When we became were in the process of becoming foster parents, I voraciously read everything I could find about foster children, how to help children who have experienced trauma, and working within the foster care system. While this understanding didn’t prepare me for all the tough realities of the foster care system, I’m so thankful I took in as much information as I could. Later, I needed even more help to guide my children who are adopted in healing from their early childhood trauma. Here are 50 books about adoption, foster care, and healing child abuse.
Books About Healing Childhood Trauma, Parenting Adopted Children, and Child Abuse
Parenting the Hurt Child
The Connected Child by Dr. Karin Purvis
Therapeutic Parenting in a Nutshell
When Love is Not Enough
Healing Trust: Rebuilding the Broken Bond
99 Ways to Drive Your Child Sane
From Fear to Love by Bryan Post
Forever Mom
The Whole Brain Child
Attachment, Trauma, and Healing
But He Looks So Normal: A Bad Tempered Parenting Guide for Foster Parents and Adopters
These two by Brene Brown are not specifically about parenting children with trauma, but are very good.
The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting
The Gifts of Imperfection
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew
Building the Bonds of Attachment
Books About Foster Care
Another Place at the Table
Child Called “It”
One Small Boat
Other Helpful Books and Resources
One Child
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic
Devotions and Faith-Based Books about Adoption and Foster Care
Swings Hanging from Every Tree
30 Prayers for Special Needs Parents
Children’s Books about Foster Care and Adoption
Challenger Deep
Maybe Days
What To Do When You Worry Too Much
I Said “No!”
The Family Book
The Day We Met You
“A” is for Adopted
All Families are Different
All Families are Different
Yes, I’m Adopted!
Books About Specific Disabilities and Diagnosis
Smart but Scattered
The Feeling Good Handbook
Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid
Books about Self-Care
My Hope Toolbox Printable Kit for Depression & Sadness – this is a printable from my website
More Posts You Will Love
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An Adoption Conversation
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That’s an incredible collection, Sarah. I have a number of related books on my shelf, but most of these are new to me! It was reading Torey Hayden’s One Child plus a few of hers as well as books by Mary McCracken (very similar) when I was in high school that gave me the desire to become a foster parent. I should pull it out and read it again.
Thanks for sharing, Abi! ONE CHILD is still one of my very favorite books that I’ve read. I’ve gone back and read it many times.