Top 10 Kids Books About Foster Care and Adoption, Ages 3-14+

Books can help children understand, process, and navigate foster care. Whether a child is in foster care or learning about it, stories provide comfort and insight. Here are some of the best kids books about foster care, including options for young kids in elementary school and older readers. Plus, we’ll share where to find FREE KIDS BOOKS ONLINE at the end!

For Young Kids (Ages 3-8)

1. A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza (Ages 3-7)
   Choco, a small yellow bird, longs for a mother who looks just like him. He searches for someone who matches his appearance, only to be taken in by a kind and loving bear who teaches him that families are about love, not resemblance.
2. Pup and Bear by Kate Banks (Ages 3-7)
   A lost wolf pup is taken in by a nurturing polar bear. Though they are not the same, the bear raises the pup as its own, illustrating the beauty of nontraditional families and the importance of love and care.
3. Families Change by Julie Nelson (Ages 4-8)
   This book gently explains the reasons children may enter foster care, emphasizing that family situations change but children are still loved and cared for. It provides reassurance and understanding for children facing transitions.
4. A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary (Ages 4-8)
   In this heartwarming story, a teacher asks children to describe their families, leading to a diverse collection of family structures, including foster and adoptive families. The story emphasizes that love is what makes a family special.
5. We Chose You by Tony Dungy (Ages 4-8)
   This Christian faith-based book reassures children in adoptive and foster families that they are loved and intentionally chosen. It helps foster a sense of belonging and purpose through a spiritual lens.
6. Murphy’s Three Homes by Jan Levinson Gilman (Ages 5-8)
   Told from the perspective of a small puppy, this story follows Murphy as he moves between different homes before finding a permanent one. It helps children in foster care relate to the emotions of uncertainty and belonging.
7. It’s OK to Wonder by Rhonda Wagner (Ages 5-9)
   A thoughtful book designed to help foster children process their feelings and experiences. Through relatable storytelling, it encourages children to ask questions, express emotions, and find hope in their journey.

For Older Kids & Teens (Ages 9+)

8. Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos (Ages 9-12)
   Nova, a nonverbal autistic girl in foster care, awaits the Challenger launch and the return of her missing sister. As she navigates a new foster home, her story highlights resilience, hope, and the power of connection.
9. How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow (Ages 12+)
   Tiger’s life is turned upside down when her mother unexpectedly passes away, leading her into the foster care system. This emotional novel follows her struggle with grief, identity, and finding a new sense of home.
10. White Oleander by Janet Fitch (Ages 14+)
    Astrid is thrust into the foster care system after her mother is arrested. Moving between different homes, she encounters various challenges that shape her identity, resilience, and understanding of love and survival.

Where to Find These Kids Books Online for Free

Books can be expensive, but there are many ways to get them for free! Here are some great places to find books about foster care for young kids in elementary school:

• Kindle – Amazon often offers free kids books for Kindle users. (Hint – Look for books that say free NOT $0.00 for Kindle Unlimited Members!)
• Libby App – This free app lets you borrow eBooks from your local library.
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – (Yes, THAT Dolly Parton!) A free book gifting program that mails books to children up to age 5.
• Digital Libraries – The International Children’s Digital Library and Monkey Pen provide free access to many children’s books scanned page by page or through PDFs.
• Websites for Used Books – Sites like Better World Books and ThriftBooks offer low-cost books, many under $5 and offering free shipping.

Read More: 4 Websites to Check Out Children’s Books for FREE

Reading is a powerful way to help children in foster care feel understood and supported. These books provide hope, love, and insight into what it means to be part of a family, no matter how it is formed.