why picking up books on fostering can be a lifesaver
Fostering can be a bit of a rollercoaster. Whether you’re just starting to think about becoming a foster carer or you’ve had a full house for years, there’s always something new to learn.
Sometimes, the right books about fostering can feel like a lifeline. They can help you make sense of a tough day, give you a “lightbulb moment” about a child’s behaviour, or just remind you that you’re doing a great job.
At Foster Wales, we’re all about supporting you, and these fostering books are like having an expert friend on your bookshelf.
our recommended foster care books
1. the body keeps the score
Author: Bessel van der Kolk
Who it’s for: Anyone wanting to understand how past trauma sticks with us.
This book is about trauma-informed care. It explains how children carry past experiences in their bodies, not just their heads.
If you’ve ever wondered why a child reacts strongly to something that seems small, this is one of the foster carer books that helps you see what’s going on under the surface.
2. kids in care… how can I help?
Author: Jane Keenan
Who it’s for: Foster carers, social work teams, managers, teachers or anyone in the fostering field looking for straight-talking advice.
This is a lovely, easy-to-follow guide that walks you through the fostering system in a conversational style and demystifies the confusing jargon.
Readable in a weekend or over a few evenings, Jane uses examples and personal experience to reveal the impact of trauma on children and the relationships, honesty and understanding children need from the adults around them.
3. trauma-informed parenting in action
Author: Suzanne Scott
Who it’s for: Foster families dealing with big emotions or neurodivergence. This is a practical guide for families that offers real-world tips for parenting children who might see the world a bit differently due to trauma or neurodivergence.
books for beginners about becoming a foster carer
ten things every foster child wishes you knew
Author: Rowan Aderyn
Who it’s for: Anyone considering becoming a foster carer
This is a practical must-read for anyone considering becoming a foster carer. It’s packed full of first-hand insights from a child’s (now care-experienced adult’s) perspective.
The 10 things are so simple but so important. From understanding why children might lack trust in others, push love away, don’t believe promises, detect warning ‘smoke’ long before anything bad happens, have an incredible ability to read a room, and latch onto any sign of kindness but also protect themselves from being hurt again.
Rowan describes foster care as “didn’t just save my life–it gave me a family, a future, and the boundless gift of possibility.”
welcome to fostering: a guide to becoming and being a foster carer
Author: Martin Barrow and Andy Elvin
Who’s it for: Anyone considering becoming a foster carer
Martin Barrow is a well-known name in the world of fostering. A journalist, writer and local authority foster carer for over 17 years. This book explains the critical steps in becoming a foster carer.
blame my brain by Nicola Morgan
Fostering a teen? You need this. It explains the “construction site” that is the teenage brain in a way that makes sense.
books about trauma and attachment
Learning useful information from attachment books is a great way to help a child feel safe and loved.
the A-Z of therapeutic parenting by Sarah Naish
Think of this as your fostering “emergency manual.” You can just flip to the page you need when a specific issue pops up. This is a practical, easy‑to‑navigate, guide that helps foster parents understand and respond to challenging behaviours in children who have experienced trauma.
In an A–Z format, Sarah Naish offers clear explanations and step‑by‑step strategies for real-life situations with a compassionate approach, focusing on empathy, connection, and building stronger relationships.
the simple guide to attachment difficulties in children by Betsy de Thierry
Why some children find it hard to trust and how you can help them
everyday parenting with security and love by Kim S. Golding
This focuses on “PACE,” a way of parenting with playfulness and empathy that builds trust.
real stories: foster carer authors and care-experienced voices
There’s nothing quite like hearing from people who’ve actually been there. These foster carer authors and care-experienced writers tell it like it is.
looked after: a childhood in care by Ashley John-Baptiste
Ashley shares his own story of growing up in the system. It’s a powerful reminder of why a stable, loving foster home is so important.
the lightless sky by Gulwali Passarlay
A powerful true story, The Lightless Sky follows a 12-year-old Afghan boy’s perilous journey fleeing war alone, revealing the harsh realities of the refugee crisis through a deeply human lens. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, it shows how resilience, kindness, and love can lead to safety, belonging, and a new life.
what I wish my teacher knew by Sam Gardner
Sam, now 33, lived with several foster carers until he went to university at the age of 18. He went on to become a primary school teacher and author. He now shares his experience of care with thousands of followers on his TikTok account, @lessonsfromcare
new books
Read all of these?
first time fostering by Laura the foster parent partner
We are looking forward to reading Laura’s new book. Laura shares some great re-enactments of fostering scenarios with tips and advice on her social media channels. She’s now compiled that advice into a book.
for our welsh readers / i ddarllenwyr cymraeg
We’ve got some lovely books about foster care in Welsh to help the little ones in your care process their feelings.
- Dafydd a Dad, Manon Steffan Ros, Un rhiant (Single parenting)
- Het Gynnes Tad-Cu, Malachy Doyle, Colled (Loss/grief)
- Y Goeden Gofio, Britta Teckentrup, Colled (Memory/loss)
- Mae Mam ar Goll, Julia Donaldson, Ar goll (Separation/loss)
why learning matters as a foster carer
Every child is different and comes with their own set of unique experiences and behaviours. Knowledge of how to foster children doesn’t come in a bottle. It’s something you learn over time, along with experience, training and support.
Our approach to training means that there are all sorts of ways to learn. Reading a book and reflecting on how you could use tips and techniques with a child you are caring for can be equally as valuable as sitting in a classroom.
That’s why our approach to learning and development means that you can log your reading (or watching webinars) in your training record.
thinking about becoming a foster carer?
If these stories have got you thinking about fostering, we’d love to chat. You don’t have to have all the answers – you just need to be willing to learn and grow along with the children you care for.
Ready to take the next step? Contact your local Foster Wales team today to find out more about joining our community.
