The best 60 Adoption books

This memoir tells the heartbreaking and inspiring story of Ashley Rhodes-Courter's childhood in the foster care system. With only three little words, "I love you," she learns to navigate the challenges and hardships she faces, ultimately finding her own voice and strength. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

All You Can Ever Know is a memoir that delves into the complexities of identity, family, and belonging. Nicole Chung, an adoptee of Korean descent, shares her personal journey of searching for her biological roots and coming to terms with her own cultural and racial identity. Through heartfelt storytelling and introspection, Chung explores the impact of adoption on her life and challenges the notion of what it truly means to belong. This book offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the universal human desire to understand our origins and find our place in the world.

A Long Way Home is a memoir by Saroo Brierley that tells the incredible true story of his journey from being lost in India as a young child, to being adopted by an Australian family, and finally using Google Earth to track down his birth family. It is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the power of love.

Kisses from Katie is a memoir that tells the inspiring story of Katie Davis, a young woman who leaves her comfortable life in the United States to serve as a missionary in Uganda. Through her heartfelt and often humorous accounts, Katie shares her journey of faith, love, and the transformative power of helping others. This book will leave you feeling inspired and challenged to make a difference in the world.

Before and After by Judy Christie is a gripping memoir that chronicles the author's journey from a life of addiction and self-destruction to one of recovery and redemption. With raw honesty and profound insight, Christie shares her experiences before and after seeking help, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar struggles.

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born is a heartwarming children's book by Jamie Lee Curtis. It tells the story of a little girl who asks her parents to retell the tale of the night she was adopted. Through playful and tender storytelling, the book celebrates the unique way in which families come together and the love that binds them.

Silent Tears by Kay Bratt is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the harsh realities of life in Chinese orphanages. Through her own experiences as a volunteer, Bratt exposes the neglect and mistreatment faced by orphaned children, while also sharing stories of resilience and hope. This poignant book brings attention to an important issue and advocates for the rights of these vulnerable children.

Nurturing Adoptions by Deborah D. Gray is a comprehensive guide for adoptive parents, social workers, and therapists. It offers practical advice and strategies for nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of children who have been adopted. Drawing on the latest research and real-life experiences, the book addresses common challenges and provides insights into building strong and healthy relationships within adoptive families.

Attaching in Adoption by Deborah D. Gray explores the complex dynamics of attachment in adoptive families. Drawing on her extensive experience as a therapist, Gray provides practical advice and real-life stories to help adoptive parents understand and nurture healthy attachments with their children. This insightful book offers valuable insights for anyone involved in the adoption process.

For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama J. Lockington is a powerful novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and belonging. Told from the perspective of Makeda, a young black girl adopted by a white family, the book delves into her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces as she navigates the world as a black girl in a predominantly white environment. It is a heartfelt and important story that sheds light on the experiences of black girls and the importance of embracing one's true self.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a captivating novel that delves into the hidden meanings behind different flowers. It tells the story of Victoria, a young woman who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate and navigate her relationships with others. Blending past and present, the book is a beautiful exploration of love, forgiveness, and the power of nature.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? is a memoir by Jeanette Winterson that explores her difficult upbringing and her search for identity and happiness. The title comes from a question her adoptive mother asked her, reflecting the book's themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Winterson's candid and thought-provoking writing delves into the complexities of family, love, and the human spirit.

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin tells the story of Marian, a successful television producer whose carefully constructed life is turned upside down when her long-lost daughter Kirby shows up on her doorstep. As the two women navigate their complicated relationship and search for a sense of belonging, the novel explores themes of family, identity, and the choices that shape our lives.

My New Mom & Me by Renata Galindo is a heartwarming children's book that celebrates the bond between a child and their adoptive mother. Through beautiful illustrations and simple yet powerful words, the book explores the unique and special relationship that forms when a new mom enters a child's life. It is a touching and reassuring story that teaches children about love, family, and the endless ways in which a family can come together.

A Mother for Choco is a heartwarming children's book about a little bird named Choco who sets out on a journey to find his mother. Along the way, he meets various animals who offer to be his mother, but none of them look like him. In the end, Choco discovers that a mother's love knows no bounds, and that family is about love and acceptance, regardless of appearances.

Identical Strangers is a compelling memoir by Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein that delves into their extraordinary journey of discovering they were separated at birth and raised by different families as part of a secret scientific study on nature versus nurture. This thought-provoking book explores themes of identity, family, and the ethical implications of the study, ultimately raising important questions about the impact of our genes and environment on who we are.

The Lost Daughters of China by Karin Evans explores the social and cultural implications of China's one-child policy through the lens of international adoption. The book delves into the lives of Chinese girls who are abandoned or given up for adoption, as well as the experiences of families in the United States who adopt these daughters. It sheds light on the complexities of identity, family, and the global impact of China's population control measures.

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg is a heartwarming and humorous novel that delves into the lives of women working at a filling station during World War II. The story follows a modern-day woman who uncovers her family's hidden history and finds unexpected connections along the way. It's a tale of friendship, identity, and the power of female resilience.

No Biking in the House Without a Helmet by Melissa Fay Greene is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles the author's journey of adopting and raising her six children. Filled with humor, love, and poignant moments, Greene shares the challenges and joys of parenting a large, diverse family, while also shedding light on the complexities of adoption and the importance of unconditional love.

Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison is a powerful memoir that offers a firsthand account of the foster care system. Through her own experiences as a foster parent, Harrison sheds light on the challenges and rewards of caring for children who have been neglected or abused. This book is a poignant reminder of the importance of providing love and stability to those who need it most.

Instant Mom is a heartfelt memoir by Nia Vardalos, best known for her role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It chronicles her journey to motherhood through adoption. With honesty and humor, Vardalos shares the challenges, joys, and unexpected twists that come with becoming an instant mom to a little girl. This book is a touching tribute to the power of love and the beauty of family.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff is a heartwarming novel that follows a young girl named Hollis who has been in and out of foster homes. When she is placed with an elderly artist, Hollis begins to uncover her own artistic talents and finds a sense of belonging. The book beautifully explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of art.

The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption by Lori Holden is a heartfelt guide for both adoptive and birth parents navigating the complexities of open adoption. Drawing from her own experience as an adoptive mother in an open adoption, Holden offers practical advice, personal stories, and insights to help all parties involved create a healthy and supportive relationship for the benefit of the child. This book challenges traditional adoption norms and encourages a more transparent and compassionate approach to open adoption.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a captivating fantasy novel about a young girl named Luna who is raised by a kind witch in a mysterious forest. Unbeknownst to Luna, the witch has been protecting her from a dangerous and corrupt society. As Luna discovers her own extraordinary powers, she sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and bring about positive change in her world.

Digging to America by Anne Tyler delves into the complexities of cultural identity and belonging. When two families, one American and one Iranian, adopt baby girls from Korea, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Through poignant storytelling, Tyler explores the challenges and joys of building connections across different backgrounds.

The Leavers by Lisa Ko is a powerful novel that delves into the complexities of immigration, identity, and belonging. It tells the story of a young boy named Deming Guo, whose mother disappears one day, leaving him to be adopted by a white American family. The book explores the impact of this separation on both mother and son, as well as the challenges they face in finding their places in the world.

Journey Of The Adopted Self by Betty Jean Lifton delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of adoption. Through personal stories and psychological insights, Lifton explores the lifelong journey of adopted individuals as they seek to understand their identity, reconcile their past, and find a sense of belonging. This thought-provoking book challenges societal perceptions and offers a deeper understanding of the adoptee experience.

Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen is a comprehensive guide for parents who have adopted a child from another country. The book provides practical advice on bonding with your child, understanding their unique cultural background, and addressing potential challenges that may arise. It also offers insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of international adoption, helping parents navigate the complexities of raising a child from a different cultural heritage.

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline is a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of adoption and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. When journalist Ellen Gleeson discovers that her adopted son may have been taken from his birth mother under suspicious circumstances, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth. Filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene tells the inspiring true story of an Ethiopian woman who opens her home to children orphaned by AIDS. Through her selfless dedication, she not only changes the lives of these children but also challenges the societal norms surrounding adoption and family. This book sheds light on the global AIDS crisis and the power of one individual to make a difference.

Run by Ann Patchett follows the lives of a family as they navigate through unexpected events and revelations. Set in contemporary Boston, the book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the ties that bind us together. With rich character development and a captivating plot, this novel will keep you engaged until the very end.

Raising Adopted Children by Lois Ruskai Melina provides practical advice and emotional support for parents raising adopted children. Drawing on her own experience as an adoptive mother and interviews with adoptive families, Melina addresses common challenges and offers guidance on building a strong family bond, discussing adoption with children, and navigating the unique aspects of adoption.

Love in the Driest Season is a memoir by Neely Tucker that chronicles his and his wife's journey to adopt a baby girl in war-torn Zimbabwe. Faced with bureaucratic obstacles, cultural differences, and heartbreaking circumstances, the couple navigates the complexities of international adoption while shedding light on the harsh realities of life in Africa.

Another Place at the Table is a memoir by Kathy Harrison that delves into the world of foster care. Harrison shares her experiences as a foster parent, offering a raw and honest account of the challenges and rewards that come with caring for children who have been neglected or abused. Through her stories, she sheds light on the flaws within the foster care system and advocates for a better future for these vulnerable children.

Attaching in Adoption by Deborah D. Gray explores the complex dynamics of attachment in the context of adoption. Drawing on research and personal experiences, the book offers practical advice and strategies to help parents and professionals understand and support the attachment process. It delves into the challenges and rewards of building strong, secure attachments with adopted children, providing valuable insights for anyone involved in the adoption journey.

Before and After by Judy Christie is a powerful memoir that chronicles the author's journey through a life-changing event. From the highs of success to the lows of unexpected challenges, Christie shares her personal story with honesty and vulnerability. This book will inspire and resonate with anyone who has experienced a major life transition.

Building the Bonds of Attachment is a comprehensive guide by Daniel A. Hughes that delves into the intricate dynamics of attachment and explores how to build and repair attachment relationships with children who have experienced trauma or neglect. Drawing on attachment theory and real-life case examples, the book offers practical strategies and interventions for caregivers, therapists, and professionals working with children who have attachment difficulties. It provides valuable insights and tools for creating a secure and nurturing environment to help these children heal and thrive.

Cutting for Stone is a novel by Abraham Verghese that delves into the lives of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva, born from a forbidden union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon. Set in Ethiopia, the book explores themes of family, love, and the practice of medicine, as the brothers navigate their intertwined destinies and the turbulent political landscape of their country.

Digging to America by Anne Tyler tells the story of two families, one American and one Iranian, who adopt baby girls from Korea. As the families navigate cultural differences and the challenges of parenthood, they form unexpected bonds and learn what it truly means to be a family. With Tyler's signature wit and insight, the novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the universal desire for connection.

For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama J. Lockington is a powerful and heartfelt novel that explores the complexities of identity, belonging, and family. Told from the perspective of Makeda, a young black girl adopted into a white family, the book delves into the challenges she faces as she navigates her own sense of self in a world that often tries to define her. With beautiful prose and raw emotion, Lockington addresses important themes of race, mental health, and the power of music in shaping one's identity.

Identical Strangers is a gripping memoir by Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein that delves into the incredible true story of their reunion as identical twins who were separated at birth and adopted by different families. As they uncover the circumstances behind their separation, the book raises thought-provoking questions about nature versus nurture and the bond between siblings.

In on It: What Adoptive Parents Would Like You to Know about Adoption by Elisabeth O'Toole provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of adoption. Drawing from personal experiences and interviews with adoptive families, the book offers valuable insights into the emotional, legal, and practical aspects of adoption. It aims to educate and create awareness, ultimately fostering a more supportive and informed community for adoptive families.

Instant Mom is a heartfelt memoir by Nia Vardalos that chronicles her journey to motherhood. Faced with infertility, Vardalos and her husband decide to adopt a child. The book takes us through the ups and downs of the adoption process, and ultimately celebrates the joy of becoming an 'instant mom' to their daughter. It's a touching and funny account of the power of love and family.

Journey Of The Adopted Self by Betty Jean Lifton delves into the complex and often unexplored emotions of adoptees. Through personal stories and psychological insights, Lifton examines the lifelong quest for identity and belonging, offering a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by those who are adopted.

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a single mother who discovers that her adopted son may actually be a missing child. Faced with this shocking revelation, she sets out to uncover the truth and risks everything to bring her son back home. This thought-provoking novel delves into the complexities of family and identity, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Love in the Driest Season is a memoir by Neely Tucker that tells the heartbreaking and inspiring story of his journey to adopt a baby girl in war-torn Zimbabwe. Faced with bureaucratic hurdles, political unrest, and a failing healthcare system, Tucker and his wife navigate the challenges of international adoption while witnessing the harsh realities of life in a country ravaged by poverty and disease. This powerful book explores the depths of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

No Biking in the House Without a Helmet is a heartfelt memoir by Melissa Fay Greene that chronicles her journey as a mother to nine children, both biological and adopted. Filled with humor and poignant moments, Greene shares the challenges and joys of raising a large, diverse family while offering insight into the world of adoption and the power of unconditional love.

Nurturing Adoptions by Deborah D. Gray provides a comprehensive guide for adoptive parents on how to create a loving and supportive environment for their adopted child. Drawing on her own experiences as an adoptive parent and a therapist, Gray offers practical advice and insights into the unique challenges and joys of adoption. From attachment issues to navigating open adoptions, this book covers it all with compassion and expertise.

Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen provides practical advice and insights for parents who have adopted a child from another country. The book covers a wide range of topics including attachment, cultural identity, and navigating the unique challenges that come with international adoption. It offers valuable guidance and support for families on their journey to creating a loving and nurturing home for their adopted child.

Raising Adopted Children by Lois Ruskai Melina provides practical advice and emotional support for adoptive parents. Drawing on her own experience as an adoptive mother and interviews with adoptive families, Melina addresses common challenges and offers guidance on issues such as attachment, identity, and talking to children about their adoption. This book is a valuable resource for anyone navigating the unique journey of raising adopted children.

Run by Ann Patchett is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of family, politics, and the complexities of human relationships. Set in Boston, it tells the story of a family whose lives are changed forever when a stranger enters their world. With beautiful prose and compelling characters, this book will keep you captivated until the very end.

Silent Tears by Kay Bratt is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the harsh realities of life in Chinese orphanages. Through her own experiences working in a children's welfare institute, Bratt offers a poignant account of the challenges faced by orphaned and abandoned children, as well as the resilience and hope that can be found in the midst of adversity.

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver tells the story of a young woman who leaves her small town and ends up in Arizona with a mysterious child in tow. As she builds a new life for herself and the child, she forms unexpected bonds with the people she meets along the way. The novel explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and the power of choice.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh tells the story of Victoria, a young woman who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate and navigate the world around her. Through her passion for flowers, Victoria learns about love, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.

The Leavers by Lisa Ko tells the story of a young Chinese boy named Deming Guo who is adopted by a white American family after his mother, an undocumented immigrant, disappears. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of immigration policies on families. It is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for home.

The Lost Daughters of China by Karin Evans is a poignant exploration of China's one-child policy and its impact on the lives of girls who were abandoned or given up for adoption. Through personal anecdotes and extensive research, Evans sheds light on the social, cultural, and political factors that led to the abandonment of so many daughters in China. This book offers a compelling and thought-provoking examination of a complex issue.

The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption by Lori Holden offers a compassionate and practical guide for both adoptive and birth parents navigating the complexities of open adoption. Drawing from personal experiences and interviews, the book provides valuable insights, advice, and real-life examples to help families build and maintain healthy relationships in open adoption arrangements. It challenges common misconceptions and empowers all parties involved to embrace openness with empathy and understanding.

There Is No Me Without You is a moving and eye-opening book that delves into the heartbreaking reality of the African AIDS crisis. Through the stories of real families and children, author Melissa Fay Greene explores the profound impact of the epidemic and the inspiring individuals who are working to make a difference. This book will challenge your perspective and ignite a sense of empathy and understanding.

Where We Belong tells the captivating story of a successful New York City television producer, Marian, whose carefully constructed life is turned upside down when a teenage girl named Kirby shows up on her doorstep. As Marian grapples with the secrets of her past and the choices she made as a young woman, the novel explores themes of identity, motherhood, and the enduring bond between birth parents and their children. With its rich character development and thought-provoking plot, this book will keep you engrossed until the very end.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? is a memoir by Jeanette Winterson that delves into her tumultuous upbringing and her search for identity and belonging. The book explores themes of family, religion, and the power of literature, offering a raw and honest reflection on the author's journey towards self-acceptance and happiness.