What Are the Best Books to Help Explain Adoption to Kids?
The right picture book can make adoption a normal, happy part of your child’s story. Here are the most-loved books for starting age-appropriate adoption conversations at home, organized for preschoolers and school-age children.
“Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born,” “A Mother for Choco,” and “The Family Book” are among the most-loved books for starting age-appropriate adoption conversations at home.
Wonderful Books About Adoption for Children
Here are some wonderful books about adoption for children:
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born
This heartwarming story tells the tale of a child’s adoption, emphasizing the joy and love surrounding the special day.
A Mother for Choco
This delightful picture book follows Choco, a bird who is searching for his mother. He encounters various animal families before finding the perfect mother who may not look like him but loves him unconditionally.
The Mulberry Bird: An Adoption Story
This touching book explores themes of identity and self-acceptance as a young bird struggles to find his place in a family of peacocks.
The Family Book
This colorful and inclusive book celebrates all types of families, including adoptive families. It highlights the message that love and belonging are what truly define a family.
I Wished for You: An Adoption Story
This book reassures adopted children that they are loved and cherished, while also acknowledging their feelings about their birth parents.
Rosie’s Family: An Adoption Story
Through the story of Rosie, this book explores the concept of families being created through adoption and emphasizes that love is what makes a family.
We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families
With colorful illustrations and simple language, this book explores the different ways families are created, including adoption, and emphasizes the love and togetherness that binds them.
The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale
Inspired by an ancient Chinese legend, this book tells the story of a mother and daughter who are connected by an invisible red thread, symbolizing the bond between adopted children and their adoptive parents.
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
This tender story recounts the journey of a mother who travels to China to adopt her daughter, expressing the immense love she feels for her child.
The Day We Met You
In this sweet book, a couple recounts the day they met their adopted child, celebrating the joy and excitement that comes with adoption.
These books can help children understand and embrace their own adoption stories or learn about adoption in a sensitive and inclusive way.
Adoption Books You Should Consider for Your Library
The Child Wanted Two Moms Because Adoption Is the Best
Adoption books that this little girl might want.
The five-year-old had been ranting for several minutes about the injustices inflicted upon her. “I wish I had two moms,” she said, raising her tear-stained cheeks. “I only have one mom, and she’s old.”
The “she” in this statement was me. Her only mom. Her old mom.
There are five children in our family. Four have a birth mother, plus me. Poor Raelyn has only me.
So, if I’ve done anything good as a mother, I’ve instilled in my children the worth of their birth mothers. All my children love their other mom, who is, in reality, younger than me.
I wish I had two moms. I only have one mom, and she’s old.
Honoring Your Child’s Birth Family
Honoring your child’s birth family is not just an act of respect but a celebration of the unique bond that created us as a family. One way we do this is through OurHeartsConnect by keeping in touch.
Another meaningful way is through literature: adoption books that normalize their lives and the importance of birth families.
Adoption Books for Preschoolers
A Mother for Choco
A sweet story about finding family in unexpected places.
Horace
About a leopard adopted by tigers who learns to appreciate both families.
Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale
Celebrates the journey to adoption.
I Wished for You: An Adoption Story
Focuses on the intentionality of creating families through adoption.
Adoption Books for School-Age Children
The Family Book
Celebrates all different types of families.
The White Swan Express
About families traveling to adopt from China.
Lucy’s Family Tree
Addresses school assignments that can be tricky for adopted children.
More Topics You Might Be Interested in as Adoptive Parents
See also: How Do I Tell My Child They're Adopted? for how these books can support that first conversation.
Your Adoptive Family Home Study
What is a home study and what do you need in your home study?
Family Profiles for Your Adoption
Here are suggestions about personalizing your family profile.
Interracial Parenting
What should you know about adopting outside of your race and if you are ready.
Adopting Children With Special Needs
Are you in a position physically, mentally and spiritually to adopt a child who has special needs?
Your First Conversation with a Birth Mother
What do you say to the woman who may give you the greatest gift you’ve ever seen?
Types of Adoption: Open, Semi-Open, Closed
What kind of adoption will work best for you and the birth family?
Adoption Laws You Should Know
We’re here to explain how adoption laws vary from state to state.
How Do We Match Birth Mothers with Adoptive Parents?
We want the best matches possible. You can help us.
What You Should Know When You Adopt a Toddler
Toddlers come with some unexpected behaviors.
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
The ICPC process often requires you to remain in the baby’s birth state for a while after signing. This essential process ensures protections for everyone involved.
Ready to Start Your Adoption?
Apply with Heart to Heart Adoptions and take the first step toward growing your family.
See also: How Do I Tell My Child They’re Adopted? for how these books can support that first conversation.
FAQ - Simple
Frequently Asked Questions
Several of the recommended titles touch on staying connected with birth family, which pairs well with an open adoption arrangement.
Several of the recommended titles touch on staying connected with birth family, which pairs well with an open adoption arrangement.
The list includes options for both preschoolers and school age children, organized by age range.
Comments