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Foster care and adoption can be transformative journeys, bringing new beginnings, unique challenges, and invaluable relationships to both children and caregivers. However, these experiences also involve complex emotions for children—ranging from excitement and joy to uncertainty and fear. For both parents and teachers, helping children navigate these feelings and understand their own stories is essential to their social-emotional development and sense of identity.
Reading stories about foster care and adoption can offer children in these circumstances a comforting reflection of their own experiences and an opportunity to see that they are not alone. These books help normalize their situations, foster self-acceptance, and build empathy in classmates or friends who may not be familiar with the foster or adoption journey. From adjusting to a new home to understanding what family truly means, each story in this selection provides age-appropriate insights and compassion, helping children process their emotions, celebrate diversity in family structures, and foster acceptance.
For some of these books, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.
To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:
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Summary: A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza tells the heartwarming story of Choco, a young bird in search of a mother. He goes from one animal to another, looking for someone who looks just like him, but each one tells him they aren’t his mother. Finally, Choco meets Mrs. Bear, who doesn’t look like him but treats him with love, kindness, and care. Mrs. Bear brings Choco home, where he meets her other children—all different animals—and realizes that family isn’t about looking alike but about loving and caring for each other.
Description: A Mother for Choco is a beloved children’s book that addresses the meaning of family with warmth and simplicity. Through colorful illustrations and relatable characters, the story conveys the message that families are formed through love and care, regardless of physical differences. This book has become a classic for introducing adoption, family diversity, and belonging, making it a cherished addition to homes, classrooms, and therapy settings. The story’s gentle approach offers a comforting message for children in non-traditional families, showing them that family can be a joyful blend of different backgrounds.
Reviews and Considerations: A Mother for Choco is praised for its ability to foster understanding and acceptance of diverse family structures. Parents and educators love its gentle message that love defines family, making it especially popular in adoptive families. Readers appreciate how the story resonates with children who may not look like their parents, offering a foundation for meaningful discussions on family, belonging, and acceptance. A few reviewers note that children may need guidance with questions about why Choco is initially alone, but overall, this book remains a favorite for illustrating that family is about connection, not appearance.
Summary: Foster Care: One Dog’s Story of Change by Julia Cook follows the journey of a dog named Foster as he enters foster care, bringing to life the complex emotions and questions many children in similar situations experience. From feelings of confusion and sadness to eventual understanding and acceptance, Foster’s story offers a gentle and relatable way for children to process the transitions they face. Through new friendships and the support of a caring foster mom, Foster learns he is not alone and that his situation, though difficult, can lead to positive change.
Description: In her signature compassionate style, Julia Cook provides a thoughtful, accessible story for children entering or navigating foster care. Through the character of Foster, a young dog facing life changes, children are introduced to relatable experiences and reassured that their emotions are valid. The book explores diverse foster care scenarios, including the possibility of reunification and adoption, and emphasizes the importance of a supportive community. With sensitive language and an honest approach, Foster Care supports children, families, and professionals in discussing foster care’s unique challenges and emotional impacts. A note to caregivers and educators provides guidance for encouraging discussions on these topics.
Reviews and Considerations: Foster Care: One Dog’s Story of Change has been praised for providing a relatable and sensitive portrayal of foster care. Many reviewers highlight its utility in addressing children’s feelings about entering new homes, emphasizing the book’s value as a resource for foster parents, teachers, and therapists. However, some readers feel the language around Foster’s experiences, such as phrases like “sometimes dad,” could be confusing or emotionally difficult for younger audiences. Despite these critiques, the book is often commended for its heartfelt storytelling, making it a useful tool for initiating discussions around foster care.
Summary: Kids Need to Be Safe by Julie Nelson provides a gentle and reassuring message for children in foster care, emphasizing their right to safety and belonging. Through simple language and warm illustrations, the book helps children understand that foster care is a place where they can feel secure, no matter the circumstances that brought them there. The story reminds young readers that being in foster care isn’t their fault and introduces the concept that foster parents and other supportive adults are there to ensure they are safe and valued.
Description: With its direct yet compassionate tone, Kids Need to Be Safe explains the foster care experience to young children, normalizing the range of emotions they might feel and addressing common misconceptions. The book emphasizes the importance of safety and self-worth, repeating the mantra “kids are important, kids need to be safe” to provide comfort and reassurance. Illustrations show diverse children in various foster situations, helping young readers see themselves reflected in the story. A section for caregivers and social workers includes valuable resources, making the book a practical tool for both children and the adults who care for them.
Reviews and Considerations: Kids Need to Be Safe is praised for its affirming message and engaging visuals, which help children in foster care feel seen and understood. Many reviewers appreciate the book’s gentle, age-appropriate explanations, noting that the repetitive phrases help reinforce a sense of stability and value. Some caregivers, however, find that certain concepts, such as “all parents love their children,” might be challenging for children with traumatic pasts. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for children and caregivers, offering comforting words to those navigating the foster care system.
Summary: Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care by Jennifer Wilgocki provides children in foster care with a sensitive, straightforward explanation of their situation. Addressing the uncertainty they often feel, the book gently introduces key aspects of foster care, from the roles of judges and social workers to the questions children frequently ask, such as whether they will return to their biological parents or remain in foster care. The story reassures children that their feelings are valid and gives caregivers a tool to guide conversations around complex emotions.
Description: This book embraces the often uncertain nature of foster care with compassion, offering clarity on the roles of the adults involved, such as foster parents, social workers, and judges. Illustrations and relatable language make the content accessible to young readers, while a section for caregivers and social workers provides strategies for supporting children as they navigate this transition. This added layer offers guidance to adults on validating children’s feelings, from relief and happiness to anger, fear, and confusion. The book’s balanced tone allows children to feel secure while addressing the nuanced realities of foster care.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers praise Maybe Days for its realistic approach to foster care, highlighting its ability to create a safe space for children to process their feelings. Caregivers and therapists find the book helpful for starting conversations about what it means to be in foster care and addressing questions that might otherwise be difficult to answer. Some reviewers recommend adapting certain sections for children with specific circumstances to avoid potential confusion or anxiety. Overall, this book is celebrated as a valuable resource, helping children understand they’re not alone in their experiences and providing a foundation for honest dialogue.
Summary: The Foster Dragon by Steve Herman is a compassionate story about a dragon named Diggory Doo who finds himself in foster care, mirroring the journey of many children. This book uses a relatable character to explore complex feelings around entering foster care, being separated from family, and adapting to a new home. Through Diggory’s journey, children can learn to navigate feelings like fear, sadness, and hope in an accessible way. The story is designed to help foster children understand that even in uncertain times, they are cared for and supported by the adults around them.
Description: This book sensitively addresses the foster care experience, offering children a comforting perspective on what can be a challenging transition. Diggory Doo encounters various adults, including social workers, foster parents, and therapists, which provides a gentle introduction to the foster system and the supportive roles of these figures. The story emphasizes the importance of expressing feelings and encourages children to talk openly about their emotions. While the book concludes with Diggory being adopted, making it an uplifting ending, readers should note that this outcome may not align with every foster child’s experience.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers have praised The Foster Dragon for its empathetic approach, with many foster parents and therapists noting that it resonates with children who can identify with Diggory’s journey. It has helped foster children feel seen and has facilitated conversations about sensitive topics, including feelings of displacement and fear. However, some readers have noted that the book’s ending, which includes adoption, might create unrealistic expectations for children whose outcomes in foster care may differ. Nonetheless, the book remains a valuable tool for fostering understanding and empathy, providing an engaging way for children to process their experiences and emotions.
Summary: The Lamb-a-Roo by Diana Kimpton is a heartwarming story about a lamb and a kangaroo who find each other and create a family despite their differences. Lamb, who longs for a mother, meets Kangaroo, who wishes for a child. They quickly form a bond, but Lamb begins to feel different from the other kangaroo children. Through some amusing attempts to “fit in,” they both learn that love defines family more than similarities. With whimsical illustrations and a gentle message, this story celebrates diverse families and the idea that love transcends physical differences.
Description: This book uses humor and touching moments to explore the theme of adoption and identity within a family where parents and children may not look alike. The story emphasizes that differences in appearance do not impact the love shared between family members. Kangaroo and Lamb each make efforts to bridge their differences, creating a beautiful illustration of how family members support one another, even if they don’t share the same traits. The illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the emotions and charm of these endearing characters, making it an excellent choice for young children in adoptive families or any child learning about family diversity.
Reviews and Considerations: The Lamb-a-Roo has been praised by adoptive parents, educators, and families for its gentle yet meaningful portrayal of adoption. Many adoptive parents have found it helpful for introducing children to the concept of non-traditional family structures, especially in transracial or culturally diverse adoptions. The playful scenes, where Lamb and Kangaroo try to imitate each other, resonate with young readers, helping them see that love makes a family. However, some reviewers have noted that the simplified approach to adoption may be more suitable for younger children, as it focuses on family unity without delving deeply into complex adoption themes. This beautifully illustrated book is recommended for young children, providing both a fun and comforting story that reinforces the message that love and acceptance create family.
Summary: The Adopted Dragon by Steve Herman is a thoughtful children’s book about adoption, joining Drew and his dragon Diggory Doo as they navigate what it means to be adopted. Through Diggory’s story, the book addresses common emotions adopted children may experience, like feeling different from their adoptive family or struggling with an underlying sadness they might not fully understand. This story provides young readers with relatable scenarios, emphasizing that adopted children are loved, accepted, and valued members of their family.
Description: This heartwarming tale uses Diggory the Dragon to explore topics like identity, family unity, and acceptance. Through colorful illustrations and approachable language, children are gently introduced to concepts of belonging, family diversity, and the importance of unconditional love. The book also helps children explore themes related to physical differences between adopted children and their families, providing comfort for children who may feel unique in their family setting. The Adopted Dragon encourages open discussions between children, parents, and educators, making it a helpful resource for adoptive families and classrooms alike.
Reviews and Considerations: Many readers appreciate The Adopted Dragon for its comforting and gentle approach to complex emotions in adoption. Adoptive parents and caregivers find it an excellent conversation starter for discussing various adoption experiences, including challenges related to physical differences in diverse families. While some reviewers note the book’s focus on looking different may not apply to all adoptive families, the story’s universal messages of acceptance, family love, and resilience resonate with a broad audience. This book is recommended for adoptive families, therapists, and educators who want to support adopted children’s emotional development and celebrate the diverse ways families are formed.
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