Adoption representation in picturebooks: a critical content analysis

Purpose This paper aims to share four problematic patterns found in adoption-themed picturebooks: celebrations that oversimplify adoption’s complexity, narrow representations of family, prevalent whitewashing and minimal attention to structural inequities. By examining these shortcomings, the study challenges dominant adoption narratives perpetuated in children’s literature and advocates for more nuanced representations that honor the complexities of adoption as a lifelong experience rather than reinforcing limited or potentially harmful narratives. Design/methodology/approach Researchers used critical content analysis to investigate adoption representation across 60 picturebooks. The research design was anchored in critical adoption studies theoretical frameworks. Using this lens, researchers systematically analyzed texts and illustrations to identify recurring themes, narratives and patterns in how adoption stories are told. The analysis specifically focused on examining storylines, imagery, language choices and implicit messaging about adoption experiences, moving beyond surface-level content examination to interrogate deeper ideological assumptions embedded within adoption narratives targeted at young readers. Findings The analysis revealed four key problematic patterns. First, many books featured celebratory narratives that oversimplified adoption’s emotional complexity and lifelong impact. Second, the research identified limited and narrow representations of what constitutes a “family” in adoption contexts. Third, the study uncovered pervasive whitewashing across the picturebooks, with racial and cultural identities being minimized or erased. Fourth, the analysis showed consistent lack of attention to social inequities and power dynamics inherent in adoption processes. These patterns collectively contribute to simplified metanarratives about adoption that fail to reflect diverse, nuanced experiences of adoptees and their families. Originality/value This study makes a distinctive contribution by utilizing a Critical Adoption Studies lens in critical content analysis of adoption-themed picturebooks – an understudied area within children’s literature research. Unlike previous research focusing on individual adoption narratives, this study identifies systemic patterns across 60 books, providing comprehensive evidence of problematic representations. The research creates valuable groundwork for reimagining adoption literature that honors complexity, acknowledges inequities and authentically represents diverse adoption experiences, ultimately benefiting adoptees, families, educators and publishers.