Are you looking for an emotional rollercoaster of a read? Dive into the world of foster kids with these 20 best books about foster kids. From heart-wrenching stories of resilience and hope to tales of friendship and love, these books offer a glimpse into the lives of children in the foster care system. Whether you’re a foster parent, social worker, or simply interested in learning more about this topic, these books are a must-read. Get ready to be moved and inspired by the powerful stories within these pages.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a gripping tale of survival, love, and resilience set in the rugged wilds of Alaska. The story follows Leni Allbright, a young girl who moves with her troubled family to the remote wilderness to start anew. The family’s journey is fraught with danger and isolation, but also with the hope of a fresh start. As they struggle to adapt to their new way of life, they must confront their own inner demons and the harsh realities of the Alaskan wilderness. This heart-wrenching story delves into themes of family dynamics, resilience, and the impact of trauma, making it a must-read for anyone interested in stories about overcoming adversity. With its vivid descriptions and compelling characters, The Great Alone is an unforgettable adventure that will resonate with readers long after the last page.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a powerful and timely young adult novel that delves into the experiences of a young black girl, Starr Carter, who witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend. As she grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, Starr is forced to navigate between her predominantly white prep school and her predominantly black neighborhood. The novel explores themes of systemic racism, police brutality, and the complexities of identity and belonging. It is a poignant and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the realities of growing up in marginalized communities. This book about foster kids also highlights the importance of using one’s voice to speak out against injustice and fight for change. The Hate U Give is a compelling and essential read for readers of all ages.
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a captivating novel that tells the story of two women, Vivian and Molly, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Vivian, an elderly woman who was once an orphan train rider, shares her harrowing experiences with Molly, a modern-day foster child. As they bond over their shared struggles, they discover the power of resilience and the importance of finding family in unexpected places.
This moving and heartwarming book sheds light on the often overlooked history of orphan trains and the challenges faced by foster children. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, Orphan Train explores themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of the foster care system. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the experiences of children in the foster care system and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a captivating novel that delves into the world of foster care through the story of Victoria, a young woman who has aged out of the system. Using the Victorian language of flowers as a poignant backdrop, the novel explores Victoria’s journey as she navigates the challenges of finding her place in the world after a difficult childhood in the foster care system. The book provides a powerful and emotional insight into the experiences of children who have grown up in foster care, and the struggles they face as they transition into adulthood. With beautifully written prose and a compelling storyline, The Language of Flowers is a poignant and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the complexities of the foster care system.
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the lives of three remarkable women during World War II. Inspired by real events, this gripping tale unravels the secret lives of female secret agents who were sent to occupied Europe by the Special Operations Executive. As the story unfolds, it reveals the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of these extraordinary women as they navigate danger, espionage, and their personal struggles. With its compelling characters and heart-stopping plot, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, espionage, and the untold stories of women in wartime. The Lost Girls of Paris is a truly inspiring and unforgettable read that will leave readers spellbound.
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff is a heart-wrenching and captivating story set during World War II. This novel follows the lives of two women, Noa and Astrid, who find themselves in a German circus, hiding their secrets and seeking refuge from the horrors of war. This powerful tale explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The bond that forms between these two women, both struggling to survive in a world torn apart by conflict, is at the heart of this gripping story. The Orphan’s Tale is a poignant and beautifully written novel that provides a unique perspective on the experiences of children orphaned by war. This book about foster kids sheds light on the untold stories of those who found unlikely families in the most unexpected of places.
The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan is a captivating book about foster kids that follows the journey of a young girl named Josephine, who finds herself in a strange and mysterious world. As she navigates through the unfamiliar landscape, Josephine encounters a group of other children who have also been abandoned and forgotten. Together, they must band together to survive and uncover the secrets of their pasts. This foster kids book is a poignant tale of resilience, friendship, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Through Cohagan’s vivid storytelling, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that will keep them hooked until the very end. The Lost Children is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about the strength of the human spirit.
The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer is a gripping memoir that delves into the author’s harrowing experience as a foster child. The book chronicles Pelzer’s tumultuous journey through the foster care system, from enduring unspeakable abuse at the hands of his mother to navigating the challenges of foster care. With raw emotion and unflinching honesty, Pelzer shares the heart-wrenching realities faced by many foster children. The Lost Boy provides a poignant and eye-opening look into the resilience and inner strength of children who have faced unimaginable hardships. This compelling and inspiring account sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of foster kids, offering a powerful and unforgettable narrative that will resonate with readers. Whether you’re interested in a book on foster kids or seeking a profound and moving story about resilience, The Lost Boy is a must-read.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a captivating memoir that follows the author’s tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional and impoverished family. With a mesmerizing blend of resilience and hope, Walls shares her experiences growing up with eccentric parents who had an unconventional approach to parenting. The book delves into the struggles and adventures of Walls and her siblings as they navigate through poverty, neglect, and instability. The Glass Castle is a poignant and raw portrayal of resilience and the human spirit, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by children in unstable environments. This powerful memoir sheds light on the resilience and strength of children growing up in unstable homes, making it a must-read for those interested in the experiences of children who overcome adversity.
The Foster Child by Cathy Glass is a captivating book about a young girl named Keeley who enters the foster care system after experiencing trauma. As a seasoned foster carer, Cathy takes on the challenging task of helping Keeley heal and adjust to her new surroundings. The book delves into the complexities of the foster care system, exploring the emotional struggles and triumphs of both the foster child and the caregiver. Through Cathy’s compassionate and insightful storytelling, readers gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and vulnerability of children in foster care. The Foster Child is a heartwarming and poignant read that sheds light on the experiences of children in the foster care system and the profound impact that a caring and dedicated foster carer can have.
The Lost Girls by Heather Young is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of foster children. Set in the 1930s and the present day, the story follows the lives of sisters who were placed in foster care after a family tragedy. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of the two sisters, their foster family, and the events that shaped their lives. The novel is a poignant exploration of family, loss, and the impact of trauma on young lives. Heather Young’s beautiful prose and intricate storytelling bring to life the struggles and resilience of children in the foster care system. The Lost Girls is a compelling and heart-wrenching book about the resilience of children in the face of adversity, making it a must-read for anyone interested in stories about foster kids.
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson is a compelling book about foster kids that follows the story of Gilly, a tough and resilient 11-year-old girl who has been in and out of foster homes her entire life. When she is placed with the eccentric and kind-hearted Trotter family, Gilly is determined to sabotage the placement and reunite with her birth mother. As she navigates the complexities of her new family and school life, Gilly learns about love, forgiveness, and the true meaning of family. Paterson’s poignant storytelling and vivid characters make this foster kids book a heartwarming and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages. The Great Gilly Hopkins is a timeless tale that explores the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the foster care system, making it a must-read for anyone interested in stories of resilience and belonging.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse is a poignant story set during the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. Told in free verse, this powerful novel follows the life of Billie Jo, a young girl who dreams of escaping the harsh realities of her life. As she navigates through loss, poverty, and her strained relationship with her father, Billie Jo finds solace in her passion for playing the piano. This beautifully written book captures the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Out of the Dust is a compelling read that offers a glimpse into the struggles faced by children during the Dust Bowl era, making it a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or stories about resilience. It’s also a great choice for those looking for a book about foster kids.
The Dinner by Herman Koch is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark secrets of two families over the course of a tense dinner. The story unfolds as two couples – brothers and their wives – meet at a fancy restaurant to discuss a horrific crime committed by their teenage sons. As the dinner progresses, layers of deception and betrayal are peeled away, revealing shocking truths about their children and themselves. The novel’s intense atmosphere and complex characters make it a compelling read that explores the lengths parents will go to protect their children, while also shedding light on the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of privilege and entitlement. This thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the dark underbelly of family relationships.
A Child Called It is a heart-wrenching memoir that delves into the harrowing childhood experiences of the author, Dave Pelzer. This powerful book about foster kids recounts the unimaginable abuse and neglect that Pelzer endured at the hands of his unstable and alcoholic mother. From being starved and forced to eat disgusting scraps from the garbage, to enduring physical and emotional torture, Pelzer’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As he navigates through the foster care system, readers are taken on a journey of survival, hope, and the enduring power of the human will. A Child Called It is a poignant and gut-wrenching account of one boy’s struggle to overcome the unimaginable, and a reminder of the importance of empathy and support for children in similar situations.
Nobody’s Child by Michael Seed is a heart-wrenching and powerful book about the experiences of children in the foster care system. Through the eyes of the author, a former foster child himself, readers gain insight into the challenges, struggles, and triumphs of growing up without a stable family. This raw and emotional memoir sheds light on the often overlooked world of foster kids, depicting the resilience and strength of these children in the face of adversity. Seed’s candid storytelling and vivid descriptions make this book a compelling and eye-opening read for anyone seeking to understand the hardships faced by foster kids. With its poignant narrative and important message, Nobody’s Child is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the foster care system and the experiences of children within it.
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket
by John Boyne
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne is a heartwarming and thought-provoking book about a boy who defies gravity. Barnaby Brocket is born into a perfectly normal family, but there’s just one problem – he floats. His parents are embarrassed by his “condition” and decide to let him go. This leads Barnaby on an adventure where he meets a cast of colorful characters and learns valuable lessons about acceptance and self-acceptance. The story is a beautiful exploration of what it means to be different and the power of embracing our uniqueness. It’s a great book about foster kids that will resonate with readers of all ages and inspire conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of unconditional love.
The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes is a poignant and heart-wrenching book about foster kids. It follows the story of Elle, who grew up in foster care and is now a social worker helping other children in the same situation. When Elle’s past comes back to haunt her, she is forced to confront the painful memories she has buried for so long. As she delves into her own history, she uncovers long-buried secrets that will change everything she thought she knew about her past. This emotional and gripping foster kids book explores the complexities of the foster care system and the lasting impact it has on those who experience it. The Forgotten Ones is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
The Foster Child by Jenny Blackhurst is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the world of foster children. The story follows the protagonist, Imogen, a social worker who becomes increasingly convinced that a young girl in her care is not who she seems to be. As she investigates the girl’s past, she uncovers dark secrets and a web of lies that threaten to unravel everything she knows about the child. The book explores the complexities of the foster care system and the challenges faced by children who have been placed in multiple homes. With its suspenseful plot and compelling characters, The Foster Child is a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking and intense book about foster kids.
The Silent Child by Sarah A. Denzil is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the world of children in foster care. The story revolves around a young girl named Lacey, who is placed in the care of a troubled family after being removed from her neglectful home. As Lacey struggles to adjust to her new environment, she becomes increasingly withdrawn and uncommunicative, leading her foster parents to uncover dark secrets from her past. The novel skillfully explores the complexities of the foster care system, the impact of trauma on children, and the resilience of the human spirit. With its compelling narrative and emotionally charged plot, The Silent Child is a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching portrayal of the challenges faced by foster children.
Conclusion
Exploring the lives of Foster Kids through literature is not only enlightening but also heartwarming. The 20 best books about foster kids offer a powerful and insightful look into the challenges, resilience, and triumphs of children in the foster care system. Through these stories, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and experiences of foster kids. Whether you’re a foster parent, educator, or simply interested in these important narratives, these books are a must-read. Dive into the world of foster kids through these compelling and impactful stories.
Which Foster Kids book is best?
The best book on Foster Kids can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Foster Kids?
For those looking to learn about Foster Kids, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Foster Kids are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Foster Kids books of all time?
Choosing the best Foster Kids books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
