Reading books featuring adopted characters can provide thought-provoking insights into questions of identity, family, and the sense of belonging. While adoption isn’t the central theme of all of these stories, they all feature adopted characters that each bring to the page their own unique experiences. In these novels, you can step into the shoes of some incredibly fascinating protagonists.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
This incredibly touching and uplifting tale is a classic for a reason. When siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert send a message to an orphanage hoping to adopt a boy who can help them with the work on their farm, they hardly expect a little redheaded girl to be waiting for them at the station. Anne Shirley is a vibrant, opinionated, and imaginative young girl who instantly falls in love with her new home on Prince Edward Island. As she grows up, she grapples with identity, friendship, school, and insufferable boys. The story will warm your heart with its message of love and being yourself.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Linus Baker lives a life of solitude in his humble house with only his records and cats for company. He spends his days looking after children’s conditions in government-run orphanages as a Case Worker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth. His life takes a turn when his superiors send him on a top-secret job to Marsyas Island Orphanage for six ambiguously threatening children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Extremely Upper Management says these kids will mean the world’s doom, but Linus isn’t so sure. The caretaker at the orphanage, Arthur Parnassus, is dedicated to keeping the magical children safe. As Linus develops a bond with Arthur, he must decide between the task he’s been charged with or preserving this new home he has found after a lifetime of solitude.
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Life as the middle child is quite an experience, especially when you also find out that you’re adopted. After Grace makes the shocking discovery following her own baby placed for adoption, she goes on a search for her biological family. Her quest leads her to Maya and Joaquin. Grace’s extremely opinionated younger sister got some things to say about their recent family connection. Having spent her life living with some optimistic redheads, brunette Maya is hoping to find similarities amongst Grace and Joaquin. Newfound brother Joaquin isn’t looking to play happy family with his new siblings. Jaded from a life in foster care, Joaquin knows there aren’t such things as heroes, and emotions are best kept locked inside.
Superman for All Seasons written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Tim Sale and Bjarne Hansen
Not only is Superman one of America’s favorite superheroes, but he also happens to be adopted — from a completely other planet. The storyline in this comic focuses on Clark Kent before becoming Superman. After stumbling across the young boy, Martha and Jonathan Kent raise Clark in their small town in Kansas. It’s a sweet yet action-packed coming-of-age tale. It has all the markings of adolescent identity struggles, with an added side of superpowers and alien worlds. It is split into four sections marking the four seasons, and each one is narrated by an important figure in the hero’s life.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set during Nazi Germany, Leisel Meminger’s mother is forced to send her daughter to be fostered. After her parents are sent to concentration camps, Leisel lives with the sometimes loud but loving Rosa and the tender Hans, who begins teaching Leisel how to read. Narrated by Death itself, this devastating novel is all about the power of community and literature.
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
You may recognize this author from his widely loved and praised book Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. After his adoption, Sal has lived a comfortable life in a Mexican-American family with his adoptive gay father and best friend, Samantha. He knows who he is, and where he fits. But when he enters his senior year in high school, Sal begins to question his identity after his new actions begin causing problems in his life.
From classics to comics, these reads all unpack what it means to be adopted. They will tug at your heartstrings and nourish your soul!
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