It is my goal to improve access to information and education for foster parents everywhere! Which is why I have compiled this incredible list of books to help get you started. I will be updating this list from time-to-time, so check back frequently when you’re ready for something new.

This list is intended for those looking to start their foster care journey, individuals who want to know more about the foster care system, and is a resource for foster parents or professionals who work with children in care.

TOP RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR FOSTER PARENTS

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The Connected Child

Although the main focus is on adoption, many of the themes throughout this book are applicable to foster parents too. Building bonds of affection and trust, learning how to navigate behavior disorders, and educating parents on how to discipline a child with love in a way that they do not feel threatened are some of the key concepts touched.

The Whole Brain Child

Gives twelve practical parenting strategies for healthy brain development in children. Offers parents tons of insight into how the brain matures and functions at different life stages.

No Drama Discipline

Provides parents with a roadmap for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears in a way that is healthy, effective, and compassionate. Offers strategies for parents to identify their own discipline philosophy, facts on child brain development, ideas for connecting with your child in a loving, calm way, advice on how to work through tantrums, and twenty discipline mistakes parents make.

Love Me Feed Me

A guide that helps to teach parents how to foster healthy, enjoyable mealtimes and raise children to eat a variety of foods that properly nourish their bodies.

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder

Explains Sensory Processing Disorder and walks parents through a hopefully approach to navigating it.

The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog

Examines how trauma and PTSD impacts brain development in children. It then offers insight into a path to recovery.

Another Place at the Table

A novel that follows one woman’s thirteen-year experience in foster care.

In Their Voices: Black Americans on Transracial Adoption

Comments on social attitudes and federal policies as they pertain to transracial adoption. Makes suggestions for better policy to reflect the needs of transracial adoptive families. It is also jam packed with advice for parents who adopt children of color on how to nurture positive self-image in their children, and perspectives to consider when raising them.

The Body Keeps Score

Theme is around treating post traumatic stress disorder and discussing the impact of PTS on our society.

Dancing with a Porcupine

The author shares her story of how she struggled to save her own life while caring for three children she and her husband adopted from foster care. Humorous and raw, this novel is about love, giving, and forgivness.

Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain

Brings to light a number of commonly held myths about adolescences and offers education to parents about how the brain develops between the ages of twelve and twenty-four.

The Yes Brain

A tool to help parents nurture positive potential in their children. Focuses on discovering your child’s capacity for resilience, compassion, and creativity.

The Power of Showing Up

Even the consistency of just one adult showing up in a child’s life can greatly impact their happiness, academic success, leadership skills, and meaningful relationships. This book explores four building blocks for healthy child development that can be attained through consistency in showing up.

The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting

Book outlines everything you need for therapeutic parenting—nurturing parenting style. Gives parents an easy-to-follow process.

To the End of June

A book that brings to light the realities of what it is like for foster children to grow up in the system. Based off one mom’s personal experience and countless stories she has collected from others.

No Sugar Coating: The Coffee Talk You Need About Foster Parenting

Written in a style that reads like a conversation with a good friend, this book offers valuable, practical insight for those looking to learn more about the foster care system.

The Garbage Bag Kids

Based on a true story of a family’s thirty-year experience as therapeutic foster parents.

Three Little Words

A memoir of the author’s nine year experience in the foster care system and how she triumphed over trauma.

If you have a personal recommendation to add to this list, please drop me a comment below! Happy reading.

♥ Mandi A.