Summer Reading Lists for Adoptive Families
Written By: Helene Timpone
Summer is a season of connection—a time when routines slow down and families have the chance to create lasting memories together. For adoptive families, it’s also a meaningful opportunity to explore stories that reflect their unique journeys. Whether it’s through picture books, chapter novels, or heartfelt memoirs, reading can open up conversations about identity, belonging, and love. This summer, we’ve curated a reading list that speaks to the hearts of adoptive families—books that inspire, heal, and bring families closer, one page at a time.
Why Summer Reading Matters for Adoptive Families
Summer offers a rare window of calm—a break from school schedules, extracurriculars, and the daily hustle. For adoptive families, this pause presents a valuable opportunity to deepen connections and create new rituals that reinforce safety, trust, and belonging. Reading together becomes more than just a way to pass the time; it becomes a bridge for understanding and healing.
Books can be powerful tools for helping children process their adoption stories. Stories that reflect similar experiences can validate a child’s feelings, reduce isolation, and normalize complex emotions like confusion, grief, or joy. For younger children, picture books with themes of love and family can affirm that they are wanted and cherished. For older kids and teens, novels that delve into identity and self-discovery can spark conversations that might otherwise feel difficult or awkward to begin.
Shared reading also builds emotional safety. Snuggling up with a book offers predictability and closeness—two things that are especially comforting for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or instability. Even when children don’t want to talk directly about their feelings, stories give them language and a safe container to explore their thoughts. Parents, too, can gain insight from stories, better understanding their child’s perspective and deepening their empathy.
Ultimately, summer reading is not just about literacy or education—it’s about nurturing a sense of togetherness and giving every family member a voice through the stories they read and share.
Book Recommendations by Age Group
Adoption is a lifelong journey, and the books we share with our children can offer reassurance, connection, and healing at every stage of development. Below are thoughtful book suggestions grouped by age, designed to open hearts and conversations.
For Young Children (Ages 3–7)
At this age, children are beginning to explore their identity and emotions, often through stories. Books that focus on love, family, and belonging help lay a strong emotional foundation.
A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
A warm story of a little bird who finds a loving mother in an unexpected animal, teaching that families are formed by love, not biology.Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
This sweet tale celebrates adoption through the eyes of a young girl, offering a joyful and affirming narrative.I Wished for You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond
A touching conversation between a mother bear and her cub, reinforcing that the child is deeply wanted and loved.
Tip: Use these books as conversation starters. Let your child ask questions, and reassure them that their story is always welcome.
For Elementary School Children (Ages 8–12)
Middle-grade readers begin to understand more complex emotions and can benefit from stories with characters who face identity questions, transitions, or the meaning of family.
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A bold, spirited girl in foster care searches for belonging. A classic tale of resilience and self-discovery.Forever, or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter
A powerful story about siblings adopted from foster care, exploring questions about where they came from and where they belong.One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
A moving novel about a foster child learning what it means to be loved and part of a family.
Tip: Encourage your child to talk about which characters they relate to and what moments stood out. These reflections can open meaningful dialogue.
For Teens and Young Adults (Ages 13+)
Teenagers are often navigating deeper questions about identity, origin, and belonging. Books that approach adoption with nuance and honesty can be both validating and empowering.
Far From the Tree by Robin Benway
This award-winning novel follows three siblings separated by adoption as they reconnect and discover their shared story.Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
A powerful memoir about surviving the foster care system, adoption, and finding one’s voice.Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
A deeply honest coming-of-age memoir that explores complicated family dynamics and self-identity. (Parents may want to preview this book for sensitive content.)
Tip: Respect your teen’s autonomy in reading. Simply offering these books—and being open to listening without judgment—can mean the world.
Each of these books invites connection, empathy, and reflection. Whether you're reading together or independently, stories provide a way for adoptive families to explore emotions, celebrate love, and find strength in shared experiences.
Books for Parents and Caregivers
While reading with children is a powerful bonding experience, it’s equally important for adoptive parents and caregivers to seek out their own sources of insight and support. The journey of adoption often comes with layers of complexity—grief, trauma, identity questions, attachment struggles—and being equipped with knowledge can make a lasting difference in how families grow together.
The following books offer compassionate guidance, practical tools, and deep validation for adoptive parents. Whether you’re navigating early attachment challenges, parenting a child with a history of trauma, or simply seeking to understand your child more fully, these reads provide a solid foundation.
The Connected Child by Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine
A foundational book for adoptive and foster parents, this guide introduces Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) to help children feel safe, loved, and understood. It’s ideal for caregivers working to build or repair connections.Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
Written by an adoptee, this book offers a heartfelt and honest perspective into what children might be thinking but not saying. It fosters empathy, deepens understanding, and encourages reflective parenting.Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell
While not adoption-specific, this book explores how a parent’s own childhood experiences shape their parenting. It helps caregivers cultivate emotional intelligence, a critical asset when raising children with complex histories.Wounded Children, Healing Homes by Jayne E. Schooler, Betsy Keefer Smalley, and Timothy J. Callahan
This book speaks directly to the emotional and behavioral challenges adoptive families may face. It balances practical advice with emotional support for parents in the trenches.The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
A deeper dive into the science of trauma and its impact on the brain and body. While more clinical, it’s incredibly valuable for understanding what your child may be experiencing internally and how healing can unfold over time.
Why These Books Matter
Reading these works can provide more than just parenting advice—they offer encouragement, perspective, and the reminder that you’re not alone. They help caregivers move from reacting to understanding, from frustration to connection. In the process, they reinforce the idea that healing and attachment are possible—and that a strong, compassionate parent-child relationship is the foundation.
Whether you read them in a quiet moment, as part of a support group, or with a highlighter in hand, these books are trusted companions on the parenting journey.
Creating a Family Reading Culture
Building a reading culture in your home isn’t just about fostering literacy—it’s about nurturing connection, curiosity, and emotional safety. For adoptive families, reading together can be a powerful tool for bonding, communication, and healing. When books are woven into the rhythm of everyday life, they become more than entertainment—they become a shared language of understanding and trust.
Make Reading a Routine and Enjoyable
Children thrive on consistency. Create rituals around reading, whether it’s a nightly storytime, weekend library visits, or listening to audiobooks in the car. These consistent moments offer predictability and comfort, especially important for children who may have experienced instability in the past.
Let Your Child Take the Lead
Empower your child to choose books that interest them. Whether it's a silly picture book, a graphic novel, or a fantasy series, honoring their preferences helps them feel heard and valued. It also encourages independence and a sense of ownership over their reading experience.
Create Inviting Reading Spaces
Designate cozy spots in your home for reading—places with pillows, blankets, and good lighting. Keep books within easy reach: baskets in the living room, a small shelf in their bedroom, or a rotating selection on the kitchen table. The more accessible the books, the more naturally they’ll be picked up.
Model a Love for Reading
When children see their caregivers reading—whether it's a novel, magazine, or parenting book—they absorb the message that reading is enjoyable and valuable. Talk about what you’re reading, share interesting passages, and be open about the emotions books bring up for you.
Use Stories as Conversation Starters
Books often unlock feelings and thoughts that children may not know how to express otherwise. Pause during reading to ask open-ended questions: “What do you think this character is feeling?” or “Have you ever felt that way?” These gentle inquiries can lead to deeper understanding without pressure.
Celebrate Reading Milestones
Mark progress with a summer reading chart, stickers, or a family “book club” night where everyone shares a favorite part of their latest read. Celebrating reading as a family accomplishment reinforces the joy of shared learning and connection.
In adoptive families, where building attachment and emotional safety is central, creating a reading culture is more than a pastime—it’s a form of quiet, consistent caregiving. With every page turned together, families write their own story of trust, belonging, and love.
Conclusion: Stories That Bring Us Closer
Books have a unique way of opening hearts and starting conversations that matter. For adoptive families, they can be mirrors, windows, and bridges—reflecting personal experiences, offering new perspectives, and strengthening the bonds that hold families together. Whether you're snuggled on the couch with a picture book or sharing thoughts after a powerful novel, summer reading can be a season of growth, healing, and connection. Let this be the summer your family discovers stories that speak to who you are—and who you're becoming together.
At Parent Cooperative Community, we are dedicated to supporting adoptive families every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us. Together, we can build loving and lasting family bonds. Contact us today to learn more!