“Adoptive Children Book Recommendations” by an interracial adoptive mother

A good book doesn’t have to be specifically about adoption and a few of these are not. You may be surprised to find some ordinary titles taking on a completely new meaning when viewed through the lens of adoption! Here are a few of our family favorites for the preschool through early elementary age range.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

“Breathtaking in its scope and breadth, The Body Keeps the Score is a seminal work by one of the preeminent pioneers in trauma research and treatment. This essential book unites the evolving neuroscience of trauma research with an emergent wave of body-oriented therapies and traditional mind/body practices that go beyond symptom relief and connect us with our vital energy and here-and-now presence.”
—Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., author of In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness

The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegal, MD & Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

“This erudite, tender, and funny book is filled with fresh ideas based on the latest neuroscience research. I urge all parents who want kind, happy, and emotionally healthy kids to read The Whole-Brain Child. This is my new baby gift.”—Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other

Wish We Knew What to Say: Talking with Children About Race by Dr Pragya Agarwal

“A vital book that equips us to have conversations about race and racism with young people, ensuring we are all playing our part to raise the next generations as anti-racist. With excellent, clear advice from Dr Agarwal I Wish We Knew What to Say is a quick, engaging and easily digestible read” — Nikesh Shukla

“A thoughtful, prescient read for any mother or father parenting through the unique challenges of this racially polarised year, decade and beyond” — Kenya Hunt