Best Fiction on Adoption Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

Just As Long As We're Together by Judy Blume is a touching tale of friendship, family, and the complexities of pre-teen life. Stephanie and Rachel have been best friends since second grade, but when Alison moves to their neighborhood, Stephanie hopes that all three of them can be best friends. However, the more she pushes Alison on Rachel, the more Rachel seems to drift away. This book explores the question of whether it's possible to have two best friends or if three's a crowd. Blume's writing is funny, honest, and always believable, making this book a must-read for teens and young adults.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway is a heartwarming and poignant novel that explores the concept of family. Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovers she has a biological family including a loudmouthed younger sister, Maya, and a stoic older brother, Joaquin, who has been in the foster care system for seventeen years. The book addresses important topics such as adoption, teen pregnancy, and foster care, and doesn't shy away from the complexities of family relationships. Benway's writing is compassionate, funny, and moving, making this a compulsively readable novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it.

You Have a Match by Emma Lord is a heartwarming and funny novel about romance, sisterhood, and friendship. Abby discovers she has a secret sister, Instagram star Savannah, after signing up for a DNA service. The two meet at summer camp to unravel the mystery of their family secrets and help Abby's parents uncover the truth. The book is a Reese's Book Club Winter YA Pick and a Best YA Pick of 2021 by POPSUGAR and Parade. Lord's storytelling is engaging and the characters are relatable. You Have a Match is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a good YA contemporary novel.

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout, published by Harlequin Teen, is a gripping young adult novel about Mallory Dodge, who learned to survive by saying nothing. After spending years homeschooling, she must face her senior year at a public high school, where she reunites with Rider Stark, her childhood friend and protector. As they both struggle with the scars of their past, Mallory must choose between staying silent and speaking out. This heartbreakingly real novel about the power of first love and facing your fears is a remarkable read that will leave readers breathless and wanting more.

"What I Carry" by Jennifer Longo is a heartwarming and powerful story about Muir, a teen girl who is about to age out of the foster care system. As someone who has gone through many foster homes, Muir has learned to pack light and avoid emotional attachments. However, her perspective changes when she meets Francine, Kira, and Sean. This book expertly explores the power of relationships and the search for one's place in the world. Longo's authentic portrayal of the foster care experience makes this book an exceptional addition to the coming-of-age genre. Overall, "What I Carry" is a necessary and hopeful book that readers will fall in love with.

Turn Homeward, Hannalee is a classic historical fiction book for young readers. It follows the story of 12-year-old Hannalee, who is sent to work in a Yankee mill during the Civil War. The resourceful protagonist struggles to return to her family in war-torn Georgia. The book is based on historical events and offers a little-known perspective on the American conflict. The School Library Journal praises the book for its spunky heroine and fine historical detail. Overall, Turn Homeward, Hannalee is an entertaining and informative read that stands out for its unique portrayal of the Civil War.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, friendship, love, and identity. The main character, Sal, is a complex and relatable young man who is struggling to find his place in the world during his senior year of high school. The book has received critical acclaim for its well-developed characters, poetic writing style, and its ability to address difficult issues in a gentle and warm manner. LGBTQ+ readers will appreciate the representation of Sal's adoptive gay father and his loving Mexican-American family. Overall, this is a beautifully written and profoundly moving book that is a must-read for teens and young adults.

The beloved classic, Anne of Green Gables, tells the story of an orphan girl who finds a home with an elderly brother and sister. This exclusive collector's edition features beautiful hand-painted art and surprise details incorporated into the cover. As Anne settles into her new life, she learns about imagination, social expectations, and true emotion. The book is part of a four-volume collection, which also includes The Secret Garden, Winnie-the-Pooh and Other Delightful Stories, and Peter Pan. This edition is a must-have for any fan of the series and makes for a perfect gift.

The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption is a powerful and unique book that combines memoir and speculative fiction. Author Shannon Gibney explores the complexities of growing up as a mixed-Black transracial adoptee through the story of two girls on two different timelines connected by a mysterious portal. This book is a remarkable portrait of an American experience rarely depicted in any form. The use of adoption documents, letters, family photographs, interviews, medical records, and brief essays adds to the authenticity of the story. Gibney's raw honesty and insight make this a must-read for people of all ages with a connection to transracial adoption.