally the day comes to an end and Caroline lovingly embraces the baby. A lyrical story about diversity told in a very subtle, beautiful way.
Our Subway Baby
An emotional true story written by a father to his son. Danny was riding the subway home from work one evening when he spied a baby tucked away in the corner. Feeling a sudden, inexplicable love for this child, Danny and his partner, Pete, found themselves embarking on an adoption journey. Within time, baby Kevin completed their beautiful family of three. Without being overly sappy, this moving book tugs at the heartstrings.
Pablo's Tree
On the day Pablo was adopted, his grandfather planted a tree to commemorate the special event. Every single year, he decorates the tree in a different way to celebrate Pablo. Beautiful collage artwork adds an intriguing touch to this adoption book about a Mexican American boy. The special relationship between Pablo and his grandfather is evident through the tradition around the tree they share.
Home At Last
Adjusting to his new, adoptive family has gone smoothly for Lester. His two dads, Albert and Rich, have provided a loving home and enjoy spending a lot of time with their son. Together they go on bike rides, gather with cousins, and head out frequently to the ice cream parlor. During the day, Lester feels confident and secure. But when he goes to bed, his doubts and fears take over. Night after night, Lester climbs into bed with his parents. Like many families grappling with kids who won't stay in their own bed, Lester's dads look for a solution so that he feels safe at night. Fortunately, they find a sweet and simple answer when the family dog climbs into bed with him one night.
A Crazy-Much Love
A lyrical tribute to the love parents have for their child. In this case, the little girl was adopted internationally, but the premise of the book holds true for every family. Many of the major milestones along their journey are lovingly remembered, like when they were united for the first time, her first day of school, and other special moments. All of these occasions are marked by the overwhelming amount of love the parents have for their beautiful daughter.
I Don't Have Your Eyes
For children who want to feel connected to their adoptive families, having very different facial features can be a source of insecurity. This is especially true when the experience is transracial or transcultural. This gentle and loving story addresses this very real issue, but then shifts the focus to what is on the inside of a child and the family. The love for each other is far more important than any superficial, outward appearances. Large illustrations paired with accessible text work well for the toddler and preschool age group.
The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale
There is a Chinese belief that an invisible, indestructible red thread connects people who are destined to be together. Such is the premise of this intriguing story about a childless king and queen who are full of sorrow. Despondent, they seek out the help of a magic peddler who make their string visible to the eye. They follow it across land and sea, and with each mile, their despair lessons. Eventually they reach a small village and are led to a newborn baby who is meant to belong them.
The Red Blanket
Told from the perspective of the mother, this is a true story about an international adoption from China.It begins with a lonely woman who has a lovely home and a good job but she feels empty inside. So she makes plans to visit a child from an orphanage far away. The story covers quite a bit about the process before the little girl and mother are finally united. Along the way, the child finds an abandoned red blanket that she brings home with her. This snuggly blanket takes on greater meaning in this touching book.
Love Like Chocolate
A little girl welcomed into a family that associates chocolate with all of life's ups and downs, seasonal changes, milestones. They eat chocolate chip pancakes, chocolate syrup on sundaes, and chocolate chip cookies on every momentous occasion. The girl has her own special food that she shares with her new family and soon the their sweet food traditions become even better than before.
Tween Chapter Books With Adoption Themes
During adolescence, adopted children often enter a phase of self-awareness which may raise a whole new, more complex set of questions and issues. Children are going through a remarkable and sometimes confusing period of transition as they learn more about themselves. Reading tween adoption novels can be helpful for pre-teens who can relate to the characters in these books. While every single journey is personal and unique, there are many common themes involving the emotions and relationships of everyone involved. For more suggestions, explore book subscriptions for tweens with a some of the best coming-of-age novels addressing life issues.
The Length of a String
Imani wants more than anything in the world- to learn more about her biological parents. As a black girl adopted into a white, Jewish family, she sometimes feels out of place. One day she discovers a diary in the attic about her great-grandmother's escape from Nazi Germany and the start of her new life into an adoptive family in America. Imani starts to rethink the meaning of family and has a better understanding of where she belongs.
For Black Girls Like Me
A moving, personal account from the author based on her experience as a black girl adopted by white parents. Makeda is an eleven year old girl who loves her family immensely but she struggles with feeling like she really belongs. She develops a close connection with a school friend who is also part of a mixed-race family. But when her family moves across country, Makeda's struggles are exacerbated. In this complex, coming-of-age, award-winning work, identity, sisterhood, and family are interwoven themes that warrant reflection.
I Can Make This Promise
Edie is a twelve year old Native American girl whose mother was adopted by a white family. She has a lot of questions about her cultural identity but feels certain she won't ever find the answers. Then one day, Edie discovers a secret box in her attic that may just provide clues to her ancestry. A thought-provoking novel for middle grade readers about the importance of family and truth.
You Have a Match
This YA novel has all the plot lines covered for a fast, fun, entertaining read. It's the story of a girl, Abby, who receives surprising results from a DNA test- she has a sister! She connects with her Instagram famous sister at summer camp, determined to get some answers as to why she was given up for adoption. An adoption chapter book about true love, friendship, self-discovery, and family.
Cleo Edison Oliver: Playground Millionaire
A spunky, entrepreneurial fifth-grader starts a business- a tooth-pulling company. But being the CEO does not come without its challenges. Initially the business takes off. After a few unfortunate events, including a barfing incident, threaten to derail her, Cleo works harder than ever to keep things afloat. When group of bullies tease Cleo for being adopted, she may finally come unraveled and lose her business. Readers will relate to Cleo's experience and her discovery of what home really means.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
An award-winning middle grade novel about an adopted girl, born without arms, who creates wild tales around why she is missing her limbs. She is uprooted when her family relocates across country to run a theme park. Aven once again is faced with sideways glances and nosy folks who ask questions about her disability. Suddenly she finds herself immersed in trying to solve a mystery at the park. With the help of a special new friend, she unearths long hidden secrets and learns she can overcome any obstacle.
Counting By 7s
A deeply moving middle-grade novel about a mentally complex 12-year old who struggles to form relationships with others. She is extraordinarily close with her adoptive parents, the only people with whom she has a personal relationship. She is a quirky genius, obsessed with counting and diagnosing medical conditions, which both prove to be a coping mechanism. When a devastating accident leaves her without parents, she is ultimately taken in by a surrogate family, with some oddities of their own, who are the ultimate gift and salvation.
We Match on the Inside
Written jointly by a mother and daughter who know all too well the challenging questions asked of children who are adopted. Anya, a little girl who looks nothing like her adoptive parents, is constantly facing scrutinizing looks and probing inquiries from her peers. With guidance from her mom and dad, she learns how to respond to questions like "Who are your REAL parents?". In addition to a helpful story for kids, there is a great discussion guide and other advice.
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