Adoption
It’s so important for children to see themselves and their families reflected in the stories we read. The titles below do just that! They feature families with adoptive and foster children, and blended families of all shapes and sizes. I hope these books help you tell the story of how the beautiful fabric of your family came together, and reinforce the love that binds you.
Please note the the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Books About Adoption
Just Right Family - Meilei’s family is just right. She loves hearing the story of her just right family, how her parents flew “far across the sea to China” so that they could be Meilei’s forever family. But what happens when her parents adopt a new baby sister? will her family still be just right?
A Crazy Much Love -This sweet and simple book tells the story of a family waiting for just the right baby to join their family. Love pours off of every page!
You’re Not My Real Mother! - a mother explains all of the reasons why she is a real mother to her adopted daughter, despite the fact that they don’t look alike. The simple text makes this sweet book great for readers 3+. This book is full of all of the important and loving things that all mothers do for their children.
Real Sisters Pretend - Tayja and Mia are sisters. With love and kindness, big sister Tayja explains to Mia that even though they don’t look alike, they are truly real sisters. I love the way this book invites readers in and shares the story of the girls, their moms, and their “gotcha day.”
When the Babies Came To Stay - when 4 babies are discovered on a small island, the local librarian adopts them and creates a new family. Though they’re all quite different and arrived in different ways they find each other and a loving home together. The story and illustrations are beautiful!
Love You From Right Here - a sweet and gentle book about families with foster children. Follow this sweet foster mother and daughter as they get to know each other and slowly become more comfortable. There’s even a keepsake book for children in foster care.
Babies Come From Airports - an absolutely beautiful book about one family and their adoption journey. This story invites readers in, celebrating their three very special “gotcha days.” Although each of the children comes from a very different place love is the thread that weaves them together and completes their family.
Motherbridge of Love - an absolutely gorgeous poem about the bridge of love that connects children to their birth mothers and adoptive mothers. This touching book honors the stories and the journeys of all mothers and children.
I Wished For You - a lovely book about adoption through the eyes of Mama and Barley bear. Mama bear tells Barley that he is her wish come true. She explains how long she waited for him to fill the empty space in her heart and answers all of the questions he asks about his adoption. This beautiful story is filled to the brim with sweetness and love, it will bring a tear to your eye.
A is for Always: An Adoption Alphabet - “A is for Always. With your hand in mine,
Adoption’s a gift that will last for all time.” With gentle rhymes and lovely illustrations, A Is for Always celebrates the joy and love of adoption from A to Z. With B for birth parents, Q for questions, and U for understanding, it frames challenging aspects of adoption in a way children can understand. Best of all, each page shows a different adoptive family of cuddly animals welcoming and cherishing a new child.
Books About Families
The Family Book, We Are Family, A Family is A Family is A Family, Families, Families, Families, and One Family are fabulous books. They discuss loving families of all shapes and sizes, including families with adopted children. These books are great because they give adopted children a window into many different kinds of families, and a mirror in which they can see their own.
Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree - When Florence has to draw her family tree for school she’s overwhelmed. She has parents, step-parents, siblings, and half-siblings and is afraid they won’t all fit on one piece of paper. I love the way Florence talks about the members of her family and places herself at the center of her family tree, surrounded by so much love.
Papa, Daddy, & Riley - Riley’s dads love her in their own special ways. She’s daddy’s dragon and papa’s princess. When her friends in school ask her who real “real” dad is, she thinks that she has to choose. Her parents explain that she never has to choose because families come in all shapes, sizes and filled with love in their own special ways.
Who’s Your Real Mom - Elvi has two moms and her friend wants to know which is her “real” mom. Elvi explains that her real mom is a pirate, who can cartwheel up mountains, the one who takes care of her and the one who tucks her in at night. I love the sweet and whimsical way that Elvi describes both of her mothers.
“More books coming soon!
You might also like...”
Gender, Identity & Orientation
Divorce
Quick Tips:
Preview the books before you read them, this will help you decide if they’re right for your child’s age and attention span.
While reading, take your time, let your child take in the words and pictures.
As you read, listen carefully to the questions that come up. You'll gain insight into how your child is thinking and feeling based on what they say.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
I'm glad you told me about that."
"So ______ makes you feel ______? I didn't know that, but I'm happy I know that now."
"I get _______ (frustrated/angry etc.) sometimes too."
"Here's what I do when I feel ______."
"What do you think we could do to help you feel better? Do you have any ideas?
“I’m here to help.”
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher, or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
Did you like these books?
Do you have other interactive favorites?
Do you have a topic that you'd like to see here?
E-mail bigbooksforlittlehands@gmail.com, I'd love to do a post for you.
