Best Adoption Books For Kids
The ideal adoption books for kids are those that answer some of the more complex questions a child might have about their adoption. Furthermore, these books help children comprehend how their adoptive parents feel about them and their birth family, providing insight into the feelings both sides share.
This list of the best adoption books for kids features picture and chapter books that you can enjoy reading with your adopted children!
1. Are You My Mother?
Adoption books are an excellent way for kids to become acquainted with the topic of adoption and gain insight into why people must adopt children. The ideal adoption books will have a strong emphasis on the relationship between parents and children, as well as conveying a reassuring message that all children deserve a family.
When a baby bird hatches from its egg, it embarks on an epic quest to find his mother. He asks various animals such as kittens, hens, dogs and even Snorts if they are her but never finds her.
This story serves as a wonderful illustration of how children can feel so close to their mothers despite never meeting them in person. Additionally, it shows that baby birds can be adopted.
Alison Bechdel’s debut memoir in comics, Fun Home, told the tale of her childhood growing up in small-town Pennsylvania. Organized around themes rather than chronological order, the book looped back on itself repeatedly for added enjoyment and insight.
Bechdel’s book was a sensation, yet her father tragically passed away from an apparent suicide. She was an avid reader, music lover and amateur actor but unhappy in her marriage to someone who didn’t share her creative aspirations.
Bechdel’s new graphic memoir takes a unique approach, using comics to explore her relationship with her mother. The narrative consists of seven chapters that begin with Bechdel describing a dream she had and then interpreting it within the context of her life.
Bechdel’s book brings together her personal experiences, psychoanalytic reflections and recounted memories of others with Virginia Woolf’s and Donald Winnicott’s writings. Its clarity and nuance make it read more like poetry than prose memoir. Bechdel’s style is incredibly elegant as she employs both words and drawings to express her thoughts and emotions.
2. A Most Unusual Day
Adoption is an integral part of life for children, so it’s essential that they begin discussing the adoption process as early as possible. Experts suggest reading books about domestic, international and foster care adoption to your child so they can gain a better understanding of their family history and form connections with those in their life who share this special journey.
This adoption book for kids tackles some tough topics like grief and loss, as well as explaining why children are adopted. Not only is it a great addition to any child’s library, but it can also serve as an effective teaching tool for adults who work with kids in adoption.
In this endearing and peaceful story, two canine characters express their feelings about adoption through color and poetry. It serves as a poignant reminder that families are built on love, not just physical traits.
A poignant tale about a boy eagerly awaiting the arrival of his new sister May. She is waiting to be adopted from China by his family, and it is an inspiring tale.
The illustrations are vibrant and lively, while the story has a gentle yet reassuring tone that makes this an ideal book for young children to learn about adoption. The end pages provide discussion questions to encourage parents to have conversations with their children about this important decision.
Caroline’s school day is anything but ordinary. She wakes up late, forgets her socks, and feels uneasy on the way to class. However, when she meets up with her parents after school, they have a surprise waiting for her: their new baby sister! This story will resonate with children who are anticipating sibling additions as well as anyone from an adoptive or mixed family background.
3. We Belong Together
Children’s books about adoption are an excellent way to educate kids on their family history and the process of adoption. Not only can they answer questions about birth family and foster care, but they provide a safe space for adoptive families to discuss their journey throughout this stage of life.
One of the most beloved books about adoption is We Belong Together by Todd Parr. This inspiring work celebrates family diversity and encourages children to ask questions and express their opinions on the matter. With vibrant illustrations and text even toddlers can read, We Belong Together tells a heartwarming tale about how families can come together.
Another heartwarming tale about family values is I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb. This charming children’s book celebrates mothers and their loving duties, with adorable animal visuals. It can be an invaluable resource for children who are adopted or have parents who are adoptive.
This stunning and poignant story follows the adoption journey of a young Vietnamese girl. It is an ideal read for anyone considering adoption, whether they have already gone through it or are just thinking about it – especially those children in foster care or international adoptees who may need guidance along their journey.
In this book, a child’s request to retell the tale of her adoption and birth is met with gentle humor. Perfect for parents to share with their kids, the illustrations are stunning and the narrative straightforward, emphasizing the bond between mother and daughter.
4. The King and the Queen
The ideal adoption books for kids are those that clearly and compassionately explain and explore adoption. These texts will give children insight into how adoptive parents can love them unconditionally, even without giving birth themselves.
Todd Parr’s charming adoption picture book is an ideal way to discuss and celebrate the journey of adoption. Filled with rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations, it tells tales about families formed through love. Additionally, it includes an adoption timeline that will educate children on the process of adoption.
Karen Katz’s Over the Moon is an inspiring children’s book about adoption that offers hope and optimism. If your family is going through adoption from abroad, it’s especially important that both of you read this book together.
It’s an ideal option for kids who may be considering adoption as a way to locate their parents. Written from the perspective of a birth mother who desires her daughter to find love, this book offers guidance and support in this endeavor.
This book also provides a helpful list of resources to answer questions about adoption and instills the idea that everyone is unique. It would make an excellent addition to any child’s library.
This inspiring children’s book about adoption features a young girl asking her mother to tell her the story of how she was adopted. Suzie Mason’s captivating animal artwork adds to the lyrical text, providing readers with an endearing reminder of just how much parents love their child.
5. Mother Bird
Adoption plays an integral role in our lives, and children’s books about adoption offer a great way to introduce kids to the process and foster discussion about it in a safe, nurturing atmosphere. They can help kids comprehend what adoption truly entails or explain why they may experience feelings about it that other kids don’t.
Anne Braff Brodzinsky’s book Mother Bird (ages 6-10) tells the tale of Mother Bird, who gives birth to a baby bird in the forest. When a storm scatters her nest, she must make the difficult choice whether to continue struggling on her own or give his care to another family who can provide him with security and safety.
The book also helps children realize that not all families look the same, an issue many foster and adoptive children face. It emphasizes the value of a strong, nurturing family as well as appreciating each child for who they are.
This chapter book is an ideal read for young readers and a great way to teach them about adding siblings. It’s an endearing, heartfelt tale that’s sure to motivate your child; plus, its illustrations are delightful!