Adoption (updated Aug. 25, 2002)
(Underlined/highlighted books are available from the A Place To Remember www bookstore.)

A Is For Adopted, Eileen Tucker Cosby, 2000. SWAK Pak, LLC. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This Christian-themed alphabet book takes you from A IS FOR ADOPTED to Z is for Zest for life. Along the way, there are stops at F is for Family, H is for Heavenly Father, J is for Joy, L is for Love, P is for Precious and all the rest of the letters. Each one is accompanied by colorful, appropriate illustrations and a rhyming verse. This book makes a lovely gift for all children, whether adopted or not.

Adopt International: Everything You Need to Know to Adopt a Child from Abroad, O. Robin Sweet and Patty Bryan, 1996. Noonday Press. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Provides step-by-step advice on everything from selecting an adoption agency to traveling abroad to pick up your child, to adjusting to a new life at home. A book that helps the reader through the myriad of government regulations and forms.

Adopting After Infertility, Patricia Irwin Johnston, M.S., 1996. Perspectives Press. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. The issues raised in this book are difficult ones. The book examines the lifelong impact of building a family by adoption after experiencing infertility. Couples struggling to decide whether to adopt, those who have said yes to adoption, and parents of young children who have been adopted are the intended audience for this compassionate book. It will help you and your family make the decisions that are right for you. This is an excellent book by the acknowledged expert in the field.

Adopting in America: How to Adopt Within One Year, Randall B. Hicks, Esq., revised in 1995. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This book is written by an adoption attorney. Contains legal summary, by state, including procedures, requirements, paperwork etc.

Adopting on Your Own: The Complete Guide to Adoption for Single Parents, Lee Varon, 2000. Farrar Straus & Giroux. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Are you a single man or woman who would like to be a daddy or mommy? Then you need ADOPTING ON YOUR OWN. From making the decision about adoption to learning about the different methods, from understanding the logistics to raising your child alone, this book covers it all. With its easy-to-read style, it covers both the practical and emotional aspects unique to single-parent adopters. Don't miss this book.

Adopting: The Tapestry Guide, Laurie S. Wallmark, 1996. Tapestry Books, PO Box 359, Ringoes, NJ 08551-0359, (800) 765-2367. This 32-page booklet provides a concise and easily understood explanation of all aspects of adoption. Includes pros and cons of various types of adoption options, a step-by-step description of the adoption process, and info on adoption resources.

Adopting Your Child: Options, Answers, and Actions, Nancy Thalia Reynolds, 1993. Self Counsel Press. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This book focuses on the process of adoption; getting from here to there. it's logical organization, resource guide, and tips make it an easy to use tool. Special chapter included for Canadians who want to adopt through the US.

Adoption, Stephen Currie, 1997. Lucent Books. One of the Lucent Overview Series which discusses issues related to adoption, including parental rights, racial mixing, international adoption and privacy concerns.

Adoption: A Legal Guide for Birth and Adoptive Parents, Kelly Allen Sifferman, 1994. Career Press. Basic legal info you need to know before adopting a child or making a placement. Takes the complicated procedures often involved and provides clear and precise explanations.

Adoption and Ethics : The Role of Race, Culture, and National Origin in Adoption, Madelyn Freundlich, 2000. Child Welfare League of America.

Adoption is a Family Affair: What Relatives and Friends Must Know, Patricia Irwin Johnston, M.S., 2001. Perspectives Press. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Don't you wish that there was an easy way to explain the hows and whys of adoption to your parents and the other members of your family? Well wish no more. Have them read this book. They'll feel like they've sat down with a close friend to have a coffee-klatsch about adoption. This book's conversational tone and wealth of information will turn them into adoption experts (and supporters!) in no time.

Adoption Is Another Word for Love, Nancy McGuire Roche (Editor), Heather Zschock (Designer), 2000. Peter Pauper Press.

Adoption Is For Always, Linda Walvoord Girard and Abby Levine, 1991. Albert Whitman and Company, Niles, IL. Children's book for ages 4-8, illustrated by Judith Friedman. A 5-year-old knows she is adopted but is confused and angry and her parents must deal with her questions in an honest and loving way.

Adoption Journies: Parents Tell Their Stories, Carole S. Turner, 1999. McBooks Press. Through the stories of real people and situations this book prepares prospective parents for the roller-coaster ride ahead while keeping focused on the exhileration of the successful results.

Adoption: Opposing Viewpoints, Roman Espejo (Editor), 2001. Greenhaven Press.

Adoption, the Birth of a Real Mom: My Journal, Karen Ivano. 2002. Xlibris Corporation.

Adoption Today: Options and Outcomes, Cynthia V.N. Peck, 1997. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This book collects the experiences and advice of families who learned about adoption, successfully added a child to their family, and are now willing to teach us by sharing their experiences.

Adoption Wisdom, Marylou Russell, 1996. Broken Branch Productions. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. An examination of the issues involved in adoption, giving the reader a fuller appreciation of the complexities involved in the adoption experience.

An Adopter's Advocate, Patricia Irwin Johnston, 1984. Perspectives Press, Fort Wayne.

Annotated Guide to Adoption Research, Deborah L. Martin, 1998. Child Welfare League of America. Presents about 850 abstracts of qualitative and quantitative adoption research as published between 1986 and 997. It encompasses clinical and non-clinical samples, case studies, longitudinal and epidemiological studies, and experimental research.

Beating the Adoption Game, Cynthia D. Martin, Ph.D., revised and updated edition, 1998. Harcourt Books. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Gives in-depth, practical advise to prospective adoptive parents, especially in regard to agency adoptions. An excellent "how-to" guide on adoption.

Birthmarks : Transracial Adoption in Contemporary America, Sandra Patton, 2001. New York University Press.

Bringing Our Angel Home, Tracy S. Pillow, 2002. Writers Club Press.

But I Don't Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy, The Complete Sourcebook for Starting (and Restarting) Motherhood Beyond 35 and After 40, Doreen Nagle, 2002. Health Communications. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. If you are over thirty-five and considering a child (or more children), this book contains the answers to all your questions. An older mother herself, the author provides a comprehensive look at mothering later in life, with information on topics ranging from infertility, adoption and surrogacy to career options and menopause. The book is also filled with outside resources for further information, so that you can make decisions that are as informed as possible.

Considering Adoption? (Overcoming Common Problems), Sarah Biggs, 2001. Society for Promoting Christian. Whether you already have your own children and want to complete your family through adoption, or whether you are considering adoption as the only way you can have the children you dream of, this book is for you. Comprehensive and concise, with infomration for those thinking about adoption, and those whose child has already arrived, this book considers: Is adoption right for me?; How do I go about adopting a child?; Will I be accepted for adoption?; What are the pros and cons of older or disabled children?; What about interracial or overseas adoptions?; How to provide the best care for your adopted child; Children and birth parents.

Dear Birthmother, Kathleen Silber and Phyllis Speedlin, 1983. Corona Publishing, Co., San Antonio, TX. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Classic book on open adoption. Contains actual letters written between adoptive families and birthparents. Makes specific and practical suggestions for openness in adoption.

Designing Rituals of Adoption. Available from Centering Corp., (402) 553-1200. There are services for giving the child in love. Gifts that make the adoption, suggested readings, secular services and much more. Especially for those working with young mothers choosing an adoption plan.

Dim Sum, Bagels and Grits: A Sourcebook for Multicultural Families, Myra Alperson, 2001. Farrar Straus & Giroux (Pap).

Getting Started On Adoption: Preparing the Heart, Randolph Severson, Ph.D., 1997. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This booklet provides hope to discouraged spirits when you are overcome by fears—fears of cost, or the long wait, or no birthparent will chose you, or that there is no child waiting for you. It will help you keep your faith on the path to adoption.

Given in Love, Maureen Connely. Centering Corp., 1531 N. Saddle Creek Rd., Omaha, NE 68104-5064, (402) 553-1200. This book deals with the unique grieving process that follows giving up your child for adoption.

Handbook on Adoption: A Psychoanalytic View, Herbert Wieder, 2001. iUniverse.com . Calling on his long experience as a psychoanalyst and student of adoption, Dr. Herbert Wieder has written a handbook for adoptive families, based on clinical studies. He explores the special problems of the adoption world from a point equidistant from birthparents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

I'm Brown and My Sister Isn't, Robbie O'Shea. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Perfect for starting discussions with both young children who've been adopted across racial borders and their siblings, this book is a simple book told in the words of an adopted child. He discusses his various differences from his sister, who is also adopted. These range from their likes and dislikes to the fact that he tans in the sun while she burns.

Inside Transracial Adoption, Gail Steinberg, Beth Hall, 2000. Perspectives Press. "An informative, comprehensive introduction to the adoption of children by parents who do not share their racial identity. With their many years of practical experience in the area of transracial adoptions, Steinberg and Hall successfully collaborate to offer general and culturally specific suggestions and advice on issues related to racial identity, family connection, and child development within the context of race."(Midwest Book Review)

Insight Into Adoption, Barbara Taylor Blomquist, 2001. Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. There are fundamental differences between parenting adopted and biological children. "Insight Into Adoption" examines these by providing adoption basics, workable solutions, and counseling handouts. The goal of this book is to help adoptive parents understand some potentially challenging factors so they can deal with them positively. It emphasizes that you should not look for problems where none exist.

International Adoption: Sensitive Advice for Prospective Parents, Jean Knoll and Mary-Kate Murphy, 1994. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. An honest and encouraging guide on international adoption. Describes filling out forms, confronting racism and red tape, visiting a foreign country, and returning home with a baby.

Is Adoption for You: The Information You Need to Make the Right Choice, Christine A. Adamec, 1998. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY. Answers host of complex questions asked by potential parents. How to assess oneself, family, spouse, attorney, pediatrician and agencies. Practical and sensitive.

Launching a Baby's Adoption: Practical Strategies for Parents and Professionals, Patricia Irwin Johnston, 1997. Perspectives Press.

Let's Talk About It: Adoption, Fred Rogers, 1998. Paper Star. Children's book ages 4-8 with photographer Jim Judkis. The host of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" addresses the questions asked by adopted children.

Loved by Choice: True Stories That Celebrate Adoption, Susan E. Horner, Kelly Fordyce Martindale, 2002. Fleming H Revell Co. From Publishers Weekly: "Many books have been written specifically for Christian parents, and many others have been written about adoption. An anthology that brings those genres together is Loved by Choice: True Stories That Celebrate Adoption, edited by Susan Horner and Kelly Fordyce Martindale. Many distinct voices are contained in these pages not only adoptive parents, but also men and women who reflect on their own experiences of having been adopted, and parents who made the choice to have their babies raised by others. The families introduced here include biracial, multinational and non-traditional families; one chapter shares the adoption stories of four special-needs children. The writing is not spectacular, but that's hardly the point. Christians who have considered adoption will be inspired by these courageous tales of faith. (Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.)

Making Babies, Making Families: What Matters Most in an Age of Reproductive Technologies, Surrogacy, Adoption, and Same Sex and Unwed Parents, Mary Lyndon Shanley, 2002. Beacon Press. From Booklist: "Credit political science professor Shanley with a measured, nuanced contribution to the often polarized "family values" debate. Rejecting both tradition and individual choice as singular guiding principles, she insists "law and social policy [should] promote liberty and choice while at the same time advancing equality, recognizing and protecting family relationships, and providing care to those who need it." There are chapters on transracial and open adoptions."

Moving Heaven and Earth : A Personal Journey into International Adoption, Barbara U. Birdsey, 2000. The Francis Press. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Adopting from a foreign country can be a bewildering experience, as Barbara Birdsey, founder of an international adoption agency and mother of a Central American child, knows very well. In "Moving Heaven and Earth", she recalls, with wit and poignancy, her experiences in various countries, dealing with people both sincere and selfish. Through her own tale, she provides a comprehensive look at international adoption from various angles and offers help in navigating through this difficult process.

Our Adoption Journey. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. How can you make "the wait" pass more quickly? Where can you keep track of the myriad details involved in the adoption process? What can you do to create a personalized keepsake of this special time? OUR ADOPTION JOURNEY is a sixteen-month blank-page calendar containing candid shots of adopted children. Adoption-related stickers and plenty of room allow you to chart your progress and look back on your passage
to parenthood.

Raising Adopted Children: Practical Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent, Lois Ruskai Melina, 1998. Harper Perennial. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. "Raising Adopted Children" is a parents' guide to rearing children in an adoptive family. It covers circumstances important to all adoptive parents. Drawing from child development, psychology, sociology, medicine, and also the experiences of adoptive parents, it examines the child's physical, emotional and psychological development at every age. In addition, there are chapters on special topics such as the multiracial family, serious behavior problems and single parent adoption. This book should be on the reference shelf of every adoptive family.

Real For Sure Sister, Ann Angel. Perspectives Press, PO Box 90318, Indianapolis, lN 46290-0318. This chapter book for 7-11 year olds looks at adoption through the eyes of a nine year old adoptee awaiting the arrival of a sister after the adoption of two brothers.

Reflections of Love: An Adoptive Parent's Keepsake Journal, Hobby House Press (Editor), 2001. Hobby House Press. Thoughts and memories of our family are the cornerstone of who we are, what we aspire to become and what we hold true in our lives. One looks to scrapbooks and journals in order to relive these moments. Reflections of Love is a special journal tailored to suit the needs of parents who adopt children rather than giving birth, and yet allows them to express their hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations that are common to all parents.

Secret Thoughts of An Adoptive Mother, Jana Wolff, 1999. Vista Communications. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This great book reveals the hidden emotions that so many adoptive parents are afraid or embarrassed to share, believing they are alone in feeling this way—feelings of amusement and terror, surrealism and sarcasm, familiarity and alienation. This book discusses the author's fears, concerns, and questions about adoption. You won't be able to put it down until you've read it from cover to cover.

Successful Adoption, Jacqueline Hornor Plumez. Crown Publishers, Inc., 1 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016. A comprehensive analysis of adoption and adoption procedures. Includes methods for finding and adopting, guides for families after adoption, and state-by-state information, regional adoption centers and foreign adoption agencies. Also included is a section dealing with complete infertility treatment.

The Adoption Adviser, Joan McNamara, 1975. Hawthorn Books, New York, NY.

The Adoption Experience, Jerome Smith and Franklin I. Miroff, 1987. Madison Books, New York, NY.

The Adoption Option Complete Handbook, Christine Adamec, 1999. Prime Publishing. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Adopting a child can be a complicated, difficult process. But the end result makes it all worthwhile. This book gives you everything you need to know in order to adopt, including answers to the questions you might be afraid to ask. It offers specific information on fees and policies for over 300 agencies attorneys. There is a state-by-state list of adoption support groups and organizations containing complete contact information.

The Adoption Resource Book, Lois Gilman, 1992. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Covers the adoption procedure from learning about adoption through preparing for your child and raising an adopted child. Includes checklists and annotated bibliography.

The Adoption Sourcebook: A Complete Guide to the Complex Legal, Financial, and Emotional Maze of Adoption, Cheryl Jones and Bruce Rappaport, 1998. Lowell House Press. An informative read for anyone considering adoption, it includes detailed information and positive affirmations.

The Baby Boat: A Memoir of Adoption, Patty Dann, 1998. Hyperion Press. Written in journal format, it chronicles unsuccessful infertility treatments, decision to adopt, the long waiting and delay, heartbreak, and when they go to get their son.

The Complete Adoption Book: Everything You Need To Know To Adopt the Child You Want in Less Than 1 Year, Laura Beauvais-Godwin and Raymond Godwin, 2nd Edition, 2000. Adams Media Corporation. Available from Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Assistance for prospective parents through the entire adoption process, including all types of adoption (even a chapter on stepfamily adoption).

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Adoption, Christine A. Adamec, Chris Adamec, and William Pierce, 1998. MacMillan General Reference. This is a complete guide which teaches what to expect along the way--from deciding whether or not they are ready to adopt, to choosing an agency, to meeting with birthparents. The book also deals with international adoption and adoptions by non-traditional families.

The Encyclopedia of Adoption (The Facts on File Library of Health and Living Series), Christine Adamec, William L. Pierce, 2000. Facts on File, Inc.

The Essential Adoption Handbook, Colleen Alexander-Roberts, 1993. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. A guide to effectively and aggressively organizing the search for an adoptive child. Includes sample applications and home-study forms.

The Independent Adoption Manual: From Beginning to Baby, Laura Beauvais-Godwin, MPH and Raymond Godwin, Esq. This 395 page paperback dispels the myths and fantasies about independent adoption in a straightforward manner. Provides comprehensive information on the entire private adoption process.

The International Adoption Handbook: How To Make An Overseas Adoption Work For You, Myra Alperson, 1997. Henry Holt & Co., Inc., 115 W. 18th St., New York, NY 10011. Foreign adoption can seem complex, frustrating and endless. This step-by-step guide provides the necessary hard facts and information prospective parents need, as well as the advice of he experiences who have done it.

The Legal Adoption Guide: Safely Navigating The System, Colleen Alexander-Roberts, 1996. Taylor Publications. Available from Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Covers all the issues, laws, and procedures that prospective parents need to know about independent adoption, including such complicated issues as birthfathers' rights. Includes a rundown of laws for all 50 states.

The Mulberry Bird, Anne Braff Brodzinsky. Perspectives Press, PO Box 90318, Indianapolis, lN 46290-0318. The first children's book to look at adoption from the perspective of a birth mother considering an adoption plan for her much loved baby. An illustrated story for 5-10 year olds written by an adoptive parent and psychology researcher.

The Open Adoption Book: A Guide to Adoption Without Tears, Bruce M. Rappaport, Ph.D., 1992. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Tells you what to expect, both emotionally and procedurally, during the course of an open adoption. Takes you step-by-step through the process, interweaving personal stories and real-life experiences.

The Penguin Adoption Handbook: A Guide to Creating Your New Family, Edmund Blair Bolles, 1984. Penguin Books, New York, NY.

The Private Adoption Handbook, Stanley Michaelman and Meg Schneider, 1991. Dell, New York, NY.

The Story of David: How We Created a Family Through Open Adoption, Dion Howells with Karen Wilson Pritchard, 1997. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. The story of two families whose lives were permanently joined by open adoption--a personal account, a human drama, and a compelling argument for open adoption.

The Whole Life Adoption Book: Realistic Advice for Building a Healthy Adoptive Family, Jayne E. Schooler, 1993. Navpress. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Adoptive families face unique issues regarding attachment, adjustment and identity. Creating a nurturing family environment and being prepared for typical crisis points are critical to forging a healthy, lasting family relationship. "The Whole Life Adoption Book" provides encouragement and practical information to help families succeed in forming these relationships.

There Are Babies To Adopt, Christine A. Adamec, 1996. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. This book is filled with all of the information you need on agency or independent adoption, domestic or international, open or confidential, infant or older child, healthy or special needs. Includes extensive appendix of state-by-state list of agencies, lawyers, support groups and adoption laws.

There Are Babies To Adopt: A Resource Guide for Prospective Parents, Christine A. Adamec, 2002. Citadel Press. Completely updated with brand new material, such as a brand-new chapter on adoption and the Internet, There ARE Babies is a comprehensive how-to manual for marrieds or singles wishing to adopt infants. Includes the latest information on international adoption, private adoption, and agency adoption, this book is a must for anyone who seeks information on adopting. You'll gain invaluable advice for the low price of this book.

We Wanted You, Liz Rosenberg, 2002. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Told in the loving voices of a child's parents, "We Wanted You" is a picture book that relates the story of an adoption, from waiting to meet baby Enrique for the first time through the growth of a close-knit family. The lovely illustrations form a clever and dramatic counterpoint to the text. Starting when Enrique is a teenager, the story is presented as a series of family snapshots: the images run backwards in time, even as the story moves forward.

When Friends Ask About Adoption: Question and Answer Guide for Non-Adoptive Parents and Other Caring Adults, Linda Bothun, 1996. Available through Tapestry Books, (800) 765-2367. Friends and family often have questions about the adoption process, but they may be embarrassed or afraid to ask them. This is a question and answer guide for them.

With Courage and Love: A Birthmother's Journal, Janet Sieff. Centering Corp., 1531 N. Saddle Creek Rd., Omaha, NE 68104-5064, (402) 553-1200. This book lets a birthmother record feelings during pregnancy and after. There is space to write a poem and letter to the baby, a letter to the adoptive parents, listing personal goals for the future and pockets for photos and the ultrasound picture.

You're Our Child: A Social/Psychological Approach to Adoption, Jerome Smith and Franklin I. Miroff, 1981. Lanham, MD: University of America.