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!
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej We)
When two frogs are left orphaned, some animals are hesitant to raise them, but Mama Mouse mobilizes the community to help. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Le)
A woman describes how she went to China to adopt a special baby girl. Based on the author's own experiences. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Picture Books Nonfiction - Ej 362.734 Rot)
With a perceptive text and dynamic photographs, the creators of this book demystify adoption for young children and celebrate the joy that comes with adding to a family. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dun)
A young bear cub, who is alone in the world, and Old Bear, who is grumpy and tired of living alone, meet and discover what they have been missing. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ka)
Choco, a lonely yellow bird with no mother, sets out to find a mother but cannot find anyone that shares her appearance. At last, she meets a mother bear who cares for her and invites Choco to join the family––which includes an adopted pig, rhinoceros, and alligator. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Gal)
Worrying about how his adoptive cat mom is so unlike him on the outside, a puppy develops an appreciation for his new family's enjoyment of differences as they participate in the same loving and squabbling activities shared by all families. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mo)
Each year on his birthday, a young Mexican American boy looks forward to seeing how his grandfather has decorated the tree he planted on the day the boy was adopted. Spanish language is interspersed throughout the story. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Tup)
A mother weaves a magical web of tales to explain how her child came to be a part of the family. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ri)
At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cu)
A young girl asks her parents to tell her again the cherished family story of her birth and adoption. Recommended for ages 6-9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)
The joy of adoption and bringing families together is presented in this tale. Recommended for ages 3-6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J362.733 Hic)
Being placed into foster care can be a confusing experience for children. They might not understand why and they may have trouble adjusting to life with a new family. This book shows readers what they might expect when entering foster care and provides guidance for dealing with the many emotions that come with it. The book also touches on what to expect if a situation doesn't work out. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(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.