Ten terrific books about adoption

Compiled by Shelley Headrick

Children’s Department,

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library

Jin Woo

By Eve Bunting
Reading level: PreK–2nd
After his family adopts a new brother from Korea, David realizes that his parents still love him.

My Family is Forever

By Nancy Carlson
Reading level: PreK–2nd
A young girl finds the ways in which she is similar to her adoptive parents.

A New Barker in the House

By Tomie DePaola
Reading level: PreK–2nd
The Barkers adopt a little tot who speaks Spanish.

The Boat in the Tree
By Tim Wynne-Jones
Reading level: K–2nd
A young boy wants to sail away from his family, but then recognizes that he will need his new adopted brother’s help.

Three Names of Me

By Mary Cummings
Reading level: 2nd–5th
A young Chinese-American girl copes with her new home and family.

Ben and the Sudden Too-Big Family

By Colby Rodowsky
Reading level: 3rd–5th
Ben adjusts to his father’s remarriage and the adoption of a new baby sister.

Dillon Dillon

By Kate Banks
Reading level: 4th–6th
While learning about his biological parents, Dillon Dillon finds out the story behind his unusual name.

Saffy’s Angel

By Hilary McKay
Reading level: 4th–6th
Thirteen-year old Saffy, adopted by her aunt when she was three, wants to travel to Italy to learn about her past.

The King of Slippery Falls

By Sid Hite
Reading level: 6th–9th
After learning he is adopted, Lewis thinks he might be related to French royalty.

Whale Talk

By Chris Crutcher
Reading level: 9th–12th
While forming a swim team, an adopted teenager navigates the complexity of high school.