Children’s books that feature adoption play an important role in supporting inclusion, understanding, and emotional wellbeing. They help reflect the real diversity of families, showing children that families can be formed in many different ways and that adoption is a valid and valued experience.

For children who are adopted, seeing their lives represented in books can support identity development, build self-esteem, and reduce feelings of isolation by reinforcing that their story is recognised and respected.

For all children, adoption-themed books encourage empathy, curiosity, and respectful conversations about difference. They provide safe, age-appropriate ways to explore topics such as belonging, change, and family relationships, helping children develop emotional literacy and understanding of others’ experiences.

In educational and library settings, these books support inclusive practice by normalising adoption, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a culture of acceptance and respect for every child’s family journey.

National Adoption Week

National Adoption Week runs ever October with activities and events planned for the week. You can find support and information about adoption and adoption services at;

You Can Adopt - www.youcanadopt.co.uk

Adoption UK - www.adoptionuk.org

Read on for a selection of picture books, fiction, non-fiction and YA novels that portray the experiences of adoption and provide characters and storylines that adopted children may identify with.