5 brilliant books with adopted characters

My life was turned upside down five years ago when my husband and I adopted our little baby boy and it’s never been the same again! I’m always tired now and run off my feet, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

I always dreamed about being a dad when I was a teenager, but I grew up under Section 28 and the message that gay people were ​‘other’ and ​‘deviant’ and definitely could not have a family of their own is an over-riding memory of mine. Imagine how surprised I was when I discovered that people like me could have families and that my husband and I could adopt! 

In my book, The Dad Trap, we find out about the adoption process through Dad’s letters and memories. I wanted to highlight some of the difficulties the main character, William, has gone through whilst also celebrating his relationship with his dad and his amazing resilience and zest for life. 

It is through adoption that my family became whole and our son found his forever home. However, I realise that adoption is a complex process and, in compiling this list, I have tried to choose books which tackle issues of identity and belonging in a sensitive and careful manner. 

In the past, children’s stories have sometimes had a habit of portraying foster families and the adoption process in a negative, scary way so I have also chosen books which don’t shy away from difficult issues but that are also imbued with warmth, humour and positivity. 

Yes, I adore this story and no, I can’t read it to my son without crying at the end of it! Meet Tim and Tim – a couple who long for a family and set off on a quest to find their very own star child. This joyful, read-aloud adventure is a comforting, soothing read that’s perfect for younger children and ideal for enjoying just before bedtime. 

This is one of our family’s favourite books to share together. Full of heartwarming illustrations, this emotive picture book showcases the unconditional love between an adopted child and their adoptive parents. A gentle exploration of the adoption experience, from first meetings to creating new family traditions. 

A genuinely uplifting, heartfelt, inclusive and moving story, fizzing with mischief and humour. I was impressed with how Jen Carney explores the relationship between Ferris and his new foster brother, Niles, who is a whirlwind of chaos and fun. Charming! 

I adored this cosy, enchanting story! It’s full of thrills and adventure and it’s wonderful to see an adoptive family with same-sex parents in a magical tale about finding your inner courage. The portrayal of Charlie’s relationship with his dads is a real highlight of this story and Lee Newbery also tackles Charlie’s feelings about his dads adopting a new baby brother in a sensitive, age-appropriate way. 

I raced through this captivating book. It’s a haunting, gorgeous, moving, uplifting and heartwarming exploration of identity, community and belonging. Drawing on her own experiences, Maisie Chan beautifully explores what it’s like to be a transracially adopted child with parents who are not the same race as you. 

The Dad Trap by Ian Eagleton is available now.