Whether you are exploring the possibility of adoption, in the process, or raising an adopted child, you really need resources.  One of the most complicated aspects of adoptive parenting is that despite it’s widespread acceptance and support, it is still a bit outside of the norm.  Even if you are in a very supportive family or community, it is unusual that you will be surrounded by friends who are going through similar adoption issues.  The topics at your playgroup will always center around birth and biological children.  There is nothing wrong with that per se, but it does mean that you will need to arm yourself with resources and some friends who can encourage you.  Adoption is a beautifully unique situation and there are a lot of great books out there that can inspire and educate your family and friends.  Here are a few that I regularly recommend at adoption seminars and to friends looking into adoption.  Please feel free to recommend any you think I have missed.

Books for toddlers & preschoolers

     

Great colorful and bold book for little kids, my kids call this the “funny face” book.

Story about an Asian orphanage adoption, but perfect for kids from any country.  It does a great job of explaining the emotions of the process for the child and parents, and opens up a lot of dialogue.

 Our son’s favorite.  Great explanation for the child on what Mom and Dad did to get ready and what the process was like.  It’s akin to explaining to a bio child what heading to the hospital for labor was like. 

Books on the Process & Parenting

Excellent resource for attaching and what to expect.  It is NOT, however, a good read for those just starting out.  It’s really technical, and can feel overwhelming, but it’s a must read once you commit to the process.

          Quick read that is a good resource to give to family and friends.  We bought one for each set of grandparents.  It can really help them understand the process, what to expect, and what NOT to say.

Good for those adopting a toddler. It gives practical transition tips, and aids in understanding how adoption impacts child development at this age. 

As a white female, it can be difficult for me to understand what my child will experience as a minority in the USA.  I am continually going back to this book for help in understanding life from his perspective.  If you think racism is dead, adopt a child with a different skin color and watch what happens.

Great for parents of Latino Children!

Adoption Memoirs & Stories:  Both of these books are great for anyone who loves to read, adoptive parent or not.  I am an incredibly harsh literature critic, and both of these are very well written. They are intense and moving, but have great endings.  Each is a true story, and transports the reader inside the HIV/AIDS crisis that is ravaging the developing world.

Amazing story of a couple who adopted a child against impossible odds in Zimbabwe.  It helps the reader to understand the corrupt nature of some legislators that can lead to orphaned children.

Whenever I catch myself falling into the materialistic trap of America, I think of the stories in this book.  If you can read this book and continue to do nothing about the HIV/AIDS crisis, poverty, or orphaned children, I will be shocked.  As a bonus, this is a very well-written book with an excellent narrative and classic Melissa Fay Green’s journalistic perspective.  Many of the families profiled in this book I have met online through our agency, it is a rough read, but an amazing ending.