For Kids
And the People Who Make a Difference in Their Lives.
Why am I here?
Will I ever see my parents again?
What's a caseworker?
These are all questions that foster kids ask.
Some foster children never return to their parent's care. They are transitioned into adulthood with the help of the state or guardianship is given to a relative. Raising foster kids is a challenge because they have experienced trauma and many of them need a different type of parenting than kids who have never been in foster care. Finally there are kids, teens and adoptive parents that face additional challenges and are looking for tools to answer these questions. We hope that this book list can provide answers to these questions and explain the complicated workings of the foster care system.
Quicklinks: For Foster Kids | For Foster Teens | For Caregivers | For Adoptive Kids and Parents
Recommended for All
Three Little Words: A Memoir
By Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Atheneum, 2008
This book is a must read for teens, foster parents and adoptive parents alike. In her memoir, the author, a former foster child from Florida, recounts in compelling detail being ripped from her mother, life with good and bad foster parents and all the emotions that come from living within the foster care system. Details such as the loss of an Easy Bake Oven paint a picture of how caregivers can make the trauma easier for the children.
For Foster Kids
Kids Need to Be Safe: A Book for Children in Foster Care
By Julie Nelson, illustrated by Mary Gallagher
Free Spirit Publishing, 2006
Just as every child's experiences differ, this brightly illustrated picture book explains that there are many different situations and kinds of families, but that ultimately they will be safe and loved.
Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care
By Jennifer Wilgocki and Marcia Kahn Wright, illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis
Magination Press, 2002
Vibrant pictures of multicultural children illustrate many of the experiences of the foster care process and acknowledge that "waiting can be hard" and confusing, but that being themselves is most important all along.
Zachary's New Home: A Story for Foster and Adopted Children
By Geraldine M. Blomquist and Paul B. Blomquist, illustrated by Margo Lemieux
Magination Press, 1990
After a confusing and hurtful change at home, a young kitten experiences time in a foster home, a visit to court, an attempt at running away and, finally, happiness and security with his new parents.
Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights
By Julie Nelson, illustrated by Mary Gallagher
Free Spirit Publishing, 2007
Finding the Right Spot: When Kids Can't Live with Their Parents
By Janice Levy, illustrated by Whitney Martin
Magination Press, 2004
Meeting My CASA
By Adam Robe, illustrated by Nathalie Gavet
Robe Communications, 2004
Murphy's Three Homes: A Story for Children in Foster Care
By Jan Levinson Gilman, illustrated by Kathy o"Malley
Magination Press, 2009
Our Gracie Aunt
By Jacqueline Woodson, illlustrated by Jon J. Muth
Jump at the Sun, 2002
A Terrible Thing Happened
By Margaret Holmes, illustrated by Cary Pillo
Magination Press, 2000
For Foster Teens
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
by Michael Lewis
W. W. Norton, 2006
The true story behind the popular movie is the inspiring tale of a young man who, with the support of a new family, overcame obstacles on and off the football field to realize his great talent and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care
By Annie Leah Sommers
Rosen, 2010
Realistic acknowledgements and practical advice are offered for teens in a Q & A format addressing adjustment, legal rights, physical and emotional health issues and young adulthood; further resources and reading recommendations are included.
I've Found a Home: Teens Write About Foster Homes
Edited by Al Desetta
Youth Communications, 2009
Deep and reassuring insight into the experiences and feelings of many different teens are shared in their own words in this powerful and comforting collection of personal expressions.
Breakout
By Paul Fleischman
Simon Pulse, 2005
From Foster Care to College: A Guide for Teens
Edited by Autumn Spanne
Youth Communication, 2009
Pieces of Me, Who Do I Want to Be?
Edited by Robert L. Ballard
EMK Press, 2009
Shifty
By Lynn E. Hazen
Tricycle, 2008
The Throwaway Piece
By Jo Ann Yolanda Hernández
Piñata Books, 2006
For Caregivers (Both Foster and Biological Parents)
Another Mother: Co-Parenting with the Foster Care System
By Sarah Gerstenzang
Vanderbilt University Press, 2007
Social worker Gerstenzang recounts her personal experiences with foster care, addressing important fostering topics along the way.
The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family
By Karyn Purvis
McGraw-Hill, 2007
An easy to read and helpful guide to dealing with behavior disorders and bonding with adopted and foster children.
Success as a Foster Parent: Everything You Need to Know about Foster Care
By National Foster Parent Association
Alpha Books, 2009
An overview of the foster care process with information and advice on every step of the journey.
Advocating for Children in Foster and Kinship Care
By Mitchell A. Rosenwald and Beth N. Riley
Columbia University Press, 2010
Another Place at the Table
By Kathy Harrison
Penguin, 2004
An Empty Lap
By Jill Smolowe
Atria Books, 1998
Nurturing Attachments: Supporting Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted
By Kim S. Golding
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007
The Women Who Raised Me
By Victoria Rowell
Amistad Press, 2008
For Adoptive Kids and Parents
All about Adoption: How to Deal with the Questions of Your Past
By Anne Lanchon, illustrated by Monike Czarnecki
Amulet Books, 2008
This accessible guide addresses the many emotions, experiences and questions that teen adoptees have and provides context and encouragement.
A Mother for Choco
By Keiko Kasza
Putnam, 1992
As a little bird searches for a mother among the animals of the world, he finds a parent who may not look the same but loves him and his new siblings more than anything else in the world.
Twenty Thing Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew
By Sherrie Eldridge
Dell, 1999
The author, who is both an adoptee and an adoption expert, has written this informative guide to the issues facing adoptees.
Adoptive Families
By Sarah L. Schuette
Capstone Press, 2010
The Family of Adoption
By Joyce Maguire Pavao
Beacon Press, 2004
20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed
By Sherrie Eldridge
Delta, 2009
We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families
By Todd Parr
Megan Tingley, 2007
You Can Adopt
By Susan Caughman and Isolde Motley
Ballantine, 2009
"I want to thank the Chicago Public Library and the Honorable Helaine L. Berger for their efforts in providing a list of resources to aid foster families in their relationships and court experiences." -- Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County