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 and are loved right where they are, 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

H. W. Poole
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 362.734 Poo)

Discusses both the challenges and many blessings of adoptive families. Focus is on the definition of adoption, its history, and the current trends in adoption today. Recommended for ages 9-12.


A Crazy-Much Love

Joy Jordan-Lake
(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, the crazy-much love grows SO MUCH that it spills out the windows and busts down the doors. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Elliot

Julie Pearson
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pea)

Elliot's parents do not 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.


Eyes that Weave the World's Wonders

Joanna Ho
(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.

 

 


The Family Book

Todd Parr
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)

Represents a variety of families––some big, some small, some with one parent, some with two moms or dads, some quiet, some noisy––all alike in some ways and special no matter what. Recommended for ages 3–6.


Home at Last

Vera B. Williams
(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.


Just Like a Mama

Alice Faye Duncan
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dun)

Carol Olivia misses living with her mother but she is far from alone. Mama Rose is there to nurture, care for, and love Carol Olivia unconditionally. Just like a mama! Tender and heartwarming. Recommended for ages 4-8.


Just Right Family: An Adoption Story

Silvia Lopez
(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.


Love Rules

Andrea Melvin, Dave Eaton, Michael Clark Jr.
(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.


A Most Unusual Day

Sydra Mallery
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mal)

Caroline is anxious all day at school, nervous about her newly-adopted sister's arrival from far away. Recommended for ages 3-6.


My Adoptive Family

Julie Murray
(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.


Our Subway Baby

Peter Mercurio
(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.


Our Wish for You: A Story about Open Adoption

Dano Moreno
(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 is heartfelt and gentle. Recommended for ages 3-7


Real Sisters Pretend

Lambert, Megan Dowd
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Lam)

Safe in the knowledge that adoption has made them "forever family," stepsisters Mia and Tayja improvise an imaginary adventure with a joyful homecoming to a real home with their two moms. Recommended for ages 3-6.


We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption And Families

Todd Parr
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)

The joy of adoption and bringing families together is presented in this tale. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Whistling for Angela

Robin Heald
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Hea)

To show baby Angela how much she is 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.

 

 


Wish

Matthew Cordell
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cor)

When an elephant couple decides it is time to have a child, unexpected challenges arise but, at last, the pair's deepest wish comes true. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Wonderful You: An Adoption Story

Lauren McLaughlin
(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. A heartfelt rhyming story that is ethereal and joyful. Recommended for ages 3-7.