10 Books Written by Adoptees

Published on 17 November 2023 at 13:03

Many resources are geared toward the adoptive parents of adopted children. This list, however, consists entirely of books written by adoptees. The experiences of adoptees can vary greatly. Geography, age, culture, and race are just a few things that can impact the experience of being adopted. In this article, you will find memoirs, fiction, biographies, essays, children's books, poetry, and more. Scroll down to learn about these ten books, their authors, and where you can find them.

Image Description: A person is framed from the shoulders to their midsection. They are wearing a fluffy, white jacket. In their hands, they hold three entirely white boxes or books. Along the side, of the boxes is the phrase, "Spirit of Adoption." The boxes are held together with twine. Silver rings decorate the person's hands.

Credit: Annika Marek-Barta / Unsplash via Webador

10 Books Written by Adoptees

  1. Finding Our Place: 100 Memorable Adoptees, Fostered Persons, and Orphanage Alumni (Nikki McCaslin with Richard Uhrlaub and Marilyn Grotsky): This book tells the stories of 100 high-profile people who were adopted, fostered, or who lived in an orphanage. The authors' goal in writing this book was to counter negative stereotypes about people who grew up in these environments. This book is available on Amazon or you can look for this book at a library near you through WorldCat.
  2. For Black Girls Like Me (Mariama J. Lockington): The author wrote this book for Black girls growing up as a transracial adoptee. Raised by White parents, she says that many days left her feeling "like a question mark." Learn more about the author, this book, and where to find it from the author's website. Use WorldCat or LibraryLink to look for this book at a library near you.
  3. GreenBean: True Blue Family (Elizabeth Blake): Written for ages 4-8, this book follows GreenBean who doesn't look like her family or even enjoy the same activities as the rest of them. Somehow, she must find a way to belong. This book is available on Amazon, but you can also look for this book at a library near you by using WorldCat.
  4. A Law of Blood-ties: The “Right” to Access Genetic Ancestry (Alice Diver): This academic text explores genetic ancestry as a tie to identity and culture as well as the right to access such information in cases of adoption. This book is available on Amazon but you can search WorldCat to look for this book at a library near you.
  5. See No Color (Shannon Gibney): The author is a transracial adoptee who addresses transracial adoption as both a scholar and a creative. This book is about a mixed race teenager who loves to share baseball with her father, but must come to terms with her identity. Learn more about Shannon Gibney and her books on the author's website. This book is available from Barnes & Noble or read it for free using the InternetArchive virtual library.
  6. Stay Awake: Stories (Dan Chaon): Dan Chaon's collection of short stories are designed to keep you up at night. These works of fiction are hailed as haunting, suspenseful, and psychologically thrilling. Learn more about Chaon and his books on the author's website, buy the book through Penguin RandomHouse or see the book for free through the InternetArchive.
  7. The Tangled Red Thread (Elle Cuardaigh): This memoir tells the story of Cuardaigh's life as an adoptee and the complexities of life. She started writing this story as a message to her own children. Learn more about the author, this book and where to access it through the author's website. Search for this book at a library near you using GoogleBooks, WorldCat or LibraryLink. 
  8. The “Unknown” Culture Club: Korean Adoptees, Then and Now (Edited by Janine Myung Ja, Jenette Moon Ja, and Katherine Kim): This collection of true stories from Korean adoptees who discuss the ethics of transnational adoption, profitable adoption agencies, and accessing hard-to-find birth documents. This book is available on Amazon or use WorldCat to search for this book at a library near you.
  9. Unstoppable (Tim Green): Tim Green has fulfilled both of his lifelong dreams: to become an NFL player and a writer. This book tells the story of a foster kid who gets a new family just in time to join the junior high football team. Learn more about Tim Green, his many books, and where to buy them on the author's website. Preview this book for free through InternetArchive.
  10. We Take Me Apart (Molly Gaudry): Crossing the boundaries between poetry and novella, this book talks about the journey to womanhood through the mind. Learn more about Molly Gaudry, this book, and where to find it through the author's website. Search WorldCat or LibraryLink to find this book at a library near you.

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