Books for Kids Adopted Internationally
Featured Books
The Jade Dragon
This early chapter book tells the story of two second-grade girls—one born in the U.S. to Chinese immigrant parents, the other adopted from China by an American family. At first hesitant with each other, the girls grow into friendship while discovering the many ways of being Chinese American. Easy to read and relatable for ages 8 and up, it’s a thoughtful story about identity, culture, and the power of friendship.
Asian Children’s Favorite Stories: A Treasury of Folktales from China, Japan, Korea, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
This collection features 13 traditional stories from various Asian countries, providing young readers with a glimpse into diverse cultures and folklore. The tales are engaging and varied, though parents should note that one story includes a bear’s violent death. With guidance, this book can serve as a meaningful way to introduce children to storytelling traditions from Asia, while also sparking conversations about cultural diversity and the lessons found in folktales.
Rebecca’s Journey Home
On the eve of adopting a baby girl from Vietnam, a Jewish family prepares joyfully for her arrival, celebrating how she will be Vietnamese, Jewish, and American all at once. Told through the voices of her brothers, the story beautifully illustrates how adoptive families can honor a child’s birth culture while also embracing new traditions. With warmth and meaning, it shows the power of names and identity—Rebecca Rose, Le Thi Hong, and Rivka Shoshanah—each part of her belonging.
More Great Books
Three Names of Me
This tender story, told from the perspective of a young girl adopted from China, explains why she has three names: one from her birth parents (unknown), one from the orphanage, and one from her adoptive parents. While the heart of the book is the deep love between parent and child, it also honors the enduring love of her birth mother. A gentle, thoughtful story that helps children explore identity and belonging within adoption.
An-Ya and Her Diary
Told in diary format, this novel follows An-Ya, a pre-teen adopted from China, as she moves from orphanage life to a new home in the United States. Honest and moving, it explores themes of loss, race, and the challenges of attachment with authenticity and heart. Suitable for tweens, teens, and adults, An-Ya’s story offers an intimate look at the emotional journey of international adoption and the resilience of a child finding her place in a new family.
Equalland: Where Everyone Equally Matters
This rhyming picture book celebrates a beautiful land where everyone belongs. A diverse group of children show how differences make us unique and can bring us together in meaningful ways. With its bright illustrations and gentle message, the story sparks conversations about diversity, inclusion, tolerance, and kindness. Transracial adoptive, foster, and kinship families will especially appreciate seeing themselves reflected in its pages, making it a warm and affirming read for all families.
Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now
Land of Morning Calm is an excellent culture book for elementary-age kids, offering a journey through both ancient and modern Korea. With engaging stories and activities, children can explore Korean history, traditions, food, holidays, and even learn how to make kimchi. From the legend of Korea’s founding to the creation of the Korean alphabet, this beautifully written book opens a window into Korean life. A fascinating, child-friendly introduction to a rich culture that encourages both learning and appreciation.
A Single Shard
A Newbery Medal winner, A Single Shard introduces young readers to life and art in ancient Korea. The story follows Tree-ear, an orphan working to repay his debt to a master potter, as he faces challenges of shame, fear, gratitude, and love. Rich with cultural detail yet emotionally timeless, this novel offers both history and heart. Suitable for ages 10–12, it’s an engaging way for children to explore resilience, artistry, and the values that connect us across centuries.
Korean Children’s Favorite Stories
Korean Children’s Favorite Stories is a beautifully illustrated collection of folktales that have been passed down for generations. Blending humor, wisdom, and cultural insight, these stories highlight both uniquely Korean traditions and universal themes found across cultures. From a clever baby rabbit outwitting a tiger to a toad saving a village, the tales bring animals and people to life in memorable ways. A vibrant introduction to Korea’s literary heritage, perfect for sharing with children and sparking curiosity about world folklore.
Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies
Told from the perspective of a 4-year-old Asian boy, this sweet story begins with him as “a picture you held in your hand” before flying through the night to meet his new family. Frightened on the journey, he clutches their photo until they greet him with open arms at the airport. Though it reflects an older style of international adoption where children were escorted, the timeless warmth of this tale makes it a family favorite.
Somewhere Sisters
This powerful novel tells the story of twin sisters separated at birth in Vietnam in 1998. Ha grows up in a rural village, while Loan—renamed Isabella—is adopted by a wealthy American family. When Isabella’s adoptive mother discovers Ha’s existence, the twins’ worlds collide, reshaping their understanding of family, culture, and identity. Named an NPR Best Book of 2022, this richly woven coming-of-age story beautifully explores sisterhood, belonging, and the many ways family can be defined.
Finding Family in a Far-Away Land
This thoughtful, often lighthearted story follows Ari and Priya, siblings adopted from India, as they adjust to a new country and family. Though they share the same experience, each responds in very different ways—showing kids that there’s no single “right” way to process adoption. Complete with a glossary of cultural terms, the book also helps families learn about Indian culture while opening space for adoptees to reflect on and share their own stories.
Featured Books
I Am Latino: The Beauty in Me
This vibrant picture book joyfully celebrates Latino culture through food, music, family, and language. With Sandra Pinkney’s lively text and Myles Pinkney’s colorful photographs, children explore traditions using all five senses—smelling tamales, tasting empanadas, hearing salsa and tango, and cherishing family time. While not adoption-specific, it’s a wonderful affirmation for being brown and proud of Latin American heritage. A perfect read to honor culture, identity, and the richness of everyday traditions.
My Pig Amarillo
Amarillo, a little yellow pig, is Pablito’s best friend—until one day, Amarillo is gone. Heartbroken, Pablito struggles to eat or sleep until his grandfather shows him a way to send a message and say goodbye. Set in Guatemala and centered on All Saints Day traditions, this tender story isn’t about adoption but beautifully introduces children to Guatemalan culture, grief, and remembrance. A touching tale of love, loss, and honoring those we cherish.
Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale
This brightly illustrated picture book follows a couple’s joyful journey “over the moon and through the night” to a faraway place where they adopt a baby girl. Inspired by the author’s own adoption trip to Central America, it offers a simple, heartwarming introduction to adoption for young children. Perfect for families to read together, it highlights love, anticipation, and the joy of welcoming a child through international adoption.
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The Colors of Us
Seven-year-old Lena describes her own skin as “the color of cinnamon,” but soon learns on a walk with her mom that brown skin comes in many beautiful shades. Inspired by the author’s daughter, adopted from Guatemala, The Colors of Us celebrates diversity and the richness of different skin tones. A perfect book for transracial adoptive families—or any family—wanting to open conversations about identity, beauty, and the many ways we reflect the world’s colors.
My Guatemala
This bilingual picture book takes children on a colorful journey through Guatemala, with text in both English and Spanish. Through vibrant illustrations, readers are introduced to the country’s diverse landscapes, animals, foods, and culture. Perfect for families who want to celebrate bilingual learning or introduce children to Spanish or English, this engaging resource works well both at home and in the classroom. A fun and educational read for kids ages 5–16 that highlights the beauty of Guatemala.
Featured Books
Mommy’s Heart Went POP!
Mommy’s Heart Went POP! is a beautifully illustrated picture book that shares the joy of international adoption, particularly from Africa. Told in simple, heartfelt language, it captures the excitement of parents preparing to meet their child and the deep love that follows. Designed for the whole family, it helps adopted children know their story, reassures siblings, and supports parents in expressing their love. With vibrant illustrations and added resources, it’s a warm celebration of family and belonging.
Africa Is Not A Country
Africa Is Not a Country takes readers inside the daily lives of children across Africa—from island nations like Comoros and Seychelles to the continent’s largest countries. With engaging text and illustrations, it counters stereotypes and highlights Africa’s vast diversity in culture, language, and traditions. While not adoption-specific, this book is a wonderful celebration of African heritage and an excellent introduction for children learning about their birth culture or simply exploring the richness of this vibrant continent.
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Yafi’s Family: an Ethiopian Boy’s Journey of Love, Loss and Adoption
Yafi’s Family tells the tender story of a six-year-old Ethiopian boy’s adoption and family history. Through shared memories, stories, and photographs, Yafi, his parents, and his sisters reflect on his early life and the journey that brought him into their family. This heartfelt book celebrates love, loss, and belonging, showing how both birth and adoptive families, grandparents, siblings, and parents all play a role in a child’s story. A moving celebration of the deep and lasting bonds of family.
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 adapting to a new family and culture. Drawing on personal experience, the author portrays the creation of a blended family with honesty and warmth. Designed as a tool for parents, it encourages open conversations around adoption’s complexities while affirming the central message: love is what makes a family.
Featured Books
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 adapting to a new family and culture. Drawing on personal experience, the author portrays the creation of a blended family with honesty and warmth. Designed as a tool for parents, it encourages open conversations around adoption’s complexities while affirming the central message: love is what makes a family.
More Great Books
When I Met You
This picture book, based on the author’s personal experiences, follows a young girl’s life before and after her adoption from Russia. With scenes from an orphanage and glimpses of her Russian birth mother, it offers both cultural context and emotional depth. A wonderful conversation starter, it helps families explore the child’s history while celebrating the joy and love adoption brings. Perfect for introducing children to Russian culture and honoring their unique adoption story.
Mishka: An Adoption Tale
Told through the eyes of Mo, a stuffed bear, this touching story captures the longing and uncertainty children may feel while waiting for adoption in Russia. Mo’s perspective gives children a safe way to see themselves and their emotions reflected in the story, offering comfort and understanding. With warmth and reassurance, it reminds young readers that, like Mo, they can find peace in knowing: I’m right where I belong.
Half A World Away
Half a World Away tells the powerful story of Jaden, an 11-year-old adoptee who feels like an “epic fail.” Convinced his family is adopting again to replace him, Jaden struggles with anger, stealing, and emptiness. But during a trip to Kazakhstan, where his parents plan to adopt a baby, Jaden unexpectedly bonds with a toddler named Dimash. Set against vivid cultural details, this moving novel explores loss, belonging, and the healing power of connection, offering hope and second chances.
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