Children’s Books for Adoptees
Lack of Good Children’s Books About Adoption
Growing up an avid reader and an adoptee, Mary Beth was disappointed by the lack of books that featured adoption. She longed to read books that would help her understand adoption and help others understand the complex, myriad issues that adoptees experience. As Mary Beth moved into psychology and then her coaching and healing practice, she was struck once again by how few books exist that could help adults understand what an adopted child might be experiencing and that could facilitate dialogue and greater understanding.
New Stories for Adoptees, Adoptive Parents, and Other Supportive Adults
Mary Beth is changing this. She is writing stories about and for adoptees and the people who care about them: adoptive parents, siblings, other relatives, teachers, counselors, and therapists. These books delve into topics that adoptee children struggle with but often can’t put into words or talk about with others.
These books are based on real events from Mary Beth’s life and those of other adoptees she knows. They include both the pain and the specialness of being adopted, exploring adoptees’ complicated feelings in a way that makes it easy for adults to open up a conversation. These books also provide age-appropriate ways of increasing a sense of worthiness and belonging so adoptees and other children feel better about themselves and their feelings.
This collection currently includes several books aimed at children of different ages. The first is an early-age picture book focused on cultivating worthiness and belonging for all children. Several books for children aged 5+ delve into real-life adoption experiences, thoughts and feelings, with discussion guides for adults to explore the topics more deeply with children. A companion workbook enables children to proudly tell their own adoption stories, to keep for themselves or to share with others.
