Plus, recommendations for books you can read with your child or youth.
Kendra Morris-Jacobson has a secret.
“(It’s one) I’d like to divulge,” she said. “Any good librarian or therapist will tell you that the secret is… children’s books were not necessarily written for kids—they were written for adults.”
Kendra knows better than most the powerful role children’s literature plays in bibliotherapy, which she describes as the ancient science of prescribing reading as medicine.
As director of Oregon programs for Northwest Resource Associates, she supervises the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center’s (ORPARC) library, which distributes materials to more than 1,000 patrons annually. There, she watches readers—children and youth, parents and guardians, and child welfare professionals alike—benefit from the specialty library’s 6,000-plus books, videos, and resources.
“I think it’s important not to underestimate the power of books… particularly if (they) represent some aspect of (your) life experience,” she said.
While the library prides itself on stocking something for everyone on a range of topics, many of its materials relate to or address “the spectrum of needs impacting families raising children and youth in foster care or adoption.” Patrons can explore a host of topics—like trauma, neurodiversity, ruptured attachment, cultural connections, parenting basics, and more—from the comfort of their own home and from between the pages of a good book.
Nearly 1,500 of the library’s books are classified as children’s literature, but Kendra recommends parents and guardians consider these materials as resources for themselves, as well.
“Adults can utilize them as a way to figure out how to articulate difficult topics for kids,” she said. “Children’s literature gives us language, metaphors, and imagery for communicating about complex emotional material with kids and, frankly, sometimes even with ourselves. It’s ingenious, really.”
Stories can serve as a catalyst—for healing, for conversation, for understanding, for learning, for empathizing, and so much more.
“Books serve so many irreplaceable roles,” Kendra said. “They help us feel seen and heard. They can offer answers or guidance. They illuminate parts of ourselves we’re not aware of. And they reassure us that we are not alone.”
While Kendra recommends that parents and guardians and those in their care read stories specific to foster and adoption issues, she also encourages them to seek books that speak to all aspects of the youth’s identity.
Recently, the ORPARC library launched two programs—ExtensionAlly-ty and the Culture Connection Collection—that aimed to increase the diversity of the stories available. As a result, the library’s circulation jumped 80 percent. That statistic shows how eager readers are to see themselves on the pages.
“We seek (for) all of our child welfare patrons (to) recognize themselves and/or the children or youth they are caring for,” Kendra said. “Representation and inclusivity are essential for a client population like ours who already suffers greatly from many layers of marginalization.”
Books about Tribal issues, Black hair care, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ identities, and more not only provide validation for the youth, but, when read together, those books also demonstrate that the adults in their lives want to learn more about them and what makes them unique.
“ORPARC consults with cultural experience experts to not only highlight where resources are needed in the library for families and communities, but to also give a spotlight to those with lived experiences to share their perspectives,” said Cristina Duarte, who is a foster alumnus and ORPARC family support specialist. “This library is truly incredible, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to positively impact families and professionals.”
Kendra said this input from those with lived and cultural experience enhances bibliotherapy’s benefits.
“Part of bibliotherapy is really matching literature therapeutically to the individual,” she said. “We hear from so many adoptees and fosterees how instrumental and influential books were in their own childhoods—or could have been, if they’d had access to the types of books available today.”
Oregon families can visit the ORPARC library’s website to become members and start checking out items through a process that directly mails materials to their home. Out-of-state families can also benefit, as the library’s website offers the opportunity to search for books based on topic. Kendra recommends using the library’s online search feature to explore what materials are available for various issues. There, families can discover books that can then be requested at your local library or bookstore.
Regardless of where they’re acquired, these books serve as one opportunity to learn with and connect to your child or youth.
“Nothing touches hearts better than a simple but eloquently written children’s book,” Kendra said.
Reading recommendations
Kendra has read a lot of books in her work with the ORPARC library, and she recalled some of her favorites as she compiled her list of reading recommendations for children and youth who have experienced foster care. While the suggested books are categorized according to chronological age groups, Kendra emphasized that children and youth should be encouraged to read according to their developmental age, as well, and that books that might seem as if they would only appeal to younger readers often turn out to be incredibly popular with teenagers and older youth readers.
For early readers:
In this heartwarming tale, loved ones reaffirm that Otter belongs and is wanted. This lovely story is just one of several offered by the Slumberkins company, which became famous after an appearance on the TV show Shark Tank. Each therapeutic children’s book features a creature that, in addition to starring in the story, can be purchased as a plush stuffed animal. In this book, Otter helps children in foster care feel connected to those they love.
“Each animal represents a certain feeling or emotion and all the ways kids and adults work through those emotions,” Kendra said. “(These books) are precious. Kids love them. Adults love them. We love them.”
This vibrant book honors families of all types and is one of several created by author and illustrator Todd Parr, who is known for his inclusive and accepting storytelling. In this book, readers are reminded that every family is special in its own unique way.
“(Parr’s books) are super fun and colorful and capture a wonderful array of diversity,” Kendra said. “We highly recommend them.”
This book uses singsong rhymes to celebrate families being—and belonging—together. Written by a music educator who specializes in early childhood education, Saks’ stories help children process what family means. This book explores the ways families can enjoy each other’s company.
“(His books) are all about family and belonging and are so inclusive and diverse,” Kendra said. “They’re just lovely.”
For elementary readers:
Written by a former social worker and children’s counselor, this book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and their accompanying physical sensations. Gabi Garcia makes emotional regulation and resilience accessible through her engaging storytelling, which helps kids express what they’re experiencing.
“We adore Gabi Garcia,” Kendra said. “All of her stories are uplifting, therapeutic and compassion-building. Plus, they are all available in English and Spanish!”
This book helps foster an honest conversation about foster care and the feelings children may have when removed from their families of origin. The author, Jeanette Yoffe, draws on her own experiences in foster care to write stories that help kids process the complex feelings she knows firsthand. Also recommended is her sequel, What is Adoption?
“These are inspiring and all-purpose,” Kendra said. “We have extras of both that we give away to kids, because they answer so many questions. And, of course, as someone with lived experience, she knows what she’s talking about.”
Riley the Brave: The Little Cub with Big Feelings
A cape-wearing bear cub and his animal friends embark on a journey to face their fears. This book is the first in the Riley series by Jessica Sinarski. Written specifically for children who have experienced trauma, Riley and his pals help kids understand how courageous it is to heal from difficult life situations.
“(Sinarski) is a big name in the foster and adoption world. We consider her one of our best buddies,” Kendra said. “All of her books are so supportive. Plus, she’s committed to keeping all of the parent characters gender-neutral, so they’re very LGBTQIA+ friendly.”
For middle readers:
This New York Times bestselling novel follows a teenage boy on trial for murder. Walter Dean Myers won numerous awards for this book, which was made into the movie, All Rise, with Jennifer Hudson and A$AP Rocky.
“His books are fantastic,” Kendra said. “Not only was he one of—if not the—most prolific African-American children’s book authors ever, but he also was in foster care and adopted himself. So, a number of his books capture these themes.”
“Fill in the blank, for every topic under the sun,” Kendra said.
Every book in this series starts with “A Kid’s Book About…,” and then covers a specific topic, with examples including empathy, racism, change, self-love, trauma, grit, incarceration, and so much more. Each book is written by a different author (LeVar Burton pens the book about imagination, for example) and features a different illustrator.
“It’s mind-blowing,” Kendra said. “And they’re still generating more!”
This book provides kids a toolkit for tackling difficult feelings. Lauren Brookner offers practical tips and strategies for managing and regulating emotions. Cartoon illustrations present options for feeling confident and calm.
“Her books embrace emotional regulation,” Kendra said. “They are popular with many families.”
For teenagers:
Written by a neuropsychiatrist and family therapist duo, this book offers teenagers easy-to-remember tools for taking a snapshot of their emotions so they can stay present and determine where they are now so they can decide where they want to go next. Dan Siegel and Deena Margolin offer dozens of games, exercises, and activities for approaching emotional regulation and processing feelings.
“It’s a classic,” Kendra said. “It touches on it all – mindfulness, felt safety, trauma, and emotions. It’s such an actionable book.”
Kendra said teenagers looking for a connection with the Earth around them will be delighted by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-selling book. In this adaptation for young adults, the Indigenous botanist demonstrates how all living things in nature teach lessons for everyday life.
This book follows a 14-year-old boy in Oregon as he navigates life’s hardships while working at a local bird rehabilitation center.
“It’s a poignant coming-of-age story about a teen who struggles but triumphs in the end,” Kendra said.
The author, Melissa Hart, is an Oregon foster adoptive parent and she and her daughter served as consultants for the library.
