From adoption tips to parenting advice to memoirs and children’s stories, you’ll find plenty of adoption-related reading material out there. But how do you know which books to choose for you and your child? Here are some top picks you’re sure to enjoy.
For Parents:
1. The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption by Lori Holden
Most adoptions today have some degree of openness, which means ongoing contact between adoptive families and birth families. But how should an open adoption be approached? The author discusses the challenges of open adoptions and provides insight on how to handle them. You’ll read real-life experiences and stories from adoptive families and learn tips on how to make your open adoption healthy and successful for everyone involved.
2. The Eye of Adoption by Jody Cantrell Dyer
If you’re looking for a candid, honest adoption story with a touch of humor, you’ll love this book. The author shares her experiences with infertility and adoption in a way that will make you feel like you’re listening to a good friend. I especially enjoyed her letters to her future child and interview with a birth mother. A must-read for anyone considering adoption!
3. The Connected Child by Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross and Wendy Lyons Sunshine
Written by two research psychologists who specialize in adoption and attachment, this book discusses how to create bonds, develop trust, deal with challenging behaviors, and discipline with love. Recommended for parents of older children adopted internationally or from foster care.
4. Attaching in Adoption by Deborah D. Gray
You’ll find thoughtful information on what attachment is and how grief and trauma affect a child, as well as tips to improve attachment and create trust. In addition, you’ll learn more about such challenges as fetal alcohol syndrome and learning disabilities. The book also features various parenting techniques for different stages and situations and handy checklists to monitor your child’s progress.
5. But the Greatest of These Is Love by Debbie Barrow Michael
What I loved most about this book was the journey of faith the author experienced. She didn’t start out planning to adopt a child from Russia. However, little coincidences and nudgings from God convinced her she was meant to do so. This is a beautiful, inspiring read for anyone interested in international adoption, as well as those who believe a greater force is at work in our lives.
For Kids:
6. Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
My daughter loved this book! It’s a sweet story where the main character, a young adoptee, asks her parents to share various aspects of her adoption story. It’s a great way to encourage your child to ask questions about their own adoption story.
7. The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler
Meeting your child for the first time is a moment adoptive parents will cherish always. This story shares the love and excitement in preparing to bring home your child. Kids will learn how much their parents longed for them and how much love they felt when they became a forever family.
8. ABC, Adoption & Me by Gayle H. Swift
A fun and unique addition to any home library, ABC, Adoption & Me, tackles the complex and often hard-to-talk-about aspects of adoption in a simple way. It encourages kids to discuss and explore such topics as interracial adoption, mixed feelings about being adopted, biological roots, open adoption, and fears about rejection and abandonment. This book was named a favorite read of 2013 by Adoptive Families magazine and is recommended for children who are from 4-10 years old.
9. I Wished for You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond
Winner of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award, this book features a mama bear and the cub she adopted. Her son asks many questions about adoption, and she lovingly answers each one. The story contains religious content and offers a sweet, gentle approach to common adoption questions.
10. A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
A twist on the classic book, Are You My Mother?, this story features, Choco, a little bird who is all alone and wishes for a mother. Mrs. Bear brings him home and cares for him, teaching that families come in all shapes and sizes, and you don’t have to look alike to love each other.
11. I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb
Written by Today show co-anchor, Hoda Kotb, this No. 1 New York Times bestseller celebrates the love felt between a child and parent. Its lyrical style and touching words may just trigger a tear or two.
Visit AdoptionGifts.com for more adoption books for you and your family to read and enjoy.
