Books About Adoption · 280 titles considered

The Best Adoption Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Family Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about adoption? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Adoption

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel

By Natasha Lowe · Poppy Pendle series

A young witch seeks the truth about her mysterious origins and discovers the true meaning of family.

304 pages· 50,334 words· Est. 7 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 480 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When a baby witch is found in a flowerpot, Nora's life changes forever. Named Mabel, the girl grows up with magical talents and a rebellious spirit. At Ruthersfield Academy, Mabel excels but faces trouble for her inventive potions. A shocking revelation about her origins sends her on a quest to uncover her true family. As Mabel, now Magnolia, searches for answers, she must decide if family is defined by blood or by those who love and care for her. Will she find her roots, or something even more profound?
Three Pennies
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Three Pennies

By Melanie Crowder

A foster girl seeks her birth mother before losing her chance at a forever home.

208 pages· 25,848 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Marin, a foster child, clings to her I Ching and three pennies, hoping to find her birth mother and fix her life. As she settles into a promising new home, unexpected news threatens her dreams. Can Marin navigate the shifting ground beneath her feet and find where she truly belongs?
Far from the Tree
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Far from the Tree

By Robin Benway

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2017)
374 pages· 88,170 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 50,540 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Grace, adopted at birth, discovers she's a middle child after giving up her own baby. She seeks her biological siblings: Maya, a spirited sister questioning her place, and Joaquin, a guarded brother wary of family ties after years in foster care. As they confront their pasts, they must redefine what family truly means. Can they find connection amidst secrets and fears?
The Digging-est Dog
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1967

The Digging-est Dog

By Al Perkins, Eric Gurney (Illustrator) · I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Books series

A dog learns to dig and unearths unexpected chaos in town.

72 pages· 1,202 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 3,839 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: A curious dog embarks on a digging adventure, determined to master the art of excavation. But as he digs deeper, he unravels more than just dirt, turning the town upside down. Will he find what he's looking for, or will his newfound skill lead to unexpected chaos? Join this playful journey filled with colorful illustrations and simple words that make reading fun for young adventurers.
The Storm
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2002

The Storm

By Cynthia Rylant, Preston Mcdaniels (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Lighthouse Family series

Two solitary souls find unexpected family by the sea's embrace.

80 pages· 5,408 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,320 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Pandora, a solitary lighthouse keeper cat, and Seabold, a seafaring dog, are used to their lonely lives by the ocean. But when a storm brings three young mice into their care, they embark on an unexpected journey of creating a family. As they navigate this new adventure, they discover the true meaning of companionship and belonging. Will the sea's gifts unite them, or will their solitary pasts keep them apart? Dive into a heartwarming tale of unexpected bonds and the power of family.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

By Dusti Bowling · Life of a Cactus series

A girl without arms uncovers secrets in a mysterious theme park while facing new challenges and friendships.

262 pages· 48,376 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 39,508 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Aven Green, born without arms, moves to Arizona when her dad takes over a failing western theme park. At her new school, she fears unwanted attention but finds an unexpected ally in Connor, a classmate with his own challenges. Together, they stumble upon a hidden room in the park, revealing secrets that could change everything. As Aven navigates friendship, mystery, and her deepest fears, she must decide if she can rise to the occasion and embrace her unique strengths. Can she solve the mystery and support her friend, all while confronting her own insecurities?
Bronze and Sunflower
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2005

Bronze and Sunflower

By Cao Wenxuan, Helen Wang (Translator), Meilo So (Illustrator)

Two children find solace and friendship amidst loss and hardship.

400 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 1,124 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sunflower, uprooted to a rural village after her father's tragic death, finds herself in the care of a destitute family. There, she meets Bronze, a silent boy scarred by past trauma. Together, they forge an unbreakable bond, navigating the trials of poverty and discovering the strength of love and loyalty. Can their friendship heal old wounds and bring hope to their lives?
Secondhand Dogs
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Secondhand Dogs

By Carolyn Crimi

A new dog's arrival threatens a pack's harmony. Can they reunite before it's too late?

256 pages· 41,739 words· Est. 6 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 505 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Gus, the anxious leader of a rescued dog pack, faces a challenge when Decker, a new dog, disrupts their harmony. As Decker lures Moon Pie into danger, Gus must rally his friends to brave the wild and bring Moon Pie home safely. With threats lurking, will they reunite before hearts are broken?
You Are My Happy
Sale price
$958
Board Book · Ages 0–4 · 2019

You Are My Happy

By Hoda Kotb, Suzie Mason (Illustrator)

A bedtime tale of gratitude and joy shared between a mother bear and her cub.

34 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 814 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: As night falls, a mama bear and her cub snuggle close, reflecting on life's simple joys. Inspired by real bedtime routines, this soothing story invites parents and children to cherish gratitude. With enchanting illustrations, it captures the warmth of shared moments and the happiness found in everyday wonders. What small joys will you discover tonight?
Bunny Roo, I Love You
Sale price
$958
Board Book · Ages 0–2 · 2015

Bunny Roo, I Love You

By Melissa Marr, Teagan White (Illustrator) · Bunny Roo series

Discover how mamas comfort their babies in a bewildering world.

32 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 851 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: In a world that feels vast and confusing, a mother gently reassures her baby through enchanting scenes of mama animals caring for their young. This heartwarming tale promises safety and love, capturing the timeless bond between parent and child. Will this tender promise of comfort become a cherished family classic?
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Browse by age

Adoption Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about adoption for the youngest readers and listeners.

A Mother for Choco
Sale price
$799

A Mother for Choco

Ages 2–5 · 1992

Choco seeks a mother, discovering family isn't about resemblance.

It Had to Be You
Sale price
$999

It Had to Be You

Ages 0–4 · 2021

A journey of love leads parents to their perfect little one.

Little Cub
Series
Sale price
$799

Little Cub

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Old Bear finds a scared Little Cub. Can they become a family?

And Tango Makes Three
Sale price
$899

And Tango Makes Three

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Two penguins defy norms to start a family at the zoo.

Anne's Alphabet
Series
Sale price
$799

Anne's Alphabet

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Explore Anne's world through the alphabet with enchanting scenes and art.

Anne's Numbers
Series
Sale price
$899

Anne's Numbers

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Join Anne on a nature walk, counting trees and friends.

Anne's Colors
Series
Sale price
$799

Anne's Colors

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Explore Anne's world through vibrant, embroidered scenes capturing iconic moments.

The Ice Disco
Series
Sale price
$999

The Ice Disco

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Can Paddington find skates and learn to ice skate in time for the disco?

Libby and Pearl
Sale price
$799

Libby and Pearl

Ages 0–4

Discover the heartwarming bond between a girl and her piglet in this charming photo book.

Falling Leaves
Series
Sale price
$999

Falling Leaves

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Can a bear catch a leaf and make a wish come true?

View all adoption board books
Browse by age

Adoption Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about adoption for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Great Dog
Sale price
$1799

Great Dog

Ages 3–7 · 2018

A pup imagines his future, inspired by his family's legendary dogs.

Train to Somewhere
Sale price
$999

Train to Somewhere

Ages 4–7 · 1996

A young girl travels on the Orphan Train in search of a new home and a chance to reunite with her mother

Two Bobbies
Sale price
$1899

Two Bobbies

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two pets survive Hurricane Katrina, bound by an unbreakable bond. Can they find a new home together?

Zahra's Blessing
Sale price
$1799

Zahra's Blessing

Ages 4–9 · 2022

A girl's Ramadan wish leads to unexpected blessings at a shelter.

I Wished for You
Sale price
$1799

I Wished for You

Ages 2–5 · 2008

A little bear learns how love makes a family.

God Found Us You
Series
Sale price
$1499

God Found Us You

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A young fox learns the miraculous story of his adoption at bedtime.

Dear Stray
Sale price
$1899

Dear Stray

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A girl and a wild kitten learn to tame their fierce spirits together.

Josephine Baker
Series
Sale price
$1599

Josephine Baker

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A dancer defies segregation, captivates Paris, and becomes a spy.

Our Subway Baby
Sale price
$1799

Our Subway Baby

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A baby found in a subway finds a loving family.

Home for A While
Sale price
$1699

Home for A While

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A foster child seeks trust and belonging in a new home.

Little Pink Pup
Sale price
$1699

Little Pink Pup

Ages 3–5 · 2010

A runt piglet finds an unexpected family with a dachshund mom.

View all adoption picture books
Browse by age

Adoption Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about adoption for developing and independent readers.

Brave Like That
Sale price
$1699

Brave Like That

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A boy discovers his hidden bravery with the help of a stray dog.

Wild Cat
#3 in Series
Sale price
$699

Wild Cat

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Kat has two weeks to prove herself worthy of adoption, but challenges at school and the animal rescue test her limits.

Forever, or a Long, Long Time
Sale price
$799

Forever, or a Long, Long Time

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Adopted siblings fear a new baby will divide love, sparking a journey to uncover their past.

Sit, Stay, Love
Series
Sale price
$799

Sit, Stay, Love

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl must save a pug from a life of showbiz while confronting unexpected feelings.

Goodnight Mister Tom
0

Goodnight Mister Tom

Ages 12–+ · 1981

A wartime evacuation leads to unexpected bonds and challenges for a young boy.

Fast Break
Sale price
$899

Fast Break

Ages 10–+ · 2015

A boy's journey from survival to state finals tests his trust and dreams.

A Home for Sandy
Series
Sale price
$499

A Home for Sandy

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A lonely girl meets a puppy on vacation. Can she give it a home?

Harry the Homeless Puppy
Series
Sale price
$499

Harry the Homeless Puppy

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A girl and her favorite shelter puppy are separated by adoption. Can they find their way back to each other?

Dogtown
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Dogtown

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A real dog and a robot dog seek forever homes from a unique shelter.

View all adoption chapter books
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