Adoption Books for Children

Parents' Picks

Adoptive parents who visit the site tell us what books their children like the best about adoption and adoptive family life. This wide range of selections includes books appropriate for all types of adoption. Listed alphabetically.

1) Did My First Mother Love Me?
Author Kathryn Ann Miller is a birthmother and this book is intended to help children understand why an adoption plan was made for them through the use of a birthmother’s letter to her child. Ages 4-8.

for California

2) Families Are Different
Nina Pellegrini’s book explores several family types through the eyes of a young Korean adoptee. Interracial families, step families, and single parent families are among the nine different types of families she finds. Ages 4-8.

3) Happy Adoption Day
By John McCutcheon, Julie Paschkis (Illustrator). Folk songwriter’s words accompanied by folk art combine for a celebration of adoption. Paperback, ages 4-8.

4) Horace
By Holly Keller. A leopard child adopted by tiger parents feels different, and finds belonging. Full-color illustrations. Paperback, ages 4-8.

5) Pugnose Has Two Special Families
Written and illustrated by Karis Kruzel, this is a wonderful story about a mouse, open adoption, and family love.

6) Tell Me Again About The Night I Was Born
Just one of the best adoption books on the market! Love, affirmation and belonging. Hardcover and cassette (author reading), ages 3-8. By Jamie Lee Curtis.

7) You Are Special
Max Lucado’s book for young children is not adoption-specific, but is an affirmation for all children that God sees both the outside and the inside, and loves them just as they are.