Books
By
Category
[Adoptive and Family
Development] [Open Adoption] [Adopting
Children with Special Needs] [Multicultural
Families] [Gay and Lesbian Youth] [Adoption
Search and Reunification] [Books for Children] [Books
for Older Children and Teens] [Book Catalogs and
Bibliographies] [Newsletters/Periodicals] [Websites]
Adoptive
Family Development
Adoption
Life Cycle: The Children and Their Families Through the Years
Elinor
B. Rosenberg, 1992. New York, Free Press.
Examines the impact of adoption on all members of the triad throughout
the life stages. Charts list the developmental tasks of birth parents,
adoptive parents, and adoptees.
Being
Adopted: The Lifelong Search for Self
David M. Brodzinsky, Marshall D. Schechter, and Robin Marantz Henig,
1992. New York,Doubleday.
Illustrates the common developmental pathways in the life span of
adoptees.
The
Family of Adoption
Joyce Maguire Pavao, 1997, Boston, MA, Beacon Press
An enlightening book that includes great wisdom about growing with
adoption.
Shared
Fate: A Theory and Method of Adoptive Relationships
David H. Kirk, revised edition 1984. Port Angeles, WA, Ben-Simon
Publications.
When first published in 1964, this book by Canadian sociologist and
adoptive parent Kirk broke new ground, demonstrating that acceptance of
difference is a key characteristic of healthy adoptive families.
How
to Raise an Adopted Child
Judith Schaeffer and Christina Lindstrom, 199, NY, Plume, Penguin Books
USA.
Commonly asked questions and typical problems are covered for adoptive
parents of infants through teenagers. Single parents, older and special
needs children, and searching are included.
Our
Own: Adopting and Parenting the Older Child
Trish Maskew, 1999, Longmont, CO, Snowcap Press
Excellent resource for those considering, as well as already parenting,
older children.
Promoting
Successful Adoptions: Practice with Troubled Families
Jeanne Howard and Susan C. Smith, Sage Publications, April 2000.
Raising
Adopted Children: Practical, Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent
Lois Melina, 1998, New York, NY, Harper Collins Publishers
This is a completely revised book, providing a very readable overview of
adoptive parenting.
Real
Parents, Real Children: Parenting the Adopted Child
Holly van Gulden and Lisa Bartels-Rabb, 1993, N.Y., Cross Road.
Toddler
Adoption: The Weaver’s Craft
Mary Hopkins Best, 1997, Perspectives Press
Important ideas, and strategies for parents adopting any time beyond
infancy. Reading this is key preparation for a good start with a toddler
– a child with much life experience but little ability to talk about
her history and feelings.
Twenty
Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Parents Knew
Sherrie Eldridge, 1999, Dell Publishing
Essential reading for all adoptive parents about the complex and
profound emotions adopted children experience and need help
understanding and expressing.
The
Whole Life Adoption Book
Jayne E. Schooler, 1993, Pinon Press, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Well written, wise - albeit brief - analysis of all major topics.
Creating
Ceremonies: Innovative Ways to Meet Adoption Challenges
Cheryl A. Lieberman and Rhea K. Bufferd, 1999, Phoenix, AZ, Zeig, Tucker
and Co. Inc.
[Back
to Category]
Open
Adoption
Adoption:
A Handful of Hope
Suzanne Arms, 1990 (revised edition of To Love and Let Go, 1983).
Berkley, Celestial Arts.
Through specific stories, this book contrasts the impact of closed and
open adoptions.
The
Open Adoption Experience
Lois Ruskai Melina and Sharon Kaplan Roszia, 1993, N.Y., Harper Collins.
Comprehensive treatment of the evolving experience of openness in
adoption.
[Back
to Category]
Adopting
Children With Special Needs
Adopting
the Hurt Child: Hope For Families With Special Needs Kids, A Guide for
Parents and Professionals
Gregory Keck and Regina M. Kupecky, 1995, Pinon Press, Colorado Springs,
CO.
A very readable book, with useful suggestions for choosing effective
responses and treatment approaches that can trigger emotional growth in
children suffering from past hurts and causing suffering in their new
families.
Building
the Bonds of Attachment: Awakening Love in Deeply Troubled Children
Daniel A. Hughes, Ph.D., 1999, Jason Aronson, Northvale, NJ
This is the book you will want to read to learn about breaking through a
traumatized child’s resistance to family attachment.
Children
Who Shock and Surprise: A Guide to Attachment Disorders
Elizabeth Randolph, R.N., Ph.D., 1994, available through Tapestry Books
or from the author, P.O. Box 198, Kittredge, Colorado, 80457.
Possibly the best brief description of the dynamics of reactive
attachment disorder, together with survival techniques for family
living.
A
Child's Journey Through Placement
Vera Fahlberg, MD, 1991, Perspective Press, Indianapolis, IN. Careful
explanations of child development, the traumas of losses and moves,
chapter on case planning, behavior problems, and tasks of direct work
with children.
Facilitating
Developmental Attachment: The Road to Emotional Recovery and Behavioral
Change in Foster and Adopted Children
Daniel A. Hughes, 1997, Jason Aronson, Inc.
If you can read only one book to learn about attachment, disturbed
children adjusting to families, and therapy that can make a difference,
read this one!
Fantastic
Antone Succeeds
J. Kleinfeld and S. Wescott, 1993, University of Alaska Press.
A remarkable collection of stories from parents and educators creating
positive educational experiences for children impacted by parental
alcohol abuse.
Handbook
of Attachment Interventions
Terry Levy, Editor, 2000, Academic Press, San Diego, CA
Handbook for Treatment of Attachment-Trauma Problems in Children,
Beverly James, 1994, Lexington Books, New York. A rich explanation of
the dynamics of hurting children and of the work of healing.
Help
for the Hopeless Child, A Guide for Families
Ronald S. Federici, MD, 1998.
Order through Tapestry Guide or Amazon.com. With its many specific
suggestions for parenting and for school, this book is highly
appreciated by parents of children whose early lives were spent in
institutions in Eastern Europe and elsewhere.
The
Invisible Road: Parental Insight to Attachment Disorders
Janelle Peterson, 1995.
A resource for parents, which will also help them convey the issues to
schools and extended family.
Reaching
Out to Children With FAS/FAE: A Handbook For Teachers, Counselors and
Parents Who Work With Children Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and
Fetal Alcohol Effects
Diane Davis, The Center for Applied Research in Education, West Nyack,
NY, 1994.
Secret
Thoughts of An Adoptive Mother
Jana Wolff. Vista Communications, 1999.
Theraplay:
Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships through
Attachment-based Play
Ann M. Jernberg and Phyllis B. Booth
San
Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass, 1999, 434p.
This is a revised edition, with valuable chapters focused on adoption
and foster care. Suggests specific ways of parenting, as well as doing
therapy, to re-launch a child’s capacity for primary attachment.
Therapeutic
Parenting: It’s a Matter of Attitude!
Deborah Hage, 1997; Order from the author: Parenting with Pizzazz
Publications, PO Box 42, Silverthorne, CO 80498; phone/fax: (970)
262-2998.
Lots of useful ideas for parents, educators, and professionals working
with poorly attached children.
Troubled
Transplants: Unconventional Strategies for Helping Disturbed Foster and
Adopted Children
Richard J. Delaney, PhD, and Frank R. Kunstal, EdD, 1997 (2nd edition),
Oklahoma City. Can be ordered from Wood ‘N’ Barnes Publishing at
1-800-678-0621.
Raising
Children Who Refuse to be Raised
Dave Ziegler, Acacia Publishing, Inc., 2000 (tel. 866-265-4553). This
book addresses parents who are raising children with multiple
challenges. Written in a highly readable manner with real life examples.
[Back
to Category]
Multicultural
Families
Are
Those Kids Yours? American Families With Children Adopted From Other
Countries
Cheri
Register, 1991, N.Y., Free Press
This book outlines clearly the unique issues parents will have to cope
with when raising children from other races or countries.
Different
And Wonderful - Raising Black Children In A Race Conscious Society
Dr. Darlene Powell-Hopson and Dr. Derrick Hopson, 1990. N.Y. Prentice
Hall.
The authors look at African-American heritage during specific stages of
development and provide parents with the tools needed to raise children
of color positive self-esteem.
Inside
Transracial Adoption
Gail
Steinberg and Beth Hall, 2000, San Francisco, PACT Press
Comprehensive manual offering concrete strategies for dealing with the
challenges of multiracial family life at different life stages.
Of
Many Colors: Portraits of Multiracial Families
Interviews by Peggy Gillespie, Photos by Gig Kaesar, 1997.
Margie Miller, M.A. and Nancy Ward, LICSW, 1997, LN Press
[Back
to Category]
Gay
and Lesbian Youth
“Serving
the needs of gay and lesbian youths: The role of child welfare agencies,
recommendations of a colloquium”
Child Welfare League of America (1991). Washington, DC
We
Don't Exactly Get the Welcome Wagon: The Experiences of Gay and Lesbian
Adolescents in Child Welfare Systems
Mallon, G.P. (1998). New York: Columbia University Press.
Let's
Get this Straight: A Gay- and Lesbian-Affirming Approach to Child Welfare
G.P. Mallon Columbia University Press, New York: (1999)
[Back
to category]
Adoption
Search and Reunification
The
Adoption Reader: Birth Mother, Adoptive Mothers, and Adopted Daughters
Tell their Stories
Ed. by Susan Wadia-Ells, 1995, Seal Press, Seattle.
A number of Mainers are represented in this rich anthology.
Adoption
Reunions: A Book for Adoptees, Birth Parents, and Adoptive Families
Michelle McColm, 1993. Toronto, Second Story Press.
The
Adoption Triangle
Arthur D. Sorosky, Annette Baran. and Reuben Pannor, Anchor Press,
Doubleday, 1978.
Discusses sealed or open adoption records, how they affect birth
parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents.
Birth
Bond: Reunions Between Birthparents and Adoptees, What Happens After
Judith S. Gediman and Linda Brown, 1991. New Horizon, N.J.
Birthright:
A Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive
Parents
Jean A.S. Strauss, 1994, Penguin Books, New York, N.Y.
Courageous
Blessing: Adoptive Parents and the Search
Carol DeMuth, 1993, Aries Center, Garland, Texas;
Ithaka:
A Daughter’s Memoir of Being Found
Sarah Saffian, 1998. Basic Books, New York, NY
Lost
and Found: The Adoption Experience
Betty Jean Lifton, 1988, updated edition.
A
Man and His Mother: An Adopted Son’s Odyssey
Tim Green, 1997
Searching
for a Past: The Adopted Adult’s Unique Process of Finding Identity
Jayne Schooler, 1995, Pinon Press, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Stories
of Adoption: Loss and Reunion
Eric Blau, 1993, NewSage Press, Portland, Oregon
Think of this as a grown-up version of Krementz’s How It Feels To Be
Adopted.
[Back
to Category]
Books
for Children
Abby
Jeanette Caines, 1973, Harper Trophy, New York, N.Y.
A wonderful, simple picture book about sibling rivalry and love in an
African-American family whose younger child happens to have been
adopted.
Adoption
Stories for Young Children
Randall Hicks, 1995, Sun City, Wordslinger
A five year old explains adoption and tells the adoption stories of some
of his friends – and of his pet lizard. Simply written and illustrated
with photographs.
Allison
Allen Say, 1997, Houghton Mifflin
A beautiful picture story, evoking the “moment” when a little girl
begins to understand her difference, shows her anger to her parents, and
finds a resolution for her upset feelings.
Beginnings:
How Families Come To Be
1994, Albert Whitman and Co., Morton Grove, Ill.
This picture book portrays several families, most of which were formed
through adoption. This is possibly the best book to help children and
grownups “get” what adoption is.
Brave
Bart, A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Children
Caroline H. Sheppard, Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, Grosse
Point Woods, MI, 313-885-0390.
While not specifically about adoption, this book would be a gentle way
to discuss the feelings generated by the reality that bad things happen
to good people. The characters in the story and pictures happen to be
cats. Animal stand-ins for people are appealing and safe for children
reticent to talk about themselves.
Did
My First Mother Love Me? A Story for an Adopted Child
Kathryn Miller, 1994, Morning Glory Press, Buena Park, CA.
Helps reassure younger children that their birth mother did indeed love
them. Includes a section for parents on talking to a child about
adoption.
Dounia
Natascha Karvoskaia, 1995, Kane/Miller, Brooklyn, N.Y.
This is a beautiful picture book about a little girl’s feelings -
mostly overwhelmed -on her first day with her new family. “Tomorrow
she is sure that she will dare...”
Family
Tree
Pierre Coran, 1999, Lerner Publishing Group, Minneappolis, MN.
Even whimsy has a place in our stories of adoption! This book would be
an ideal way to teach a 6-9 year old about family genealogy, through the
voice of comfortable belonging of the newest member of a unique extended
family. Perhaps the dreaded “family tree assignment” has met its
match.
A
Forever Family: A Child’s Story About Adoption
Roslyn Banish with Jennifer Jordan-Wong, 1992, Harper Trophy.
Adopted after four years in foster care, Jenny reflects on how she, her
mom and dad, and their extended families became a family over time. Told
in her own words and illustrated with photographs, Jennifer’s story
reminds us that important though adoption is, it is only one aspect of a
child’s and family’s life.
Horace
Holly Keller, 1991. Greenwillow Books, New York.
With animal family characters, this book deals with the theme of
belonging despite differences.
How
Babies and Families Are Made: There is More Than One Way!
Patricia Schaffer, 1988. Tabor Sarah Books, Berkeley, CA.
Gives facts of anatomy, birth, and how families are formed including
through adoption. "A family is people caring about each
other."
Is
That Your Sister? A True Story of Adoption
Catherine and Sherry Bunin, 1976, Our Child Press, Wayne, PA.
The story of a family that includes two birth children and two adoptees,
ages four and six. The six year old girl tells the story, recounting the
history of her adoption and her sister’s. Helpful for understanding
the experiences of children adopted after time in foster care.
The
Mulberry Bird
Anne Braff Brodzinsky, 1986, Perspective Press, Indianapolis.
Describes the adoption by shore birds of a bird born in a mulberry tree.
Deals with the birth mother's desire to raise her baby herself and the
difficulties she encounters.
My
Special Family: A Children's Book About Open Adoption
Kathleen Silber and Debra M. Parelskin, 1994
Discusses open adoption as a way of forming families. Provides
opportunities to individualize your child's own story.
Oliver
Lois Wickstrom, 1991. Our Child Press, Wayne, PA.
A story of an alligator-like creature who wonders what life would be
like with his birth parents after being disciplined by his adoptive
parents.
Our
Baby: A Birth and Adoption Story
Janice Koch, 1985, Perspective Press, Fort Wayne, IN.
By providing sex education in an adoption context, this book explains
that all babies are conceived, grow, and are born in the same ways, but
then join families in different ways.
The
Sea Chest
Tonia Buzzeo. Illustrated by Mary GrandPre. 2002, Penguin Putnam, Inc.,
New York
An allegorical story of a lonely young girl who lives in a remote island
lighthouse with her parents. The girl’s wishes for a baby brother or
sister are answered when a terrible storm delivers an unexpected guest.
Susan
and Gordon Adopt a Baby
Judy
Freudberg and Tony Geiss, 1992. Random House.
Big Bird is curious about adoption when the new baby arrives and feels
left out when the baby gets all of the attention. Susan and Gordon
explain that they have more than enough love for everyone.
Tell
Me Again About the Night I Was Born
Jaime Lee Curtis, 1996, Joanna Cotler Books
This book models the need and delight of both children and parents in
telling and re-telling the story of birth and claiming by waiting
parents.
Tell
Me a Real Adoption Story
Betty Jean Lifton, 1993, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, N.Y.
This beautifully illustrated story is simply told but honors the
complexity of a child’s feelings and the fact that s/he was born, has
a birthmother and a history that did not begin at adoption.
Through
Moon and Stars and Night Skies
Ann Turner, 1990. Harper Collins, New York.
A little boy tells about his feelings as he travels from a far-off
country to join his new family. “Let me tell you the story this time,
Momma. Let me tell you how I came to you.”
Zachary's
New Home: A Story for Foster and Adopted Children
Geraldine and Paul Blomquist, 1990. Magination Press, New York.
A tender story about children who were abused prior to adoption. Focuses
on the feelings of children who move from birth home to foster care to
adoption.
[Back
to Category]
Books
For Older Children and Teenagers
The
Dear One
Jacqueline Woodson, 1991, Dell, New York, NY
The
Face on the Milk Carton
1990, Caroline B. Cooney, Bantam Doubleday Dell, New York, NY
Find
A Stranger, Say Goodbye
Lois Lowry, 1978, Simon and Schuster, New York, N.Y.
Growing
Up Adopted
Maxine B. Rosenberg, 1989, Bradbury Press, MacMillan, New York, NY
How
It Feels To Be Adopted
Jill Krementz, 1982, Knopf, New York, NY
If
It Hadn’t Been for Yoon Jun
Marie G. Lee, 1993, Houghton Mifflin, New York, NY
Magic
Comes In Its Time
Berniece Rabe, 1993, Simon and Schuster, New York, NY
The
Ocean Within
V.M. Caldwell, 1999, Milkweed Editions, Canada
The
Snake-Stone
Berlie Doherty, 1995, Orchard Books, NY
So
You’re Adopted
Fred Powledge, 1982, Scribner, New York, NY
Someone
to Love
Francess Lantz, 1997, Avon, New York, NY
Whatever
Happened to Janie?
Caroline B. Cooney, 1993, Bantam Doubleday Dell, NY
Where
Are My Birthparents?
Karen Gravelle & Susan Fischer, 1993, Walker and Co., NY, NY
Who
Am I? …And Other Questions of Adopted Kids
Charlene C. Gianetti, 1999, Penguin Putnam Books, New York, NY
Wise
Child
Monica Furlong, 1987, Random House, New York, NY
Who
Is David?
Evelyn Nerlove, 1985, CWLA, New York, NY
Zoe
and Columbo
Susan Shreve, 1995, William Morrow, New York, NY
[Back
to Category]
Book
Catalogs and Bibliographies
Child
Welfare League of America
http://www.cwla.org/cwla.publications.html
PACT’s
Multicultural BookSource: A Reference Guide to Books on Adoption and
Race for Adults and Children.
This is the second edition of this sizeable volume, with careful reviews
and ratings of hundreds of books. It can be ordered by contacting PACT
at 800-750-7590 or by e-mail at: books@pactadopt.org. Costs $16.95 plus
$4.30 for priority mail shipping.
Perspectives
Press
(317) 872-3055
http://www.perspectivespress.com
Tapestry
Books - Adoption Book Catalog
1-800-765-2367 - Call for a free catalog.
On-line at http://www.tapestrybooks.com
[Top]
Newsletters
and other Periodic Publications
Maine
Newsletters
Family
Ties
Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, 294 Center Street, Unit 1,
Old Town, ME 04468. 1-800-833-9786 or (207) 827-2331. Fax (207)
827-1974. E-mail info@affm.net.
Current event and newsletter published about political and technological
issues regarding child services and care.
Website: www.affm.net
Parent
Connection
SPIN, P.O. Box 2067, Augusta, ME 04338. (207) 582-2504 or
1-800-870-7746. Fax (207) 582-3638. www.mpf.org
e-mail parentconnect@mpf.org.
Resource guide for family activities, movies, television programs and
events.
Southern
Maine Parent Awareness
Southern Maine Parent Awareness, 886 Main Street Suite 303, Sanford, ME
04073. 1-800-564-9696 A quarterly newsletter with a wealth of
information for families who have children with special needs.
National
Publications
Adopted
Child
Lois R. Melina, PO Box 9362, Moscow, ID 83843; (208) 882-1794; four page
monthly mailing. Consistently
thoughtful articles by Melina on issues for families formed by adoption.
Adoption
Advocate
401 E. Front Street, Port Angeles, WA, 98362; (360) 452-4777
Good articles for all triad members.
Adoption/Medical
News
Adoption Advocates Press, 1921 Ohio Street NE, Palm Bay, FL, 32907;
407-724-0815. Valuable information on medical issues relating to
adoption.
Adoptive
Families Magazine
New Hope Communications LLC (formerly AFA)
225 West 90th Street, Suite 1C, New York, NY 10024;
800-372-3300.
Committee
for Single Adoptive Parents Newsletter
National Council of Single Adoptive Parents
PO Box 15084, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; tel. 202-966-6367
Note: The Handbook for Single Adoptive Parents ($12.50) also
available.
Connections
1417 E Miner, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; 847-255-8309
For families with children from India and the Indian subcontinent.
F.A.C.E.
Facts
Families Adopting Children Everywhere
PO Box 28058, Northwood Station, Baltimore, MD 21239.
Published bi-monthly.
Interrace:
Magazine For Interracial Couples And Families
P.O.Box 17479, Beverly Hills, Ca 90209, (213) 251-3805
$20/4 issues. Practical, supportive, and informative.
Korean
Quarterly
P.O. Box 6789, St. Paul, MN 55106; 651-771-8164 www.koreanquarterly.org
Interesting and helpful articles on issues and activities of the
Korean-American community including Korean adoptees and their families.
LAAF
Quarterly
Latin
American Adoptive Families, 40 Upland Road, Duxbury, MA 02332.
PACT
Press
3450
Sacramento, Suite 239, San Francisco, CA 94118
Published
quarterly. Magazine, membership and discount on books.
Excellent
resource addressing issues for adopted children of color.
The
Post
The
Parent Network for the Post-Institutionalized Child
P.O.
Box 613, Meadowlands, PA. 15347
Excellent
resource focusing on the medical, psychological, emotional and
educational issues facing families who have adopted children
internationally from institutional settings.
Raising
Black and Biracial Children
RBC
Magazine, PO Box 30, Burbank, CA 91503-0030
4
issues/yr. Essential and excellent resource for parenting children of
color.
The
Red Thread
5900
Som Center Road, #104, Willoughby, OH 44094 $20 year/4 issues; Designed
and written for adoptive parents with children of Chinese heritage.
Roots
and Wings
P.O.
Box 577, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, http://www.adopt-usa.com/rootsandwings/
Excellent
articles
on adoption.
[Top]
Websites
Maine
Sites
Adoptive
and Foster Families of Maine (AFFM)
www.affm.net
A Family for Me
www.afamilyforme.org
Maine
Adoption
Registry
http://www.angelfire.com/me2/themaineregistry/
Maine
Parent Federation
www.mpf.org
Mainely
Parents
www.mainelyparents.org
Southern
Maine Parent Awareness
www.somepa.org
National
Sites
About.com
www.adoption.about.com/cs/adoptiveparents
Adoption-related
Chat Rooms
www.adoption.com/chat/
or www.parentsoup.com/chat/
Adoptive
Families Magazine
www.adoptivefamiliesmagazine.com
Adoptive
Families Together
www.adoptivefamilies.org
National
Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC)
www.calib.com/naic/
National
Council of Single Adoptive Parents
www.adopting.org/ncsap.html
National
Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
www.nichcy.org
(highly recommended)
Raising
Special Needs Kids
www.members.aol.com/wla1947/rsngspclkds.htm
National
Resource Center for Special Needs Adoption
www.spaulding.org
PACT
Adoption Alliance
www.pactadopt.org
Post
Adoptive Resource Project
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/4786/
William
Gage - Readers’ Guide to Adoption-Related Literature
(not
www) adoption.about.com/cs/readinglists/
Tapestry
Books – Catalog of Books about Adoption
www.tapestrybooks.com
Websites
for Children
Children’s
Express
www.cenews.org
Kidlink
www.kidlink.org
Kid’s
Times
www.kidstimes.org
Zoom
for Kids, By Kids
http://pbskids.org/zoom/
Websites
for Teens
GettingReal.com
www.gettingreal.com
Teen
Central
www.teencentral.net
TeenSpace
http://www.ipl.org/div/teen/
UNICEF
Voices of Youth
www.unicef.org/voy
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