10 Children's Books That Every Foster & Adoptive Family Should Own : Including Lena's

At Lena’s Adventures, we believe that every child deserves to be the hero of their own story. 📖✨ For children in foster care or those who have been adopted, finding a character who looks like them, feels like them, and shares their unique journey can be a life-changing moment. It’s more than just a book; it’s a mirror. It’s a way to say, "I see you, and your story is beautiful."

Books have a magical way of making the big, scary "maybes" of life feel a little more manageable. They provide a safe space to explore complex emotions like grief, hope, and belonging. Whether you are a foster parent, an adoptive family, or a supporter, building a library that celebrates diversity and lived experience is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

I am so excited to share this curated list of 10 must-have books that belong on every foster and adoptive family’s shelf. From Lena’s own adventures to timeless classics, these stories are here to help your little ones shine! 🌟

Start With the Heart: The Lena’s Adventures Collection

Before we dive into our list, we have to talk about our favorite adventurous friend! The Lena’s Adventures series, written by Regina Alston, is a one-of-a-kind collection. Regina is a Black foster care survivor, and she wrote these books specifically to fill a gap she saw in the world: children’s stories that truly reflect the Black foster care experience.

Lena is a bright, spirited girl navigating the system with courage and a whole lot of heart. Throughout her four-book journey, she experiences the ups and downs of new placements, the search for a forever home, and the discovery of her own worth.

Why these books are essential:

• Authenticity: They are written from a place of lived experience.

• Visibility: They center a Black girl in foster care, ensuring children of color see themselves celebrated.

• Hope: Every adventure emphasizes that while things may be hard, the child is never alone.

Why Representation Matters for Identity

When a child sees someone who shares their background navigating similar challenges, it builds a foundation of pride and resilience. We’ve talked before about why representation in books for foster kids will change the way you talk about identity, and it’s a core part of our mission. Every child is a masterpiece, and their library should reflect that!

10 Powerful Books to Add to Your Shelf

Here is our hand-picked list of stories that offer healing, validation, and joy.

1. 'A Family Is a Family Is a Family' by Sara O'Leary

Families come in all shapes and sizes! 🌈 This gentle picture book follows a classroom of children describing their homes. Some have two moms, some live with grandparents, and some are in foster or kinship care. It’s a wonderful way to show children that their family structure: whatever it looks like: is valid, beautiful, and full of love.

2. 'The Invisible String' by Patrice Karst

This is a timeless classic for a reason. It tells the story of an invisible bond of love that connects us to the people we care about, even when we are apart. For children who have experienced separation from birth families or former foster homes, this book provides immense comfort and a sense of enduring connection. 💖

3. 'Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care' by Jennifer Wilgocki

Uncertainty is a big part of the foster care journey. This book speaks directly to children about the "maybes": maybe I’ll go home, maybe I’ll stay here. It explains the roles of social workers, judges, and foster parents with honesty and warmth, helping kids feel less confused by the process.

4. 'Home for a While' by Lauren Kerstein

Trust doesn’t always happen overnight. In this moving story, a boy named Calvin moves into a new foster home and struggles to feel safe. It’s a beautiful look at how a patient, nurturing adult can help a child regulate their big feelings and slowly begin to believe they belong. 🏠

5. 'Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born' by Jamie Lee Curtis

This is a joyful adoption story! It’s told from the perspective of a child asking her parents to retell the special story of the night she joined the family. It’s celebratory, warm, and perfect for creating a sense of pride around an adoption story.

6. 'Kids Need to Be Safe' by Julie Nelson

Sometimes children feel like they are in foster care because they did something wrong. This book gently but firmly corrects that narrative. It focuses on the core message that foster care is about keeping kids safe because they are precious and deserve protection. 🛡️✨

7. 'A Mother for Choco' by Keiko Kasza

Choco is a little bird looking for a mother who looks just like him. He eventually finds Mrs. Bear, who looks nothing like him but gives him all the love he needs. This is an incredible resource for transracial families to talk about how love, not matching appearances, is what makes a family.

8. 'Two Homes' by Claire Masurel

For children who move between different living situations or are in the process of reunification, Two Homes is a must-read. It normalizes having more than one space where you are loved and cared for, without making the child feel "split" or judged.

9. 'The Rabbit Listened' by Cori Doerrfeld

While not explicitly about foster care, this is one of the best books for trauma-informed parenting. When something sad happens, the rabbit doesn't try to fix it or talk it away: the rabbit just listens. It’s a powerful lesson in co-regulation and being a safe presence for a child who is hurting. 🐰❤️

10. 'We Belong Together' by Todd Parr

Todd Parr’s signature bright colors and simple text make this a favorite for younger readers. It explores the many ways families come together through adoption and foster care, emphasizing that no matter how we met, we belong together because we care for each other.

Creating a Safe Space for Stories

Reading a book about foster care or adoption can sometimes bring up big emotions. That is okay! In fact, it’s a beautiful opportunity for connection. Here are a few tips on how to make your reading time a ritual of safety and love:

• Timing is everything. Pick a calm, unhurried time. Avoid reading these right after a meltdown or a stressful transition.

• Let them lead. If your child wants to skip a page or stop halfway through, follow their lead. Pushing too hard can make the book feel like a chore rather than a comfort.

• Ask, don't probe. Instead of asking "Is this how you feel?", try "How do you think Lena felt when she moved?" This lets them process their feelings at a distance.

• Create a ritual. Use the same cozy blanket, the same spot on the couch, or a special "reading light." Predictability creates safety for children who have experienced trauma. 🛋️🕯️

You Can Make a Difference! 💖

Do you want to help a child in foster care discover their own story? Books are one of the most impactful items we include in our Next Step Trunks and resource distributions.

How you can help today:

1. Donate a Book: You can purchase a Lena’s Adventures book and request that it be donated to a local group home or agency right on our website.

2. Support Our Programs: Your donations help us provide birthday cakes, essential supplies, and educational resources to over 200 kids in the Richmond, VA area.

3. Share the List: Send this blog to a foster parent or educator who is looking for ways to support the children in their care!

Every child deserves to see themselves. Every child deserves to know they are a hero. Let's make sure their bookshelves are as diverse and adventurous as they are! 🚀✨