Books About Non-Traditional Adoptions for Kids
Foster-to-Adopt, Single Parent, Same-Sex and Open Adoption Stories
Jul 6, 2009
Children’s books are a good way of introducing a complex topic, especially issues relating to an adoptive family that is not traditional in its creation. In comparison to stories for children adopted internationally, there are fewer books about same sex, single parent, domestic, foster-to-adopt and open adoptions.
Even though there are several children’s books discussing adoption in general, it is also valuable to have stories that portray children adopted into unique adoption situations. Here are some stories for five to nine year olds that are recommended by adoptive parents.
Children’s Books about Same-Sex and Single Parent Adoption
Sharing the details of being a non-traditional adoptive family, these books tell stories that will encourage young readers to see their family as special but also the same as every other family.
- And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson [Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2005]
- How My Family Came to Be: Daddy, Papa & Me, by Andrew Aldrich [New Family Press, 2003]
- The Best Single Mom in the World, by Mary Sizk [Albert Whitman & Co., 2001]
These books also touch on other aspects of adoption such as transracial adoption and international adoption, which makes them an appropriate read for any adoptive family.
Children’s Books about Domestic Adoption and Foster Care
Children’s books with storylines about foster care and being adopted through a state or provincial agency give kids insight into the unique aspects of domestic adoption.
- Families Change, by Julie Nelson [Free Spirit Publishing, 2006]
- Family Day, by Christine Mitchell [AuthorHouse, 2009]
- Finding the Right Spot, by Janice Levy [American Psychological Association, 2004]
- Maybe Days, by Jennifer Wilgocki [American Psychological Association, 2002]
- Orphan Train Rider, by Andrea Warren [Sandpiper, 1998]
- Pick of the Litter, by Mary Jane Auch [Skylark, 1990]
- Zachary’s New Home, by Geraldine M. Blomquist and Paul B. Blomquist [Magination Press, 1991]
These books can be easily incorporated into family discussions about adopting a new sibling and also for children who have foster brothers and sisters.
Children’s Books about Open Adoption
As open adoption is becoming more prevalent in domestic adoptions, several books have been written to help adopted kids understand their relationship with their birthparents.
- Megan’s Birthday Tree, by Laurie Lears [Albert Whitman & Company, 2005]
- My Special Family: A Children’s Book About Open Adoption, by Debra Marks Parelskin & Kathleen Silber [Taylor Publishing, 1995]
- Never, Never, Never Will She Stop Loving You, by Jolene Durrant [Jobiz!, 1999]
- Rain or Shine, by Hilary Horder Hippely [Xlibris, 2007]
- Sam’s Sister, by Juliet C. Bond [Perspectives Press, 2004]
- The Mulberry Bird, by Anne Braff Brodzinsky [Perspectives Press, 1996]
To help shed a positive light onto open adoption, these children’s stories relay the message that adoption plans are made in love and that birthparents never stop loving their children.
Children’s books are an easy way to introduce different kinds of adoptive families and to reassure adopted kids that their family is ‘normal’. Written for school age kids, these books on same-sex, single parent, domestic and open adoptions will help bring forward and address issues unique to non-traditional adoptions.
Related Articles
International Adoption Books for School Age Kids
General Adoption Books for School Age Kids
References
Amazon.com website
 |
