Books have a quiet power. They open conversations, reflect a child’s story back to them, and remind families they are not alone on this journey.
This curated list is organized by age group, with topic tags to help you find exactly the right book at the right time. Some books speak to more than one season of life. All of them were chosen because they center connection, belonging, and hope.
This list grows as new books are reviewed. If you have a recommendation, we’d love to hear from you.
Little Ones (Ages 0-4)
We’re Different, We’re the Same
Bobbi Kates
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Ages 1–4
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends show toddlers that though we may look different on the outside, we are very much alike on the inside. A colorful, enduring read that helps little ones celebrate differences and find common ground.
Whoever You Are
Mem Fox
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Ages 2–5
Every day, all over the world, children are laughing, playing, and dreaming. They may not look the same or speak the same language, but inside they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings remind children that our differences make this world extraordinary.
You Belong Here
M.H. Clark
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Baby and up
The stars belong in the sky, and you belong right here. This tender bedtime book journeys around the world, showing children everywhere that they are exactly where they are meant to be. A beautiful choice for new babies, adoptive families, and children of all ages.
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
Rose A. Lewis
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Ages 2–6
Based on the author’s own journey, this story follows a woman who travels to China to adopt a baby girl. A celebration of the love and joy a child brings into a home and a tender tribute to the families formed across oceans.
It’s Okay to Be Different
Todd Parr
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Ages 2–5
It’s okay to need some help. It’s okay to dance by yourself. It’s okay to be different. With bold colors and a big-hearted message, Todd Parr celebrates everything that makes each of us unique and reminds young readers they are never the odd one out. Available in English and Spanish.
A Is for Always: An Adoption Alphabet
Linda Cutting
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Ages 2–6
From A for Always to Z, this gentle alphabet book celebrates the love and joy of adoption through rhyme and beautiful illustrations. B is for birth parents, Q is for questions, U is for understanding. A warm and accessible way to frame adoption for your youngest child.
And That’s Why She’s My Mama
Tiarra Nazario
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Ages 1–7
A mama makes your favorite food, kisses your boo-boos, and holds you in her heart. This warmhearted story celebrates the many shapes a mama can take and the one thing they all share: love.
Families Are Forever
Craig Shemin
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Ages 2–4
Narrated by six-year-old Rain and her beloved stuffed hippo, this color-filled story follows a Chinese-American adopted girl on her heartwarming journey from China to America and into the arms of a loving family. Lighthearted, touching, and full of joy.
Está bien ser diferente
Todd Parr
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Ages 2–5
Está bien pedir ayuda. Está bien bailar a solas. Está bien ser diferente. Con colores llamativos y un mensaje lleno de cariño, Todd Parr celebra todo lo que nos hace únicos y les recuerda a los lectores jóvenes que nadie se queda fuera. Disponible en inglés y en español
Growing Readers
Your Amazing Brain: The Epic Illustrated Guide
Jessica Sinarski
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Ages 7–10
Faster than a speeding car! Stronger than a supercomputer! This engaging illustrated guide explains brain cell basics, the eight senses, the “upstairs” and “downstairs” brain, and practical strategies for regulation. Packed with insights for kids and helpful guidance for adults. A go-to resource for homes, classrooms, and therapy offices.
Shaoey and Dot: Bug Meets Bundle
Mary Beth Chapman
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Ages 4–8
An abandoned Chinese baby befriended by a ladybug finds her way to an orphanage and eventually into the arms of an American family. A touching story of journey, belonging, and the unexpected companions who show up along the way.
How It Feels to Be Adopted
Jill Krementz
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Ages 8–16
Nineteen adopted boys and girls, ages eight to sixteen, share their questions, frustrations, difficulties, and joys in their own words. A deeply affecting and honest book that helps adopted children know their feelings are normal and that they are not alone on this journey.
Lucy’s Family Tree
Karen Halvorsen Schreck
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Ages 4+ (ideal for ages 8–12)
When Lucy’s class is assigned a family tree project, her adoption makes her feel like her family is too “different.” But as she explores the assignment, she discovers that few families fit a traditional mold, and she creates something that honors both her past and her present. Includes alternative family tree designs for teachers and parents.
Early Readers
What Makes a Family?
Hannah Bruner
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All ages
From blended families to foster families and everything in between, this lyrical, whimsical picture book teaches children and grown-ups alike that no matter how a family is created, what truly makes a family is choosing to love.
When You Joined Our Family
Harriet Evans
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Ages 3–7
When you joined our family, I knew you were just who I had waited and wished for. A picture book steeped in love, celebrating all kinds of adoption and all kinds of families.
You Are Loved: A Book About Families
Margaret O’Hair
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Ages 4–8
From Down syndrome advocate Sofia Sanchez comes this inclusive picture book about all the different ways to make a family. Readers meet families with two moms, two dads, single parents, grandparents, guardians, older siblings, and more. What they all share: love that empowers you just the way you are.
Room in the Nest
Holly Marlow
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Ages 1–11
Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Award. Mr. and Mrs. Swan build a big nest so they always have room to help anyone who needs them. This inclusive story teaches children about foster care, reunification, kinship care, and adoption through a gentle, touching narrative. Features families of all kinds, including same-sex and single parents.
So You’ve Adopted a Sibling
Holly Marlow
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Ages 2–11
Told by a young big sister who is thriving in her role, this story shares tips and honest emotion for other children navigating the early months after a sibling joins the family through adoption. A thoughtful, affirming read for biological and previously adopted children alike.
Some Things Have Changed
Holly Marlow
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Ages 3–10
Little Chick has questions and feelings when he learns his birth mother has a new duckling who will stay with her. This sensitively crafted story gently helps care-experienced children process a confusing situation, with honest answers and reassurance that they are loved.
Stormy: A Story About Finding a Forever Home
Guojing
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Ages 3–7
In this wordless picture book, a woman discovers a scared, scrappy dog hiding under a bench. Day after day she returns. Trust doesn’t come easily, but with patience and kindness, a joyful friendship takes hold. A beautiful exploration of how connection grows over time.
Surrounded by Love: An Open Adoption Story
Allison Olson
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Ages 3–7
Written by an adoptee for adoptees. This modern take on the adoption story celebrates open adoption and the immense love that everyone in the process holds for the child. The goal: to shift the adoption narrative from the “lucky” child to the “loved” child.
The Adoption Ceremony
Holly Marlow
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Ages 0–11
An adoption ceremony, sometimes called a Celebration Hearing, can feel mysterious or overwhelming for a child. This story shows children what to expect and reassures them that the decision has already been made and will not change. A thoughtful gift to help a child understand and celebrate this milestone.
The Color of Love
Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett
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Ages 3–7
If love were a color, what color would it be? Grace and her classmates each have a different answer, and together they discover that love comes in many forms. A warmhearted story that encourages young readers to celebrate the many meanings of love.
The Foster Dragon: A Story About Foster Care
Steve Herman
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Ages 4–8
Join Drew and his dragon Diggory Doo as they navigate what it means to be a foster child, including changing families, new beginnings, and the big feelings that come with them. A reassuring story that helps children open up, ask questions, and build trust in the adults who care for them.
The Mulberry Bird
Anne Braff Brodzinsky
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Ages 5–10
When a storm scatters Mother Bird’s nest, she faces a profound choice: keep struggling alone or find her precious baby bird a family who can give him the safe, secure home he deserves. A timeless adoption story that addresses birth parent love, contact after adoption, and the importance of nurturing a child in their new environment.
The Rabbit Listened
Cori Doerrfeld
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Ages 2+
When something sad happens, all the animals try to tell Taylor how to feel. One by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives and simply listens. A moving, universal picture book about empathy and the profound comfort of being truly heard.
The Tale of Mallory Mouse: From Foster Care to Adoption
Laura Khoury
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Ages 4–7
Tiny Mallory may seem alone, but she never truly is. Through the love of her birth mother, her foster mom, and her forever mommy, Mallory experiences care in its many forms. A gentle story of faith, love, and belonging.
This Is Our House
Michael Rosen
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Ages 3–7
George has a cardboard box house and a very firm rule: no one else can come in. But when he steps away and everyone piles in, George gets a taste of what exclusion really feels like. A humorous, well-loved lesson in belonging and the joy of opening your door to everyone.
We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families
Todd Parr
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Ages 3–6
In his bold, colorful style, Todd Parr explores the many ways people come together to make a family. It’s about sharing your home and sharing your heart. Accessible, humorous, and full of warmth for the youngest readers.
Riley the Brave: The Little Cub with Big Feelings!
Jessica Sinarski
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Ages 5–8
Riley the Brave is a little bear with big feelings on a journey to face his fears. Along the way he learns that sometimes the bravest thing is asking for help, or letting someone into your heart. Written for children healing from difficult life experiences. Includes an educational afterword for grown-ups.
Riley the Brave’s Sensational Senses
Jessica Sinarski
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Ages 3–7
Riley really wants to have fun at the fair, but the stinky, bumpy, noisy bus makes it hard to focus. This playful story teaches children about all eight of their senses through real-life strategies for emotional regulation. Includes an educational afterword explaining sensory processing for grown-ups.
Fostering Feebie: A Book for Children in Foster Care
Ms. Sherry Grandmaison
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Ages 3–11
Through the eyes of a foster child, readers discover a touching story of love, support, and the hope that comes with being part of a foster family. Filled with beautiful illustrations and a positive outlook on foster care, this book helps children see a future full of possibility.
Happy Adoption Day!
John McCutcheon
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Ages 2–7
Based on McCutcheon’s beloved song, this book commemorates the day a child joins an adoptive family. With musical notation included, gentle verses reassure adopted children they are cherished and special. A wonderful book for Adoption Day anniversaries.
Home Is Wherever I Go!
Sunny Mai
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Ages 2–8
Moving can be scary, especially for young children. This fun, rhyming story teaches that everything we love lives in our hearts and goes wherever we go. A gentle, empowering message for children navigating transitions and new beginnings.
How I Was Adopted
Joanna Cole
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Ages 4–8
Sam has a joyful story to tell, one that is completely her own and also common to millions of families: the story of how she was adopted. Most of all, it is a story about love. Sam’s story comes full circle, inviting young readers to share their own.
Juliet Finds a Forever Home
Anastasiia Bielik
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Ages 4–8
A little dog was all alone, no food, no home, no love, until she wandered into a place full of warmth and kindness. A poignant story about courage, belonging, and the journey to finding where you truly fit.
Learning About My Friend’s Adoption
Allison Olson
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Ages 4–8
When a curious boy learns his friend was adopted, he sets out to understand what adoption truly means. Told through friendship and conversation, this story helps children both inside and outside the adoption community find empathy, understanding, and connection.
Lily Coyote’s New Baby: An Adoption Story
Xander Martin
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Ages 4–7
Night after night, Lily Coyote asks Madame Moon for guidance in finding a child to love. Her search leads her to Little Fox, and together they build a chosen family rooted in trust and care. A sweet adoption allegory with beautiful illustrations and a spot-the-difference puzzle inside.
Listening to My Body
Gabi Garcia
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Ages 3–8
Big emotions can feel overwhelming. This engaging, interactive book guides children through naming feelings and the physical sensations that come with them. Teaching kids to tune into their bodies is a foundation for emotional regulation. Includes kid-friendly practice activities throughout.
Listening with My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-Compassion
Gabi Garcia
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Ages 4–7
When the school play doesn’t go as planned, Esperanza learns that kindness matters most, especially the kindness we show ourselves. A beautiful reminder for children that they deserve the same empathy they give others. Includes mindfulness and self-compassion activities. Also available in Spanish as Escuchando con mi Corazón.
May You Love and Be Loved
Cleo Wade
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Ages 3–6
May you know fear but not be driven by it. May you know joy and follow it everywhere. A lyrical, heartfelt picture book that reads like a love letter to the infinite potential of every child. Gorgeously illustrated and filled with big-hearted emotion.
No Matter What: A Foster Care Tale
Josh Shipp
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Ages 5–11
Written by a former foster kid and bestselling author, this mostly autobiographical story follows Josh, a squirrel without a squirrel family, as he discovers that the elephants want him to be part of their family today, tomorrow, and forever. Hilarious, relatable, and deeply reassuring for children who need to know unconditional love is real.
Riley the Brave Makes It to School
Jessica Sinarski
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Ages 5–9
Some days Riley wakes up cheerful and ready to brave the day. Other days, not so much. This story creates a safe space for conversations about what makes school feel hard, and offers positive tips for families. Includes an educational afterword for grown-ups.
My Brain Is a Home
Orlanda Bettison
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Ages 5–12
A beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to how their brain works: the wise prefrontal cortex, the guard-dog amygdala, and the clever hippocampus. By understanding what’s happening inside, children gain tools to manage big emotions and build resilience. Used with children navigating anxiety, ADHD, and autism, as well as neurotypical kids.
My Incredible Talking Body: Learning to Be Calm
Rebecca Bowen
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Ages 6–12
A beautifully illustrated book that helps children understand their emotions by paying attention to what their body is telling them. Encourages acceptance of all types of feelings and offers calming strategies. Includes a learning guide for parents, educators, and counselors.
A Crocodile in the Family
Ki’y Black
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Ages 4–8
A family of birds stumbles across an egg in the Australian bush and decides to raise the baby inside as their own. When others question why they keep the little crocodile, the family’s answer is simple: “Because he belongs.” A heartwarming story about unconditional love and chosen family.
A Family Is a Family Is a Family
Sara O’Leary
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Ages 3–7
When a teacher asks her class what makes their families special, every answer is different and every answer matters. One child is raised by a grandmother, another has two dads, one has stepsiblings. A warm and whimsical look at the many ways families are made.
Addy’s Journey to Her Forever Home
Nicole Schryer
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Ages 6–12
Seven-year-old Addy is a porcupine who moves through foster homes, her spikes growing with each experience of loss. When she lands with armadillos, hard on the outside and soft on the inside, something begins to shift. A story of resilience and hope for children who have known hard things. Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award.
Adopting a Little Brother or Sister
Holly Marlow
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Ages 2–11
Told in the voice of a young child excited to be a big sister through adoption, this story touches on social worker visits, the introduction process, and the real emotions children feel when a sibling joins the family. Written for biological children and children who were adopted themselves.
All About Families
Felicity Brooks
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Ages 3–5
What do families look like? Who’s in your family? How can families change? With delightful illustrations, this book celebrates lone-parent families, adoptive families, foster families, divorced families, remarried families, and multi-racial families. A joyful first look at family diversity.
All Kinds of Animal Families
Sophy Henn
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Ages 5–8
Just like us, animal families are all different. From clownfish mamas and daddies to cheetah daddies who adopt cubs, what do they all have in common? Love, of course. A wonderful celebration of family diversity through the animal world.
Author corrected from ‘Kane Miller’ (publisher, not author) to Sophy Henn
Are You a Forever Family?
Marcy Bursac
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Picture Book
A cheerful celebration of what it means to be an adoptive family, and an invitation for readers to consider becoming a forever family for the thousands of children waiting in the U.S. foster care system. Perfect for sparking conversations about how families are formed.
Babies Come From Airports
Erin Dealey
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Ages 3–8
Some babies come from airports, but all babies come from love. A joy-filled story of a Gotcha Day, perfect for international adoptive families who want to celebrate how their child came home.
Brianna’s Brave Day at School
Francine Apy
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Elementary Ages
Based on a true story. When the topic of adoption comes up negatively in her classroom, young Brianna faces a choice: stay silent or speak her truth. With courage beyond her years, she shares what adoption really means, opening hearts in the process. Includes an informational section about adoption for kids and adults alike.
Celebrating the Lantern Festival
Tang Sanmu
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Ages 4–8
Little Mei wants to know why her grandpa is making a paper lantern. Grandpa tells the story behind the Lantern Festival. Includes a recipe for yuanxiao, sticky rice dumplings. A lovely way to explore and celebrate Chinese cultural heritage.
Cousins by Adoption
Holly Marlow
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Ages 2–11
Created in response to requests from prospective adopters, this story is told in the voice of a young child excited to become cousins through adoption. It explains the adoption process in a child-friendly way and helps nieces and nephews feel part of the journey from the start.
Delly Duck: Sibling Group Edition
Holly Marlow
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Ages 2–11
The beloved Delly Duck story in a special edition for twins and sibling groups, helping multiple children process the same questions together. A thoughtful therapeutic tool for families, caseworkers, and counselors.
Delly Duck: Why a Little Chick Couldn’t Stay with His Birth Mother
Holly Marlow
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Ages 2–11
A sensitively written story using animal characters to help children process the questions many adopted and fostered children carry: Why can’t I live with my birth mother? Helps adults open those conversations with honesty, warmth, and hope. Includes a guide to the symbolism for parents, therapists, and social workers.
Foster Care: One Dog’s Story of Change
Julia Cook
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Ages 5–8
Foster has more questions than answers and more feelings than words. But with the help of new friends and a kind foster mom, he begins to see that being here isn’t so bad. An honest, approachable story that helps children entering foster care know they are not alone.
Escuchando con mi Corazón: Una cuento de bondad y autocompasión (Listening with my Heart) (Spanish Edition)
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Parents and Caregivers
What to Know When You Adopt Through Foster Care: Real Life Stories and Practical Tips
Marcy Bursac
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For Parents
With 45+ topics and real stories from families who have walked this path, this practical guide covers every phase of the foster care adoption journey: from deciding and applying, through training, home study, and matching, to the parenting journey itself. An honest, encouraging companion for the road ahead. Published 2023.
No standard ISBN — source cover image from Amazon listing
Your Adoption Journey in Words and Photos: Resilience and Mindset for Personal Growth
Francine Apy
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For Parents and Caregivers
From the author of Brianna’s Brave Day at School, this reflective resource invites adoptive parents and caregivers to document their journey while exploring their own resilience and mindset. A meaningful companion for the personal growth that adoption calls forth in all of us.
Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency
Sharon Roszia
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For Parents and Professionals
The Seven Core Issues (loss, rejection, shame, grief, identity, intimacy, and mastery) provide a unifying framework for understanding everyone touched by the adoption experience. This comprehensive guide expands the model to include foster care, kinship care, and third-party reproduction, addressing attachment and healing across diverse perspectives.
The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family
Karyn Purvis
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For Parents
Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, this foundational resource helps parents build bonds of affection and trust, respond effectively to learning and behavioral challenges, and discipline with love rather than fear. One of the most widely recommended books in the adoptive parent community.
The Forgotten Adoption Option: A Self-Reflection and How-To Guide for Pursuing Foster Care Adoption
Marcy Bursac
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For Parents
More than 100,000 children in the U.S. foster care system are waiting to be adopted. This guide helps prospective parents discern whether foster care adoption is the right path for their family, then walks them through every step of the process. Written by an adoptive mom who has lived it and advocates for it every day.
Adoption and the Schools: Resources for Teachers and Parents
Lansing Wood
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For Parents and Educators
A resource book about adoption for parents and teachers of both younger and older children. Practical guidance for navigating the school setting, supporting adopted children in the classroom, and building understanding across the school community.
No standard ISBN — source cover image from Amazon listing
Adoption and the Schools: Resources for Teachers and Parents
Lansing Wood
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For Educators and Parents
(Also listed in Parents and Caregivers.) Practical resources for creating adoption-aware classrooms and supporting families through the school experience. A useful tool for any educator who works with adopted or foster children.
Same title also appears in Parents and Caregivers section — confirm whether it should appear in both or only one
Teens
The Adopted Teen Workbook: Develop Confidence, Strength, and Resilience on the Path to Adulthood
Barbara Neiman
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Teens
Many adopted teens grapple with questions about their birth family and feelings of isolation or broken trust. This workbook helps teens explore those questions, sit with difficult feelings, and build the confidence, resilience, and strength they need to thrive on the road to adulthood.
Just Because I Was Adopted . . .
Dr. P. Shiroma
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Ages 13–18
When William is challenged about whether his family is his “real” family, he and his friends embark on a journey to understand what adoption truly means. Featuring stunning chibi anime illustrations, this award-winning book reminds teens that family is built on love, not biology. Winner of the Purple Dragonfly Children’s Book Award.
Educators and Professionals
Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency
Sharon Roszia
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For Parents and Professionals
The Seven Core Issues (loss, rejection, shame, grief, identity, intimacy, and mastery) provide a unifying framework for understanding everyone touched by the adoption experience. This comprehensive guide expands the model to include foster care, kinship care, and third-party reproduction, addressing attachment and healing across diverse perspectives.
It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption: An Invitation for Change, Awareness, and Belonging
Marcy Bursac
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Adults and Professionals
An anthology featuring 18 authentic voices: adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, faith leaders, researchers, and policymakers. This book is an invitation to bring adoption into the places that shape daily life: schools, workplaces, and faith communities. Essential reading for school administrators, counselors, HR teams, and community influencers who want to create spaces where adopted children feel seen and supported.
Adoption and the Schools: Resources for Teachers and Parents
Lansing Wood
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For Educators and Parents
(Also listed in Parents and Caregivers.) Practical resources for creating adoption-aware classrooms and supporting families through the school experience. A useful tool for any educator who works with adopted or foster children.
Same title also appears in Parents and Caregivers section — confirm whether it should appear in both or only one
Click the link for a curated list of recommended books designed to support adoptive, foster, and kinship children, their families, caregivers, as well as others.
This list will be updated as new books are reviewed.
