As we bring awareness to National Foster Care Month in May, we think about the more than 14,000 children currently in foster care in the state, according to 2025 data from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. While this is the lowest level since 2016, there is still a need for foster families. For those who are either looking to foster or who are currently providing a home for a child, here are some reading recommendations. These books are a way to help children and other family members understand foster care and be aware of how it impacts everyone.
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Home for a While
By Lauren H. Kerstein and illustrated by Natalia Moore
This picture book follows Calvin, a young boy in foster care who wants to trust but feels unsure how. Having lived in many different houses, Calvin carries his worries with him as he moves once again, this time into Maggie’s home. Through patience, respect and everyday kindness, Maggie helps Calvin begin to see himself in a new way and imagine the possibility of connection.
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One Day at a Time: A Story About Big Feelings, Foster Care, and Finding Hope
By Maria Roy
Meet Lily, a young girl learning to navigate the changing seasons of life and the swirl of emotions that come with foster care. With her loyal friend, a yellow bird named Sparrow, by her side, she learns simple calming strategies that help her feel grounded, brave and cared for.
Pup and Bear
By Katie Banks
This read-aloud is about a lost wolf pup who is raised by a loving polar bear resonates with families — particularly non-traditional ones. “You are not my mother,” said the wolf pup. “I am not your mother,” said the polar bear, “but I can cuddle you and keep you safe.” The picture book celebrates differences and promotes kindness.
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What I Carry
By Jennifer Longo
Muiriel (Muir) is a teen in the foster care system who learns to pack light and avoid emotional attachments. But as she nears aging out at 18, she finds her world changing when she moves to a new foster home on an island near Seattle, where she forms unexpected connections and discovers the meaning of home and chosen family.
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Wish
By Barbara O’Connor
Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina after her parents’ instability. The story follows her journey as she navigates a new life.
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You Weren’t with Me
By Chandra Ippen and illustrated by Erich Ippen
Little Rabbit and Big Rabbit are together again after a difficult separation, but Little Rabbit is not ready to cuddle up and receive Big Rabbit’s love. Little Rabbit needs Big Rabbit to understand what it felt like when they were apart. Through this heartfelt story, parents and children are guided to talk about difficult separations, reconnect, and find their way back to each other.
Kids Need to Be Safe: A Book for Children in Foster Care
By Julie Nelson and illustrated by Mary Gallagher
Kids are important; they need safe places to live and safe places to play. For some kids, this means living with foster parents. In simple words and full-color illustrations, this book explains why some kids move to foster homes, what foster parents do, and ways kids might feel during foster care.