Whether your family is starting the journey of adopting a child and need to prepare a sibling, adopting a child and wanting them to know they belong, or if you want your child to see different world views and experiences—these stories and informational books will help children understand adoption.
Compiled by:
Children's Services Staff
Adoptive Families(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.734 Poo)
Discusses both the challenges and many blessings of adoptive families. The book's focus is on the definition of adoption, its history, and the current trends in adoption today. Recommended for ages 9–12.
A Most Unusual Day(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mal)
Caroline is anxious all day at school; she's nervous about her newly-adopted sister's arrival from far away. Recommended for ages 3–6.
A Crazy-Much Love(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Jor)
Two parents recount the journey of adopting their daughter and the many milestone moments that follow. From the child’s first bath and first time riding a tricycle, all the way to her boarding that big yellow bus. Recommended for ages 3–6.
My Adoptive Family(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.743 Mur)
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some kids live with adoptive families, but they still experience the love and everyday life found in all families. Recommended for ages 3–7.
Elliot(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pea)
Elliot's parents don't know how to take care of him. As Elliot moves from one foster home to another, his visits with his real parents leave him anxious and conflicted about where he wants to be. At last, he finds stability with a new adoptive family. Recommended for ages 6–9.
Our Subway Baby(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.734 Mer)
Some babies are born into their families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway. Although neither dad had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they were reminded, "Where there is love, anything is possible." Recommended for ages 6–9.
Eyes that Weave the World's Wonders(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ho)
A lyrically told story about a young girl that explores her deep love and emotional bond with both her transracial adoptive parents and her birth mother, focusing on her Asian eyes as a way to find familial connection and meaning. Recommended for ages 3–6.
Our Wish for You: A Story about Open Adoption(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mor)
Enjoy this affirming message of love as the adoptive parents and the birth mother both reflect on their hopes and wishes for their son. An open adoption story that's heartfelt and gentle. Recommended for ages 3–7.
The Family Book(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)
This book represents a variety of families—some big, some small, some with one parent, and some with two moms or dads—all alike in some ways and special no matter what. Recommended for ages 3–6.
We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption And Families(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)
The joy of adoption and bringing families together is presented in this heartwarming tale. Recommended for ages 3–6.
Home at Last(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Wil)
After Lester is adopted from his foster home by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, he can't fall asleep in his new bed. What will it take to make Lester feel home at last? Recommended for ages 3–6.
Whistling for Angela(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Hea)
To show baby Angela how much she's loved, Daniel wants to whistle for her like the songbirds he loves so much, but when they arrive at the adoption center to pick baby Angela up and he still hasn't got the hang of it, someone special knows just what to do. Recommended for ages 3–6.
Just Like a Mama(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dun)
Carol Olivia misses living with her mother, but she's far from alone. Mama Rose is there to nurture, care for, and love Carol Olivia unconditionally. Just like a mama! Recommended for ages 4–8.
Wish(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cor)
When an elephant couple decides it's time to have a child, unexpected challenges arise but, at last, the pair's deepest wish comes true. Recommended for ages 3–6.
Just Right Family: An Adoption Story(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Lop)
When Meili learns her parents are adopting another child, she must accept the role of big sister and realize a new addition can be just right, too. Recommended for ages 6–9.
Wonderful You: An Adoption Story(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mcl)
Enter into a journey with a birth mother as she searches earnestly for the right adoptive parents for her child, and enjoy the new parents' vision of a life with this new child. Recommended for ages 3–7.
Love Rules(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.734 Mel)
Based on a true story, a little boy named Michael finds unconditional love and his forever home in this heartwarming recounting of a viral courtroom case. Recommended for ages 3–7.