General Adoption Books
Featured Books
A Mother for Choco
In this beloved children’s book, Choco longs for a mother but can’t find anyone who looks like him. With a sweet twist on the classic “Are You My Mother?” theme, Keiko Kasza’s story gently explores adoption and transracial adoption. Cherished by many adoptive families, it’s a heartwarming tale that reassures children that family is built on love, not appearance. A timeless favorite for storytime and conversations about adoption.
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born
In this beloved story, a young girl asks her parents to “tell me again” the cherished tale of her birth and adoption. Blending humor and warmth, it celebrates the love that makes a family while gently addressing both the logistics of adoption and the emotions surrounding it. Unique, witty, and heartfelt, it’s a beautiful picture book that helps children understand their adoption story as something to treasure and retell with pride.
A Mama for Owen
Based on a true story, Owen and Mzee tells how a baby hippo orphaned by the 2004 tsunami finds an unlikely companion in a 130-year-old tortoise. Once inseparable from his mama, Owen learns to play, snuggle, and build a new bond with Mzee—discovering love and family in an unexpected place. With beautiful illustrations and a tender message, this story reassures children about resilience, friendship, and the possibility of finding new connections after loss.
More Great Books
A Piglet Named Mercy
In this charming origin story for the beloved Mercy Watson series, Mr. and Mrs. Watson long for something beyond their ordinary lives—until an unexpected visitor arrives at their door. What follows is a warm, funny tale of how nontraditional families are formed and held together by love. A delightful read that gently highlights belonging and family in all its unique forms.
My New Mom & Me
This tender, beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a small puppy adopted by a cat. Through the gentle bond between a golden dog and an orange-striped cat, it explores the feelings of fear and adjustment that come with joining a new family. A calm, reassuring story, it also serves as a lovely introduction to the idea that adoptive families may not look alike—making it especially meaningful for talking about transracial adoption with children.
I’ve Loved You Since Forever
Written in lyrical, lullaby-like verse, Hoda Kotb’s I’ve Loved You Since Forever celebrates the timeless bond between parent and child. While not adoption-specific, Kotb wrote it after adopting her daughter, and its theme—that love existed long before parent and child met—resonates deeply with adoptive families. Paired with gentle illustrations, this sweet storybook is a heartfelt reminder that family is built on love that transcends time and circumstance.
Pablo’s Tree
Though older than many of our suggestions, this charming story still resonates with adoptive families. When Pablo is adopted, his grandfather plants a special tree in his honor, decorating it differently each year on Pablo’s birthday. With streamers, balloons, lanterns, and more, the tree becomes a symbol of love and tradition. Featuring a Latino family and a single mother, it offers refreshing representation while celebrating intergenerational bonds and the joy of creating unique family traditions.
And That’s Why She’s My Mama
This gentle picture book celebrates the diversity of families—highlighting that moms come in all shapes, sizes, and appearances, but their love and care remain constant. While not adoption-specific, it affirms nontraditional families, including those formed through adoption and foster care. Warm and inclusive, it reassures children that what truly matters is the love that makes someone “Mom.”
A Family is a Family is a Family
This heartwarming picture book celebrates all kinds of families. When a teacher asks her class what makes their family special, a young girl in foster care worries hers is too different. But as classmates share about step-siblings, two dads, grandmothers, and new babies, she realizes every family is unique—and what matters most is love. A gentle, reassuring story for adopted and foster children that affirms families come in many forms, all equally special.
The Family Book and We Belong Together: A Book about Adoption and Families
Beloved author Todd Parr offers two classics for young children. The Family Book (ages 3–6) celebrates the many ways families can look and live—big or small, clean or messy, with two moms, two dads, or more—affirming that every family is special. We Belong Together (ages 3–6) focuses on adoption, using Parr’s signature colorful style to show how families are created by love and choice. Both are warm, accessible introductions to the meaning of family.
And Tango Makes Three
Based on a true story from the Central Park Zoo, And Tango Makes Three follows Roy and Silo, two male penguins who long for a family. With the help of a zookeeper, they are given an egg to care for and soon welcome a baby penguin, Tango. A beloved classic, this gentle tale celebrates adoption and the beauty of nontraditional families, reminding children that love and care—not sameness—are what make a family.
I Wished for You: An Adoption Story
I Wished for You is a tender conversation between Barley, a little bear, and his Mama as they cuddle and talk about how they became a family. Through Barley’s heartfelt questions and Mama’s loving answers, the story gently explores common adoption themes in a way young children can understand. Warm and reassuring, it’s a beautiful introduction to adoption and a perfect read-aloud for families wanting to affirm that their child was deeply wished for.
I Love You All the Same
This gentle rhyming story follows three bear siblings who wonder how they can all be so different—looking, sounding, and eating in unique ways—yet still belong to the same family. With kindness and love, Mama and Papa Bear reassure them that each one is cherished equally. A sweet, faith-based picture book, it emphasizes unconditional love and family bonds, though its overt spiritual message may not fit every household.
Chocolate Chip Cookies, Anyone?
This engaging story of Bri and Summer helps younger children and early readers explore how special they are to their families through adoption. With an interactive element, it invites kids to reflect on their own feelings through journaling and drawing, making it both a story and a tool for self-expression. A warm, practical conversation starter for families introducing adoption in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
The Forever Nest
The Forever Nest is a tender and beautifully illustrated story about Wynn and Fig, two puffins who dream of growing their family through adoption. With the gentle guidance of a wise Snowy Owl, their journey of hope, waiting, and love leads them to the joyful moment they meet their puffling, Pip—and their forever nest is complete. This heartfelt story helps young children understand the meaning of adoption and celebrates the many ways families are formed. Perfect for adoptive families, parents, and educators, The Forever Nest reminds readers that love is what truly makes a family.
Featured Books
W.I.S.E. Up! Powerbook Created by the Center for Adoption Support and Education
The W.I.S.E. Up books help adopted and foster children learn to confidently handle questions about their story. Through realistic situations, they guide kids—and their parents—on different ways to respond. Using the W.I.S.E. acrostic, children practice that they can Walk away, say It’s private, Share something, or Educate others. Perfect for early to mid-elementary ages, these books are excellent discussion starters that empower kids to manage their adoption or foster care story on their own terms.
Cindy R. Lee’s TBRI™ Collection
Cindy R. Lee’s six-book series uses the trauma-informed TBRI™ model to teach children about managing emotions, celebrating differences, and belonging in a family. Each story is engaging for kids while also including practical tips and support for parents, making the series a valuable tool for both learning and connection. A thoughtful resource for families raising children with trauma histories.
More Great Books
We Chose You: A Book About Adoption, Family, and Forever Love
In We Chose You, Calvin’s parents share his adoption story through a family photo album, reminding him he was chosen with love. When Calvin worries they could “un-choose” him, they reassure him their choice is forever. Featuring an African American family—a rarity in adoption books—this story offers both representation and reassurance. With strong Christian themes, it may not fit every family, but its message of unconditional love makes it a meaningful read for many.
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher
In this lively story, the four Fletcher brothers head into a school year full of adventures, experiments, and chaos—while their two dads do their best to keep up. While adoption isn’t the central theme, the boys’ identities as adoptees are woven naturally into the narrative. This fun, spirited book offers casual representation, reminding readers that adoption is just one part of who kids are. A joyful celebration of family, identity, and everyday adventures.
Happy Adoption Day!
Based on John McCutcheon’s song, Happy Adoption Day! is a joyful picture book that celebrates adoption and the diversity of families. With lively rhymes and sing-along appeal, it introduces children to many different family structures while honoring the love that makes them whole. Bright, fun, and celebratory, it’s a perfect read-aloud for adoption days—or any day families want to celebrate belonging.
Let’s Talk About It: Adoption
An old favorite, Fred Rogers—whose own brother was adopted—offers a gentle, reassuring introduction to adoption. With his trademark sensitivity, he helps children and parents talk openly about both the joyful and sometimes difficult feelings adoption can bring. Though a bit dated and harder to find, this book remains a supportive, timeless resource that affirms belonging and the love that unites all families, across every type of adoption.
Home at Last
Home at Last tells the story of Lester, a young boy adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, who struggles with nighttime fears despite his daytime happiness. Each night, he seeks comfort between his dads and their dog, Wincka, as he slowly learns to feel safe and trust his new family. Honest and reassuring, this book gently explores the emotions children may face in foster care or older-child adoption.
Adopted Like Me: My Book of Adopted Heroes
This inspiring book introduces famous adoptees—such as Marilyn Monroe, Nelson Mandela, and Bo Diddley—alongside athletes, inventors, and even a princess skilled in judo and fencing. Written by an adoptive mother of four, it empowers children to see that being adopted doesn’t limit their potential—they can grow up to be anything they dream. Both a family resource and a history lesson, it highlights the power of love and belonging to shape extraordinary lives.
The Love Tree
The Love Tree by Katie Biron offers a creative, affirming alternative to traditional family trees, which can feel complicated for adoptees and kids in foster care. In this charming story, Little Mouse struggles with a school assignment until his adoptive mom, Mother Fox, helps him create a “Love Tree” that celebrates everyone who loves him—birth family, adoptive family, siblings, and more. A warm, beautifully illustrated book that empowers children to showcase their unique families with pride.
Many People to Love
The first book in the L.I.F.E. series (Love Inspires Families Everywhere), this beautifully illustrated story explores the challenges adoptees may face when adjusting to a new family and culture. Drawing on personal experience, the author shows how a blended family is created while offering parents a tool to start conversations around complex adoption issues. Gentle and encouraging, it highlights that, above all, love is what truly makes a family.
How I Wonder Where You Are
In the second book of the L.I.F.E. series (Love Inspires Families Everywhere), Carla faces a family tree assignment at school that stirs questions about her birth parents and roots. As she wrestles with ambiguous grief, her adoptive parents respond with openness and empathy, creating space for curiosity and trust. A thoughtful story that helps children process adoption-related questions while reminding families that love and honesty can guide them through complex emotions.
The Mulberry Bird
In this classic adoption picture book, a storm scatters Mother Bird’s nest, leaving her unable to protect her baby. With love, she makes the painful choice to place him in a stronger, safer nest where he can thrive. Tenderly told, the story addresses the enduring love of birth parents and the importance of nurturing children in their adoptive families. A thoughtful read-aloud that gently introduces adoption themes and encourages meaningful discussion with young children.
A Part of My Family Forever
Isabel, adopted as a baby, wonders if she’ll ever truly belong—did she cause her birth parents to leave, and is she good enough to be loved forever? Written by an adoption-competent therapist, this book helps parents open conversations about birth parents, identity, and belonging. With coping strategies for big emotions, it reassures children of their family’s unconditional love while giving them permission to voice honest feelings. A valuable tool to build pride, security, and trust.
Scoochie’s Adoption Story
In Scoochie’s Adoption Story, a young girl with two dads is asked at the park, “Where’s your mom?” Her answer becomes a gentle explanation of adoption and family diversity. Written by a licensed clinical social worker and adoptive father, this book uses kid-friendly language to normalize adoption as one way families are formed. A great conversation starter about inclusion and belonging, it’s ideal for preschool and elementary-age children and celebrates the beauty of diverse families.
Every Family is a Tree
In this inclusive picture book, Dr. Andrea Z. Ali-Panzarella—pediatrician and mom through gestational surrogacy—celebrates the many ways families are formed: through birth, adoption, foster care, surrogacy, or grandparents and same-sex parents raising children. Inspired by her own journey through infertility and loss, she offers a heartwarming story that reassures kids from nontraditional families that what truly matters is the love holding them together. A beautiful resource for celebrating family diversity.
Featured Books
Soar
Twelve-year-old Jeremiah Lopper, adopted after being abandoned as an infant, faces life with a weakened heart and a recent transplant. When he and his dad move to a baseball-obsessed Ohio town shaken by scandal, Jeremiah finds purpose with the local team. Quiet yet powerful, this story highlights resilience, optimism, and belonging. Not only about adoption, it also addresses family struggles, medical challenges, addiction, and abandonment—making it a meaningful read for middle schoolers navigating tough issues.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs is an award-winning modern fable inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. The story follows Hazel, a transracial adoptee from India, whose adoption is part of her identity but not the central plot. Instead, it’s woven naturally into a beautifully written tale of friendship, loss, and courage. A rare example of an adoptee protagonist in mainstream fiction, this book is both compelling in its own right and meaningful for adoption representation.
More Great Books
The War I Finally Won
In The War I Finally Won, Ada and her brother Jeremy find safety with their new guardian, Susan, after years of abuse. But even in wartime Kent, Ada struggles to feel secure amid blackouts, rations, and constant change. As the siblings long to settle into family life, unexpected events force them to adapt once more. A moving sequel to the Newbery Honor–winning The War That Saved My Life, this novel also stands strong on its own.
Dear Wonderful You, Letters to Adopted & Fostered Youth
This collection features letters from adult adoptees to the next generation of adopted and fostered youth. Written mostly by adoptees adopted as infants—half domestic, half international—the letters offer encouragement, solidarity, and wisdom from those who “get it.” Best read one letter at a time, the book reassures young readers that they’re not alone and that others have walked the same path before them.
W.I.S.E. Up! Powerbook Created by the Center for Adoption Support and Education
The W.I.S.E. Up books help adopted and foster children learn to confidently handle questions about their story. Through realistic situations, they guide kids—and their parents—on different ways to respond. Using the W.I.S.E. acrostic, children practice that they can Walk away, say It’s private, Share something, or Educate others. Perfect for early to mid-elementary ages, these books are excellent discussion starters that empower kids to manage their adoption or foster care story on their own terms.
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher
In this lively story, the four Fletcher brothers head into a school year full of adventures, experiments, and chaos—while their two dads do their best to keep up. While adoption isn’t the central theme, the boys’ identities as adoptees are woven naturally into the narrative. This fun, spirited book offers casual representation, reminding readers that adoption is just one part of who kids are. A joyful celebration of family, identity, and everyday adventures.
Anne of Green Gables
Marilla Cuthbert and her brother, Matthew, decide to adopt a boy to help them take care of their land in Prince Edwards Island. To their surprise, 11-year-old orphan Anne Shirley arrives to live with them instead. While Anne’s adoption-for-labor story doesn’t resemble modern adoption, the book series remains an original classic of adoption literature. If you haven’t read this wonderful series, start now. The series follows Anne as she ages, so the later books in the series won’t likely be of interest to young children.
Patina
Patina, the second book in Jason Reynolds’s Track series, follows Patty, a fierce runner navigating life with her little sister in kinship care after their father’s death and mother’s illness. Living with their aunt and uncle while visiting their mom weekly, Patty juggles love, loss, race, class, and belonging. From competitive races to tender moments braiding her sister’s hair, this standalone novel explores adoption, kinship care, and resilience with honesty and heart.
We’ve Been There
This collection features stories from more than thirty adopted teens and young adults, offering honest glimpses into their feelings, questions, and experiences. Candid and powerful, the voices highlight how adoption shapes identity and impacts adoptees into young adulthood and beyond. An invaluable resource for adopted youth, adoptive parents, and anyone touched by adoption, this book fosters understanding, empathy, and deeper conversations about what it means to grow up adopted.
Adopted Like Me: My Book of Adopted Heroes
This inspiring book introduces famous adoptees—such as Marilyn Monroe, Nelson Mandela, and Bo Diddley—alongside athletes, inventors, and even a princess skilled in judo and fencing. Written by an adoptive mother of four, it empowers children to see that being adopted doesn’t limit their potential—they can grow up to be anything they dream. Both a family resource and a history lesson, it highlights the power of love and belonging to shape extraordinary lives.
We’re Adopted, So What?
This graphic-novel–style book gives voice to five adopted teen girls as they share candid thoughts on adoption—what confuses them, what they wish they knew, and what frustrates them. Designed for today’s tweens and teens, it includes prompts for journaling and encourages open conversations with parents about the “hard stuff.” Affirming and accessible, it’s a wonderful gift for adopted girls navigating identity and emotions in their tween and teen years.
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