Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Adoption / fostering

Book Synopsis Book 1 in the New York Times bestselling series - the perfect gift for curious readers! 'This book reminded me of some of the children’s books I grew up with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Phantom Tollbooth.'RICK RIORDAN, author of the PERCY JACKSON series 'Like the Potter books, this story goes beyond mere adventure' BOOKLIST When a peculiar advertisement appears in the newspaper for children to take part in a secret mission, children everywhere sit a series of mysterious tests. In the end, just four children succeed: Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance. They have three things in common: they are all honest, all remarkably talented and all orphans. They must go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened where the only rule is that there are no rules. There they must work as a team to save not only themselves, but also the world outside the walls ... Book 1 in the 4-book New York Times bestselling adventure series – an ideal gift for children aged 10 and up Join a group of smart and resourceful band of kids as they solve a series of page-turning puzzles and mysteries Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens's MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE series The adventure continues in book 2, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PERILOUS JOURNEY

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Book SynopsisA teenager’s longing for family and a place to call home is poignantly portrayed in this heartfelt and ultimately uplifting story of life in the foster-care system. A teenager’s longing for family and a place to call home is poignantly portrayed in this heartfelt and ultimately uplifting story of life in the foster-care system from bestselling author Eve Ainsworth. Feeling betrayed when her long-term foster placement breaks down, Amy is sent to live with a new family, the Dawsons. Although initially reluctant to trust them, she eventually starts to let down her guard. But just when it seems like she’s found her forever family, she hears a telephone call that suggests things aren’t going to work out. Will Amy be abandoned again – or does she dare hope that she might finally have found home?Trade Review“An intense, heartrending story of a child searching for a forever family" – Armadillo Magazine "Eve Ainsworth is building something of a reputation for her sensitive and well-judged depiction of sensitive issues that many other teen novels shy away from … A perfect addition to the school library" – The Letterpress Project 'Just brilliant – the best book I’ve read in terms of getting across the feelings of a young person in care since Phil Earle’s Being Billy' – Annie Everall OBE

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Book SynopsisThe number one bestselling picture book, now available in paperbackWhat's big, blue, bossy, and turns up uninvited?A slightly annoying elephant, of course!Introducing a magnificently warm and funny picture book from two remarkable talents.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR DAVID WALLIAMS’S FICTION: “A pleasure to read. A beguilingly funny, original and thought-provoking tale… hilarious” – Amanda Craig, The Times “I absolutely love David Walliams's books. In a few more years they will become classics.” – Sue Townsend, author of Adrian Mole "A triumphant mix of wit and warmth" – Telegraph Books of the Year “a new Roald Dahl” – The Times "Another triumph for David Walliams. His books are a breath of wonderful fresh air" – The Sun PRAISE FOR TONY ROSS’S PICTURE BOOKS: “Children’s favourite Tony Ross triumphs again” – The Times “ Tony Ross is a master at capturing the humour in childhood” – Books Magazine “Hilarious and a godsend to parents” – Daily Mail “A must for any parent and child” – Guardian “Brilliant touches of characterisation and silliness” – Books for Keeps

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Book Synopsis''Are you the little girl who was found in the dustbin?'April knows she was abandoned in a rubbish bin as a newborn baby, fourteen years ago. Now she''s happily settled with her foster mother, Marion - but there''s a part of April that''s desperate to know where she really came from, and who she really is. If only she could remember her real mother - or even find her . . .An engaging and highly moving novel from the acclaimed bestseller Jacqueline Wilson. Trade ReviewTouching, wistful and wonderful tale for older readers by another prize-winning former children's laureate * Bournemouth Daily Echo *

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Book SynopsisPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.The Story of Tracy Beaker, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.Ten-year-old Tracy Beaker lives in a children''s home. No one wants Tracy because she is very naughty. But one day, a writer, Cam, comes to the children''s home and changes Tracy''s life. Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

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Book Synopsis Book 3 in the New York Times bestselling series - perfect for curious readers! 'This book reminded me of some of the children’s books I grew up with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Phantom Tollbooth.' RICK RIORDAN, author of the PERCY JACKSON series on book 1 'Like the Potter books, this story goes beyond mere adventure' BOOKLIST on book 1 Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance are back – but so is Mr Curtain, with another devious scheme. Can the Mysterious Benedict Society thwart Mr Curtain's plans, even whilst held prisoner? Join them on their adventure as they face all sorts of dilemmas in a bid to save Stonetown ... Book 3 in the 4-book New York Times bestselling adventure series – ideal for children aged 10 and up Join a group of smart and resourceful junior sleuths as they solve a series of page-turning puzzles and mysteries Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens's MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE series The adventure continues in book 4, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE RIDDLE OF AGES

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Book SynopsisWhen you joined our family, I knew you were just who I'd waited and wished for. 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.Trade ReviewThe detailed and inclusive illustrations and soothing language assure readers that families come in many forms and are all equally full of love. It is refreshing to see so many different kinds of families represented and the book is full of little details that celebrate this inclusive approach. -- BookTrust

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Book SynopsisA thrilling and moving adventure story about evacuees in World War Two, perfect for readers of Goodnight Mister Tom'A compelling heart-warming story about three children in the Second World War - I loved it.' Jacqueline WilsonWhen war breaks out in September 1939, Laura, Andy and Tim Clark are evacuated to the countryside. The Colonel's comfortable home in Dorset is a huge contrast to their cramped terraced house in London, where their loving parents struggle to put the next meal on the table. Though unused to having children around, the Colonel proves to be a kind and generous, if gruff, guardian until a terrible turn of events means the kids must move on. When they discover they are to live with Miss Justworthy, who is rumoured to feed her evacuees on cat food, Andy insists they can't risk staying. He persuades his sensible older sister and their little brother that they must run away, back to London and their mum. The children are shocked to see London now pitted with craters and ruined buildings. And no sooner have they stepped off the train than the skies are lit by searchlights and filled with the crack of bombs and the glow of fires. How will they be able to find their mum in the middle of an air raid?A brilliantly page-turning read from the author of Ballet Shoes, based on her own real-life experience in the Second World War. Perfect for any child interested in wartime and classic adventure stories.Trade ReviewA compelling heart-warming story about three children in the Second World War - I loved it. -- Jacqueline Wilson

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Book SynopsisInspired by the much-loved classic Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, Into the Spotlight is a magical new story from bestselling author and acclaimed performer Carrie Hope Fletcher.Brilliant Aunt Maude visits seasides the world over and has become quite the pebble collector. Pebbles of all shapes, sizes and colours and even one that looked a bit like Elvis Presley if you squinted a bit.Her favourite pebbles, however, are Marigold, Mabel and Morris. One by one, and by strange and unusual ways, each child arrives at the stage door of Brilliant Aunt Maude''s theatre in the heart of London, home to an extraordinary cast of performers. There''s Dante the miraculous magician, Petunia the storyteller and seventy-year-old contortionists - the Fortune Sisters! But ticket sales are dwindling and the curtains might have to close - for the final time.Until one day, as the Pebbles are exploring the many nooks and crannies of the theatre, they st

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Book Synopsis_______________ ‘A very touching and honest story … Rico and Nick make a great team!’ – Jacqueline Wilson _______________ An empowering adoption story by eleven-year-old Premier League Young Writer of the Year Rico Hinson-King, illustrated by the award-winning Nick Sharratt There is a kid. Let's call him Charlie. On the outside he looks like every other football-mad boy of his age. But he isn't ... A story of hope and resilience, this gentle, inspiring picture book tells the tale of Charlie, a little boy who was taken into care when he was very small. Charlie dreams of finding his forever home to share with his sisters. Sometimes he feels scared. Sometimes he wants to scream and cry (and he does, just a little). But he is strong. He is tough. Strong and Tough is by the amazingly talented ten-year-old Rico Hinson-King. Rico, like Charlie, found strength and resilience along the journey to find his forever family (and played lots of football along the way!). Rico is a Junior Premier League footballer with a knack for words too, who wrote his story so that other children going through similar circumstances can feel less alone, and to encourage empathy in others. His moving and powerful words are paired with warm, friendly illustrations by the award-winning Nick Sharratt, who famously illustrated many of Jacqueline Wilson's books including the Tracy Beaker series.Trade ReviewA life affirming tale… gentle and heart-warming * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisJames is adopted. He knows that to work out his future he has to make sense of his past. He embarks on a journey to find his birth-mother who tells her own story in this moving and powerful novel.James's adoptive parents are proud of his talent and determination. He's in training for the Junior National Diving Competition. But when he discovers the snake-stone in a box with his other belongings' from his time as an abandoned baby, he determines to set out on a quest to find his birth mother. He must make sense of his past if he is to work out his future. James travels to the Derbyshire Peak District to begin his search. Events leading up to James conception and birth are told in his birth-mother's own voice, in flashbacks, and the most moving, poignant and powerful story is told.Trade Review‘This story could not be bettered and can only be put down with a struggle before its unforgettable climax’Independent

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Book SynopsisA moving picture book that celebrates family and belonging, from acclaimed screenwriter Irena Brignull.A little girl wants to know where she came from and why she doesn't have a father. When her mother cannot tell her, the girl decides to find out for herself. Her journey leads her on a quest through the woods, tracing her own story back to its source with the help of the animals she meets, until she discovers what truly matters in making a family. A timeless story with sumptuous illustrations, this picture book will be shared and treasured by all families whatever their shape or size.A joy to pore over. The Irish Independent, Children's Books of the YearTrade ReviewThe illustrations glow with unusual colours like teal and amber, making the pages a joy to pore over. * The Irish Independent, Children’s Books of the Year *A touching tale of love, family and belonging, this picturebook features beautiful, colourful illustrations of nature that take the reader, alongside the heroine, on a poetic and emotional journey. * Children's Books Ireland - Mind Yourself *Featured in The Bookseller July Previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisA heartfelt and moving novel in verse for readers 9+.who wants a temporary place to act like a forever one? Especially when the social services people keep telling you over and over and over that place is "safer" than your parents is a "good" solution is someone you're "extremely lucky" to have offered you a home.Laura Rodriguez has a plan: No matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It's tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt's house is okay, it just isn't the same.But that's all going to change. Because when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she'll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better, and things will finally go back to the way they should.After all, how do you explain to others that you're technically a foster kid, even when you live with your aunt? Most of all . . . how do you explain that you're not where you belong, and you just want to go home?From the winner of the Newbery Honor Award.Trade ReviewArango's writing is a joy to read, combining strong storytelling, compelling characters, and rich language. Beautifully executed. * Kirkus *In moving, approachable verse, Arango thoughtfully portrays Laura's guilt. * Publishers Weekly *So much affirmation, exploration, and positivity for those in similar situations are packed beautifully into these verses. * School Library Journal *Full of Arango's signature hearttugging verse, a character you just want to hug, and threads of friendship, family, and belonging, Arango's follow-up to her Newbery Honor debut is a triumph. * Booklist *Exquisitely written. . . destined to become a classic. -- Holly Goldberg Sloan * New York Time *This book will touch your heart. -- Barbara O’Connor, bestselling author of Wish * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisEdward is four years old when he is locked away with his mother by her abusive, alcoholic partner, Harris. By the time an elderly neighbour spots his pale face peering through a crack in the boarded-up window and raises the alarm, he is seven. Rescue comes, but lasting damage has been done. Sent to live with a kindly foster family, and then adopted, Edward struggles to adapt to normal life. Even as a teenager it's still clear to his new family and schoolmates there's something odd about him. Then one fateful day, Edward catches a glimpse of himself in a photograph. What he sees shocks him to the core a vision of Harris. Was this monster his father all along? And does that mean that, deep down, another Harris is waiting to break out? Every step of progress Edward has made swiftly begins to unravel, and he has to decide whether his blood will determine his future.Trade ReviewStrong stuff from a writer who is never afraid to be outspoken -- Nicholas Tucker * Independent *Reading Anne Fine’s work is always a challenge as well as a delight. She’s like a difficult relative who appears at family events and tells everyone a few home truths, yet gets away with it because she has such a wickedly witty turn of phrase -- Tony Bradman * Guardian *A riveting read * The Bookseller *Once again Fine proves why she is such a prolific author with this dangerous and dark new book . . . Evocative, emotional and beautifully imagined * We Love This Book *Excellent -- Marilyn Brocklehurst * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisMy name is Inge. I am sixteen. I live in Munich. Food is still rationed, though the war ended over ten years ago. My boyfriend is Jewish. I have to hide this from my parents. Sometimes I think they are hiding something from me, too. Letters arrive every year on my birthday, but they are addressed to a girl named Kasia. This is her story.Trade ReviewA future classic. * Gazette & Herald *A haunting beauty of a novel. * The Irish Times *Powerful and harrowing * Mail on Sunday *This book just blew me away when I finished reading it. * The Strawberry Post *

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Book SynopsisLarch Hill is the only home Blue knows. She arrived there just a few days old, wrapped in a blue blanket. Her one hope is to find her mother or father and have a family of her own. Fostered out several times, Blue finds it difficult to fit in. Is there no one out there who really wants her? No one who can really love her?Blue must put up with the orphanage, with the distant and strict care of the nuns. She does have her friends, Mary and Jessie and Molly and Lil, but they''re not family. They''re not enough.In her heart, Blue is desperate to find out who she really is. The closed file in stern Sister Regina''s office holds the secret of her identity. And that is forbidden territory ...

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Book SynopsisThis therapeutic journal provides you with the tools and coping strategies you need to better look after yourself. Covering topics such as attachment, thinking styles, self-esteem and new relationships, it looks at how early relationships and trauma may have impacted you, and supports you in planning for your future. Authored by experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist Laura Stokes, this journal will be a source of support and guidance as you navigate life's ups and downs.Trade ReviewThis journal is such a helpful resource for young people to help them navigate the recovery journey from trauma. It is full of helpful psychoeducation, activities and methods that can be useful for them to try out and use to help them make sense of what's happened and how that has impacted their daily lives. I love it and will be recommending it to our therapy teams to suggest for those they help. -- Betsy de Thierry, Founder of Trauma Recovery Centre UK and Consultant PsychotherapistA lovely book, packed with information and great advice to help young people navigate their way through strong emotions and to make sense of their past, present and future. Laura Stokes leads readers through what could be an overwhelming task, with bite-sized, interesting and interactive activities to build self-knowledge and coping strategies. I highly recommend this book to all young people and their loved ones and supporters who are interested in learning more about human survival and strength. It is a real gem. -- Award-winning author and columnist Sally Donovan

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Book SynopsisThis gentle and incredibly poignant picture book tells the true story of how one baby found his home.Some babies are born into their families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway.So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete's moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, Where there is love, anything is possible.Trade Review"The story excels at highlighting the determination of loving fathers while still including realistic moments of hesitation, doubt, and fear that occur for new and soon-to-be parents . . . Family snapshots and a closing author’s note emphasize that the most important thing in any family is love." —Kirkus"A sweet tribute to an enduring love that grew from happenstance, this suggested general purchase for all libraries praises the love of a diverse family." —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThis listing is for the original award-winning edition of Delly Duck, featuring one duckling. For twins/sibling groups, click on the author''s name or series title, and select the sibling group edition.Created by Holly Marlow (adoptive and biological parent, and author of Room in the Nest, Adopting a Little Brother or Sister, So You''ve Adopted a Sibling and Cousins by Adoption) and her sister, Suzy Garland.When Delly Duck lays an egg, she is excited for it to hatch. But she doesn''t really know how to keep an egg safe, or how to look after her chick when he hatches. See how a concerned goose tries to help Delly to learn how to care for her chick, in this touching adoption story.Delly Duck is intended to help support and stimulate discussion around some of the questions an adopted or fostered child (or another child trying to understand adoption) may have. The story can be used to help answer difficult and emotive questions, such as Why can''t I live with my birth mother? and Why didn''t someone just teach her how to parent me safely?No two adoption stories are the same, so symbolism has been used that is open to appropriate interpretation by the parent, kinship carer, social worker, play therapist, teacher or other adult reading this story with a child. The beautifully-illustrated story includes animal characters that may reflect common behaviours and responsibilities of several of the key people involved in an adoption process. Delly is a likeable duck, who sadly makes some poor choices and struggles to care for her chick in a consistently safe way.The book includes a helpful guide to the symbolism, with suggestions as to how the various metaphors can be used to support therapeutic life story work and answer questions about the challenges faced by a child''s birth parents, such as memory or concentration problems, addiction and/or poor or inconsistent role models during their own childhoods.Above all, it portrays that all adults involved want the best for adopted children, and that they are so very loved.Delly Duck is a popular story with adoptive and foster families, as well as connected carers, special guardians and kinship families, alongside Marlow''s award-winning bestseller, Room in the Nest. The story appeals to fans of Todd Parr, Sarah Naish and The Invisible String. Praise for Delly Duck "One of the best adoption books of all time" - BookAuthority"...a beautifully illustrated children''s story book, explaining big issues like adoption and fostering, in an age appropriate way." - We Made A Wish adoption magazine"...Delly Duck is a great choice for adopted and fostered children to explain adoption or support therapeutic life story work. The book can be used to help answer difficult and emotive questions..." - Maggie and Rose Book Adventurers"A fantastic book for Parents, Foster Parents, Adoptive Parents, Legal Guardians, Kinship Carers, Social Workers, Play Therapists or Teachers... I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is adopting, fostering, or is a child''s Legal Guardian... the book shows the love, and loss of the birth parent, and highlights the fact that sometimes a birth parent is simply not equipped with the necessary skills to keep their child safe consistently.This beautiful, sensitively written story explains why a child may need to be removed from their birth parent, and explores in a gentle way the emotions felt by parent and child, and the roles other people play in protecting the child, and offering the child a loving, safe environment..." - Icing on the BakeDelly Duck is available in English, French, German (as Delly Ente) and Spanish (as Nova el Pato). Click on the author''s name to see more titles by Holly Marlow.

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Book SynopsisA deliciously sweet story of family, traditions, and chocolate! Perfect for Valentine''s Day, or anytime you want to tell someone I love you.As a family welcomes an adopted little girl to their home, her brother takes it upon himself to teach his new sister their traditions. For good days and bad, for birthdays, holidays, and everything in between, their family always celebrates with chocolate. They make super chewy chocolate chip cookies in the spring, very-berry chocolate-cherry mousse in the summer, chocolate banana pancakes in the fall, and warm chocolate sauce in the winter. But the boy soon realizes that his sister might have favourite treats of her own, and that if they work together, they can create new traditions and memories together.Inspired by the author''s adoption of her daughter-and by her grandmother''s chocolate sauce recipe (included in the back of the book)-Love Like Chocolate is a mouth-watering celebration of family.

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Book SynopsisTwo shelter dogs await adoption in this early reader story about friendship, family, and home.Moose and Bear are two scrappy shelter dogs patiently waiting for the right owner to adopt them. They meet, become friends, and one day a Cathy decides to take them both home. Despite their luck, they must face the challenges of settling into their new home. Along the way, they learn about each other, and their friendship deepens. Told with humor and heart, Finding Home is a tale that champions the importance of family and relays how it feels to belong and to have a place to call home.

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Book SynopsisPart memoir, part speculative fiction, The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be explores the often surreal experience of growing up as a mixed-Black transracial adoptee.Trade ReviewA Booklist 2023 Editor's ChoiceA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year★ "An ambitiously authentic adoption story where fiction does the work of truth, and archives, correspondence, and health records provide the roots of fantasy."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "A fantastical, transcendent memory collage that shirks convention in search of what is real and true about familial bonds."—PW, starred review★ "Readers will praise the raw honesty and insight in this lovingly crafted memoir."—Booklist, starred review"An authentic journey for adoptees who are not allowed to feel sad but thrust into a stance of gratitude for a life they were given and for all readers who, after a loss, are reconstructing their identities."—SLJ"This deeply felt and unusually creative book is recommended for readers aged fourteen to adult, and will be an especially important resource for people of all ages with a connection to transracial adoption. The final section of the book, a group text thread including the author and other writers with this background, resonates with the solace of shared experience."—Minneapolis Star Tribune"Gibney captures such interior and intimate adoptee feelings. It's so rare to see it evoked on the page. Breathtakingly beautiful."—Kimberly McKee, PhD, author of Disrupting Kinship: Transnational Politics of Korean Adoption in the United States

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