These books show kids there are many different types of families — which is worth celebrating! This month especially, we celebrate the special role of adoptive families for National Adoption Awareness Month in November.
Preschool
“Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me”
by Jennifer Bradbury
A loyal big brother makes a case for why his adopted little brother is just like him when a pesky kid on the playground questions their physical differences in this charming picture book.
“Eyes That Weave the World’s Wonders”
by Joanna Ho
A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them even though they look different from her parents’. Her family bond is deep, and their connection is filled with love.
by Tracy. E. Banghart
As a family welcomes an adopted little girl to their home, her brother takes it upon himself to teach his new sister their traditions. For good days and bad, for birthdays, holidays and everything in between, their family always celebrates with chocolate.
“You Are Loved: A Book About Families”
by Margaret O’Hair
Beginning with Sofia Sanchez’s adopted family, readers will meet families with two moms and two dads, families with single parents and kids raised by grandparents, guardians or older siblings.
Elementary
“My Life With a Foster Family”
by Mari Schuh
Meet Shaylee! Learn about the ups and downs of living with a foster family and then being adopted in this illustrated narrative nonfiction picture book for elementary students.
by Valerie Kaiyang Wood
Vee’s favorite story is the day she met her parents. When Vee was still a baby, they flew to China to adopt her and bring her home. But when Vee struggles to keep up in Chinese dance class, she longs for a closer connection with her birth culture.
“Love Without Bounds: An IntersectionAllies Book about Families”
by Chelsea Johnson
Written by three celebrated sociologist who are women of color, this book is a joyful, heartwarming celebration of family in all its forms.
Middle
by Marissa Meyer
Told in alternating voices, this book tells the story of 12-year-old identical twin sisters adopted into separate families who switch places to experience the other’s holiday traditions.
High School
by Gary D. Schmidt
When Jack’s P.E. coach pairs him up with Jay Perkins for the cross-country team, neither of them is happy about it. Jack is grieving the loss of Joseph, his foster brother, and adjusting to his role as big brother to Jupiter, Joseph’s orphaned daughter.
“When We Become Ours: a YA Adoptee Anthology”
Written by adoptees for adoptees, this anthology of 15 powerful, poignant and evocative stories in a variety of genres reflects the complexity, breadth and depth of the adoptee experience.
