Adoption Books for Adults

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Adoption Books for Adults

Adoption Books for Adults


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BEFORE YOU ADOPT


The 125 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADOPTION (And the Answers)
by Paul Baldwin
Paperback
A primer that addresses all the legal--and emotional--aspects of adopting a child. In a direct Q&A style, Baldwin presents this extremely complicated subject in a fresh and accessible way. Covers all the legal and technical matters, complicated issues surrounding the search for a biological parent, and more.

ADOPT THE BABY YOU WANT
by Michael Sullivan, Susan Shultz
Availability: This item is out of print, but if you place an order we may be able to find you a used copy within 2-6 months.(Hardcover, 1990)

ADOPTING IN AMERICA: How to Adopt Within One Year 1996-1997
by Randall B. Hicks, Esq.
Written by an adoption attorney and host of the PBS series Adoption Forum, ADOPTING IN AMERICA. this book has a summary of adoption law, by state, including procedures, requirements, paperwork, licensed agencies, waiting periods, etc.

ADOPTION: A Legal Guide for Birth and Adoptive Parents
by Kelly Allen Sifferman
Contains basic information on adoption law one needs before adopting a child or making an adoption plan for your child.(Paper, 117 pgs, 1994)

THE ADOPTION READER: Birth Mothers, Adoptive Mothers, and Adopted Daughters Tell Their Stories
by Susan Wadia-Ells (Editor) (Paperback; 1995)
Adoption has always been a woman's issue. With eloquence and conviction, more than 30 diverse birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adoptees tell their adoption stories and explore what is a deeply emotional, sometimes controversial, and always compelling experience that affects millions of families and individuals. The author, Susan Wadia-Ells, adopt@sover.net, 11/18/96: The first feminist book on adoption & a literary anthology The Adoption Reader contains essays and stories by birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adopted daughters. These diverse stories of women's lives illustrate how women have moved through their adoption journeys in order to name and claim their whole lives. The thirty essays written by well known authors such as Louise Erdrich, Nancy Mairs, Shay Youngblood, and Florence Fisher, along with many less established writers, cover topics such as: open adoption; international adoption; lesbian families; single parent adoptions; bi-racial adoptees; reunions; open records;special needs children and foster parenting. This is a wonderful "gift book" for birth mothers, adoptees, adoptive families and for clinicians and administrators in the adoption field. The book has been favorably reviewed by major adoption organizations (AAC, Adoption, PACT, Roots & Wings, Chain of Life, etc) and by academic/women's studies journals alike. [Library Journal, The Women's Review of Books, etc]. The Women's Press just issued the British Editoin of the book in September, 1996. This has become the best-selling book at adoption conferences nation-wide and is being "adopted" by women's literature and family studies courses through-out the USA and Canada.

THE ADOPTION RESOURCE BOOK
by Lois Gilman
A consistent adoption bestseller since the publication of the first edition, The Adoption Resource Book contains all the information a couple or individual needs to investigate adoption alternatives and arrange for and complete a successful adoption. An essential guide for anyone considering adoption. (Paper, 421 pgs, 1992)

BEATING THE ADOPTION GAME
by Cynthia D. Martin, Ph.D.
Explains how to go about adopting a child and explains the different options for adoption. Provides many tips to prospective adoptive parents regarding agency adoptions and how to facilitate adoption in the most effective way. (Paper, 362 pgs, 1988)

(Paper, 362 pgs, 1988)

THE ESSENTIAL ADOPTION HANDBOOK
by Colleen Alexander-Roberts
Table of Contents
1. A Look at Adoption Today 2. Adoptive Parent Support Groups 3. Gathering Information to Adopt through an Agency 4. Understanding Agency Information and Requirements 5. Pursuing Agency Adoption 6. The Home Study Process 7. Intercountry Adoption 8. Single Parent Adoption 9. Independent Adoption 10. Surviving the Wait Afterword Bibliography Appendices Adoption Attorneys Adoption Book Publishers and Distributors Adoptive Parent Support Organizations General Adoption Resources Private Adoption Agencies Public Agencies (Paper, 256 pgs, 1993)

THE HANDBOOK FOR SINGLE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
ed. by Hope Marindin
THE HANDBOOK FOR SINGLE ADOPTIVE PARENTS provides much needed information of particular interest to single adopters. The book is divided into five sections: the mechanics of adoption, managing single parenthood, coping with challenges, adoption experiences, and the way professional social workers look at single person adoption. It is an indispensable guide for singles who are considering adoption or for those who have already adopted. (Paper, 88 pgs, 1992)

HOW TO ADOPT A CHILD: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Parents
by Connie Crain and Janice Duffy
Do you find yourself with more questions than answers regarding adoption procedures? Are you overwhelmed by adoption laws and less-than-hopeful statistics? Using an easy to understand question and answer format,... provides the information that you need. Comprehensive and well-researched, this book is an invaluable resource for prospective adoptive parents. (Paper, 290 pgs, 1994)

How to Adopt a Child Without a Lawyer for Less Than 50 Dollars
by Benji O. Anosike
Paperback

HOW TO ADOPT IN CALIFORNIA IN ONE YEAR
by Randall B. Hicks, Esq.
Step-by-step guide to the entire adoption process in California. This book contains the laws for California adoptions, including procedures, requirements, necessary paperwork, licensed agencies, waiting periods, etc.

Launching a Baby's Adoption
by Patricia Irwin Johnson
Hardcover, 256 pages
Launching A Baby's Adoption incorporates anecdotal material solicited from adoptive parents and professionals throughout North America. Launching a Baby's Adoption fills the need of single and coupled parents seeking to adopt for information that can assist them in practical ways to bring a baby into their families and into their lives. Launching A Baby's Adoption is a valuable addition to the parenting collections of community libraries and is "must" reading for anyone seeking adoption as a means to enhancing their family life.

LOVING JOURNEYS: Guide to Adoption
by Elaine L. Walker
A directory of agencies, attorneys, domestic and international adoption programs, and support groups. (Paper, 394 pgs, 1992)

THERE ARE BABIES TO ADOPT : A Resource Guide for Prospective Parents
by Christine Adamec
For the millions of couples who are unable to conceive a child but are unwilling to give up their dreams of parenthood, Adamec has written an indispensable, thoroughly researched guidebook that takes readers step-by-step through the adoption process and provides all the information needed to make empowered choices about lawyers, agencies, and more. The author, Adamec@aol.com, 06/08/96: The information and tips in Babies is practical and works. There ARE Babies to Adopt is a how-to book for people eager to become adoptive parents. Includes information on how the system works and practical advice for prospective parents. Adoptive parents have stated that this is the book that enabled them to succeed! Information on agencies, attorneys, and adoption in the U.S. and overseas. Also, birthmothers likely/NOT likely to change their minds about adoption; affording adoption and much more. No one can guarantee that you will adopt a child after reading this book--but many people have. There ARE Babies to Adopt gives you what you need to create your own gameplan to success. Paperback

TO LOVE A CHILD: A Complete Guide to Adoption, Foster Parenting, and Other Ways to Share Your Life With Children
by Marianne Takas, Edward Warner
This book examines the full range of alternatives to biological parenting available for those adults who want to share their lives with children. In addition to explaining various types of adoption, it also covers less familiar choices such as foster parenting, child and family mentoring, and kinship care... provides information on applications, resources, and costs to help you begin a life rich with children. (Paper, 225 pgs, 1992)

OUR CHILD: Preparation for Parenting in Adoption
by Carol A. Hallenbeck, B.S., R.N.
This is the instructor's manual of a four week course for expectant adoptive parents. It covers baby care (including the possibility of adoptive nursing), finding a doctor, dealing with family and friends, preparing siblings and many other topics of interest to new adoptive parents. Since, as pre-adoptive parents, you often don't know exactly when your child will join your family, it helps to have this book available just in case. (Paper, 232 pgs, 1988)

Specifically Independent Adoption

THE ESSENTIAL ADOPTION HANDBOOK
by Colleen Alexander-Roberts
How to be proactive in your search for a child to adopt and how to organize your search. Includes actual agency applications, home study reports, personal resumes and sample letters. (Paper, 256 pgs, 1993)

How to Adopt a Child Without a Lawyer for Less Than 50 Dollars
by Benji O. Anosike
Paperback

THE INDEPENDENT ADOPTION MANUAL: From Beginning to Baby
by Laura Beauvais-Godwin, M.P.H. and Raymond Godwin, Esq.
There are many myths and fantasies about independent adoption. Comprehensive information on the entire independent adoption process including a state-by-state guide of specific adoption laws. (Paper, 395 pgs, 1993)

THE PRIVATE ADOPTION HANDBOOK
by Stanley B. Michelman, Esq. and Meg Schneider with Antonia van der Meer
Information needed for those who want to adopt independently. It discusses the steps involved in proceeding with a private adoption, from how to choose a lawyer through bringing the baby home. It gives many specific examples of newspaper ads, parent resumes and cover letters. If you are considering private adoption, read this book. (Paper, 220 pgs, 1988)

Specifically International Adoption


ADOPT INTERNATIONAL:
Everything You Need to Know to Adopt a Child from Abroad

by O. Robin Sweet, Patty Bryan; Paperback
In recent years, the number of adopted children from abroad has grown dramatically in United States. As open adoption laws and increased competition for adoptable children have made adoption more complicated in this country, international adoptions offer an easier, faster, and less expensive alternative. A comprehensive guide, Adopt International 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. The book walks you through the myriad government regulations and complicated forms (both American and foreign) as well as the financial issues involved. Finally, it includes the stories of people who have successfully adopted one or more children from across the world. Table of Contents Preface Introduction 1. Is International Adoption for You? 2. Where to Start 3. The Home Study 4. Clearing the Ins-Advance Processing 5. Getting Your Dossier Ready 6. The Referral 7. Traveling to Adopt 8. The Adoption 9. Coming Home 10. We've Done It! Appendices

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FOREIGN ADOPTION:
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your New Child

Barbara B. Bascom, Carole A. McKelvey; (Paperback, 1997)
Two of the top experts in the field present the first how-to guide for the millions of people considering foreign adoption. This is a must-have book for those adopting internationally.

HOW TO ADOPT A CHILD FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY
by Eileen M. Wirth, Joan Worden; Paperback
A book of hope for prospective adoptive parents written by two women who have adopted internationally and want to help others do the same. Includes an introduction to foreign adoption, the differences between foreign and domestic adoption, tips for exploring adoption prospects, creative ways to finance the venture, issues involved in raising the child, a listing of foreign adoption agencies, and more.

HOW TO ADOPT FROM LATIN AMERICA (How to Adopt Series, #1)
Jean Nelson-Erichsen, Heino R. Erichsen; Paperback

HOW TO ADOPT INTERNATIONALLY
by Jean Nelson-Erichsen, M.A. and Heino R. Erichsen, M.A.
This comprehensive manual expands and updates previous editions. It provides the latest information, including names, addresses and telephone numbers, for global child-placing countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. It also contains descriptions and examples of adoption laws, procedures and forms. (Paper, 197 pgs 1993)

THE INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION HANDBOOK : How to Make an Overseas Adoption Work for You
by Myra Alperson; Paperback, 1997
The process of foreign adoption can seem complex, frustrating, and endless. This step-by-step guide provides the necessary hard facts and information adoptive parents need, as well as support through the experiences of others who have adopted foreign children.

TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION: Children and Parents Speak
by Constance Pohl and Kathy Harris, M.S.W.
Explores the issues related to interracial and international adoptions, using interviews with black, biracial, Asian, and Hispanic young people who were adopted into white or biracial families. (Hardcover, 142 pgs, 1992)

DOUNIA
by Natacha Karvoskaia, Zidrou (Hardcover, 1995)
A beautifully illustrated story concerning intercultural, interracial adoption. In a quiet, but at the same time powerful way, readers experience the excitement and anxiety that Dounia feels upon being welcomed into her new family.

OUR CHILDREN FROM LATIN AMERICA:
by Laurel Strassberger
This is a warm and engaging book for those people who are considering adopting or have adopted from Latin America. It is the fascinating account of the author's personal experiences with adoption. In addition to her own story, the book covers topics such as the health of Latin American children, emphasizing your child's cultural heritage and what to tell a child about adoption. (Paper, 144 pgs, 1992)

A WORLD OF LOVE
by Maggie Francis Conroy (Hardcover, 230 pages, 1997)
Maggie Conroy's inspiring and unforgettable story recounts the trials and tribulations which beset the Conroy family when they decide to adopt a child from the former Soviet Union. Internet promo.

"ARE THOSE KIDS YOURS?" American Families with Children Adopted from Other Countries
by Cheri Register, Ph.D.
Cherie Register drawns on her experience as the mother of two Korean-born daughters and interviews with adoptive families to illustated the special challenges multicultural families face. (Hardcover, 240 pgs, 1991)

ORIENTAL CHILDREN IN AMERICAN HOMES: How Do They Adjust?
by Frances M. Koh
This book covers physical and emotional adjustments, Asian customs, family dynamics, social structure, child rearing methods, and more. This information packed book is an indispensable guide for anyone who has adopted, or is considering adopting, an Asian child. (Paper, 132 p, 1988)

BUTTERFLIES IN THE WIND: Spanish/Indian Children with White Parents
by Jean Nelson-Erichsen, M.A. and Heino R. Erichsen, M.A.
Almost twenty years ago, the Erichsons adopted Tatiana and Rosana from Colombia. Life was not always easy as everyone adapted to being an interracial family in a white society. Issues of racial identity, which can seem so unimportant in young children, become more relevant as those same children start growing up and dating. BUTTERFLIES IN THE WIND is one family's story of the joys and struggles of international adoption. (Paper, 358 pgs, 1992)

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION: Sensitive Advice for Prospective Parents
by Jean Knoll and Mary-Kate Murphy
The difficult times, promising moments, and eventual joy of INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION are all accounted for in this honest and encouraging guide. Excerpts from an inspiring journal show a real mother-to-be filling out forms, confronting racism and red tape, visiting a foreign country, and returning home with a beautiful baby girl. Additional chapters discuss the initial decision, finding an agency, signs of fraud, and much more. (Paper, 198 pgs, 1994)

GIFT CHILDREN: A Story of Race, Family, and Adoption in a Divided America
by J. Douglas Bates
This books describes the joys, problems and pain of one interracial family. The author, who is Caucasian, has two biological sons and two adopted, African-American daughters. The book describes their family life as the children grow from youth to adolescence and adulthood. (Hardcover, 1993, 270 pgs)

ADOPTED FROM ASIA: How It Feels to Grow Up In America
by Frances M. Koh
Eleven teenagers and young adults share with us their experiences of being adopted from Korea and growing up in America. The range of topics includes racial prejudice, friends and dates, racial/ethnic identity, self-identity/self-esteem, the relationship with their adoptive parents, and concerns about birthparents. The stories in ADOPTED FROM ASIA are moving and insightful accounts of the issues facing Korean born adoptees, especially during adolescence. This book is appropriate for teens as well as adults. (Hardcover, 1993, 96 pgs)

Specifically Birthparent/Before making an adoption plan


ADOPTION: A Legal Guide for Birth and Adoptive Parents
by Kelly Allen Sifferman
Contains basic information on adoption law one needs before adopting a child or making an adoption plan for your child.(Paper, 117 pgs, 1994)

THE ADOPTION READER: Birth Mothers, Adoptive Mothers, and Adopted Daughters Tell Their Stories
by Susan Wadia-Ells (Editor) (Paperback; 1995)
Adoption has always been a woman's issue. With eloquence and conviction, more than 30 diverse birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adoptees tell their adoption stories and explore what is a deeply emotional, sometimes controversial, and always compelling experience that affects millions of families and individuals. The author, Susan Wadia-Ells, adopt@sover.net, 11/18/96: The first feminist book on adoption & a literary anthology The Adoption Reader contains essays and stories by birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adopted daughters. These diverse stories of women's lives illustrate how women have moved through their adoption journeys in order to name and claim their whole lives. The thirty essays written by well known authors such as Louise Erdrich, Nancy Mairs, Shay Youngblood, and Florence Fisher, along with many less established writers, cover topics such as: open adoption; international adoption; lesbian families; single parent adoptions; bi-racial adoptees; reunions; open records;special needs children and foster parenting. This is a wonderful "gift book" for birth mothers, adoptees, adoptive families and for clinicians and administrators in the adoption field. The book has been favorably reviewed by major adoption organizations (AAC, Adoption, PACT, Roots & Wings, Chain of Life, etc) and by academic/women's studies journals alike. [Library Journal, The Women's Review of Books, etc]. The Women's Press just issued the British Editoin of the book in September, 1996. This has become the best-selling book at adoption conferences nation-wide and is being "adopted" by women's literature and family studies courses through-out the USA and Canada.

Stepparent Adoptions


How to Adopt a Child Without a Lawyer for Less Than 50 Dollars Benji O. Anosike; Paperback

How to Adopt Your Stepchild in California by Frank Zagone, Mary Randolph; Paperback
For many stepparents, adoption is a way to guarantee their family a solid footing. It's also a good way to avoid confusion over inheritance or guardianship. This book provides all the forms and step-by-step instructions necessary to complete an uncontested stepparent adoption.

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Specifically Open Adoption

ADOPTION: A Handful of Hope
by Suzanne Arms
In a series of case studies _ closely observed, personal and moving _ we learn what adoption means to children, to adoptive parents, and especially to the women making an adoption plan for their babies. ADOPTION: A HANDFUL OF HOPE gets to the heart of what adoption is really like and shows how the whole process can be improved. This book describes how open adoption has affected the lives of many families as their children have grown. (Paper, 436 pgs, 1990)

THE OPEN ADOPTION EXPERIENCE
by Lois Ruskai Melina and Sharon Kaplan Roszia
Two leading experts provide an authoritative and reassuring guide to the issues and concerns of adoptive and birth families through all stages of the open adoption relationship. It covers the steps from initial preparation, to placement and the first year, through the challenges of adolescence. The OPEN ADOPTION EXPERIENCE is a timely and authoritative book that helps all involved in an adoption to understand and nurture their relationship as it grows and changes. (Paper, 389 pgs, 1993)

DEAR BIRTHMOTHER, Thank You for Our Baby
by Kathleen Silber, M.S.W. and Phylis Speedlin, Esq.
DEAR BIRTHMOTHER is the classic book on open adoption. It contains actual letters written between adoptive families, both children and adults, and birthparents. In a caring and compassionate manner, it makes the case for openness in adoption. The book provides specific and practical suggestions. It will cause you to consider carefully the issue of open adoption. You'll need two copies _ one for yourself and one to give to your child's birthmother. (Paper, 194 pgs, 1991)

CHILDREN OF OPEN ADOPTION
by Kathleen Silber, M.S.W. and Patricia Martinez Dorner, M.A., L.P.C.
This sequel to DEAR BIRTHMOTHER examines the effects of open adoption on the adopted child at each stage of development: infancy, preschool, school age and the teenage years. As with the previous book, the text is filled with excerpts from actual letters between members of the adoption triangle _ birthparents, adopted children and adoptive parents. CHILDREN OF OPEN ADOPTION has become another classic.. (Paper, 193 pgs, 1989)

ADOPTION WITHOUT FEAR
ed. by James L. Gritter, M.S.W.
In ADOPTION WITHOUT FEAR, seventeen couples give the stories of their experiences with open adoption. The reader shares in their joy and pain as they travel the road to adoption. They describe the bittersweet feelings as they add a child to their family while watching the birthparents say good-bye. Through these first person narratives, you come to understand what the term "open adoption" really means. (Paper, 176 pgs, 1989)

ADOPTION TRIANGLE
by Arthur Sorosky, M.D., Annette Baran, M.S.W. and Reuben Pannor, M.S.W.
This classic in the field offers a bright glimpse into the future and while overthrowing the old myths about adoption. The Los Angeles Times refers to it as "comprehensive, factual, forward looking, totally honest, readable and thoughtful." THE ADOPTION TRIANGLE is a well rounded book that leads to an understanding of adoption as a lifelong process for adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. (Paper, 237 pgs, 1984)

OPEN ADOPTION: A Caring Option
by Jeanne Warren Lindsay, M.A., C.H.E.
This book presents the concept of open adoption from a highly positive viewpoint. Its definition of open adoption strongly emphasizes the need for counseling, both for the birthparents and the adoptive parents. Using personal narratives, the book thoroughly explains the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to adoption. Specific agency examples are given to illustrate the process. OPEN ADOPTION: A CARING OPTION is an advocacy book for adoption reform. (Paper, 256 pgs, 1987)


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ISSUES FOR ADOPTEES

Adoption : The Facts, Feelings, and Issues of a Double Heritage
by Jeanne Duprau (Paper,1990)
Discusses the legal and emotional aspects of the adoption process and examines the current movement for giving the adoptee free access to the records concerning his or her origin. Lists sources to consult if searching for ones's birth parents.

THE ADOPTION LIFE CYCLE: The Children and Their Families Through the Years
by Elinor B. Rosenberg, M.D.
Adoption is currently the subject of much intense controversy. Some groups propose the abolition of adoption altogether, while others suggest major changes in the social and legal systems. THE ADOPTION LIFE CYCLE examines the impact of adoption on all members of the triad _ adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents _ throughout their lives. It is an excellent resource. (Hardcover, 209 pgs, 1992)

THE ADOPTION READER: Birth Mothers, Adoptive Mothers, and Adopted Daughters Tell Their Stories
by Susan Wadia-Ells (Editor) (Paperback; 1995)
Adoption has always been a woman's issue. With eloquence and conviction, more than 30 diverse birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adoptees tell their adoption stories and explore what is a deeply emotional, sometimes controversial, and always compelling experience that affects millions of families and individuals. The author, Susan Wadia-Ells, adopt@sover.net, 11/18/96: The first feminist book on adoption & a literary anthology The Adoption Reader contains essays and stories by birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adopted daughters. These diverse stories of women's lives illustrate how women have moved through their adoption journeys in order to name and claim their whole lives. The thirty essays written by well known authors such as Louise Erdrich, Nancy Mairs, Shay Youngblood, and Florence Fisher, along with many less established writers, cover topics such as: open adoption; international adoption; lesbian families; single parent adoptions; bi-racial adoptees; reunions; open records;special needs children and foster parenting. This is a wonderful "gift book" for birth mothers, adoptees, adoptive families and for clinicians and administrators in the adoption field. The book has been favorably reviewed by major adoption organizations (AAC, Adoption, PACT, Roots & Wings, Chain of Life, etc) and by academic/women's studies journals alike. [Library Journal, The Women's Review of Books, etc]. The Women's Press just issued the British Editoin of the book in September, 1996. This has become the best-selling book at adoption conferences nation-wide and is being "adopted" by women's literature and family studies courses through-out the USA and Canada.

Adoption Reunions : A Book for Adoptees, Birth Parents and Adoptive Families
by Michelle McColm ( Paperback, 1993)
The author, Zoë Kessler (formerly Michelle McColm), zoek@istar.ca, 02/14/97: My readers say it best! Writing Adoption Reunions was one of the most difficult, but also one of the most rewarding tasks I've undertaken. I'm delighted with the overwhelming response from its readers. Here is what adoptees, birth mothers and professionals around the world have to say: from Adoptees: "For 14 years I've been in complete turmoil and overwhelmed with adoption guilt and shame. Only after reading your book have I really felt such tremendous relief in knowing others feel exactly as I do. I took the first deep breath in years and it feels wonderful!...thank you a million times over for your insight!" Adoption Reunions is the most comprehensive book about reunions so far..." - Nancy Verrier, MFCC, adoptive mother, author of The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adoptive Child, California, U.S.A.

Adoption Wisdom : A Guide to the Issues and Feelings of Adoption
by Marlou Russell Paperback, 1996
jcraia@aol.com, 03/15/97, rating=10: An excellent, honest view of the realities of adoption. Adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents voice their experiences of adoption with honest, direct commentary from the author. A well-balanced book. A must read for those involved in adoption and anyone considering adoption.

BEING ADOPTED: The Lifelong Search for Self
by David Brodzinsky, Ph.D., Marshall Schechter, M.D. and Robin Henig
BEING ADOPTED: THE LIFELONG SEARCH FOR SELF illustrates the adoptees' common developmental pathways as they occur throughout the life span. It probes the complex issues that are involved in this ongoing life process. Five themes run throughout this book: the experience of adoptees, developmental perspectives, normality, search for self and sense of loss. (Paper, 213 pgs, 1992)

Birthbond : Reunions Between Birthparents and Adoptees - What Happens After...
by Judith S. Gediman (Paperback, 1991)

Birthright : The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive Parents
by Jean A. S. Strauss (Paperback, 1994)
In 1983, the author--herself an adoptee--began her search for her birth mother. In this inspiring new handbook, she shares her experiences and helps searchers map out their own step-by-step journeys that will help empower and support them throughout this trying and significant time.

JOURNEY OF THE ADOPTED SELF: A Quest for Wholeness
by Betty Jean Lifton, Ph.D.
In attempting to discover who they are and where they come from, adoptees face a lifelong search for truth. This book explores the inner psychological world of adopted people and shows that their search for biological and historical roots can be a journey toward wholeness. JOURNEY OF THE ADOPTED SELF draws on a study of adult adoptees as well as the author's personal experiences to illuminate how adoptees form a sense of self. (Paper, 328 pgs, 1994)

OUTER SEARCH/INNER JOURNEY
by Peter Dodds
The search for roots and the parallel inner journey for healing. Adoptees who read the book will know they aren't alone in wondering where they come from and have feelings validated about the need to search for biological parents. Birth mothers will learn how a child surrendered for adoption thought and felt about the woman who brought him in to the world. Parents who adopt can gain insight on how to effectively deal with their child's trauma stemming from adoption. For the general or non-adoptee reader--Outer Search\Inner Journeyis every persons search for belonging. Any one who has suffered the grief of losing a loved one will relate to the author losing both his birth mother and father. Those who have felt lonely, isolated and abandoned will identify with the story. But the book's most valuable benefit it that it offers a message of hope to everyone who has suffered the pains of loss and separation

The Primal Wound : Understanding the Adopted Child
by Nancy Verrier ( Paperback, 1993)

David Hill [born Aikin-Sneath] (hilld@usa.net), 05/30/97, rating=10: Essential for anyone involved with adoption This book is the bible of Adoption Books. I reccommend it for adoptees, adoptive parents and birthparents. Dealing with adoption without having read this book is like jumping out of a aircraft without a parachute.

Redwood399@aol.com, 08/27/96, rating=10: A sterling book about the impact of the adoption experience. As an adoptee, The Primal Wound validates and normalizes feelings I have had all my life. It should be read by all adoptive and birth parents to give them insight into their children's feelings and behavior. As a professional dealing with PTSD issues, this book is a must. If you read only one book about adoption, this is the one to read.Marianne Dickerman Caldwell, author of GONE WITHOUT A TRACE, (1995).

SECOND CHOICE: Growing Up Adopted
by Robert Andersen, M.D.
In this unique book, a psychiatrist looks back at his own black-market adoption. He combines an autobiographical description of growing up adopted with a professional analysis of the impact of adoption on his life. This book raises interesting questions about the effects of adoption on an adoptee's life. (Paper, 164 pgs, 1993)


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FOR PROFESSIONALS (AND PARENTS TOO)

A CHILD'S JOURNEY THROUGH PLACEMENT
by Vera I. Fahlberg, M.D.
For some children, being in placement is only a brief stop on the way to being reunited with their parents or placed with an adoptive family. Others may wander in and out of care throughout their childhood. A CHILD'S JOURNEY THROUGH PLACEMENT provides the tools to help both professionals and parents support these children on their way to adulthood. (Paper, 432 pgs, 1991)

TEACH AND REACH: Students with Attention Deficit Disorders
by Nancy L. Eisenberg, M.S.W. and Pamela H. Esser, M.S.
Written for both parents and educators of ADD students, this easy to use, comprehensive reference covers all aspects of students' functioning (academic, social, emotional, and behavioral) in the classroom. It provides detailed innovative and effective teaching techniques and academic modification procedures. It includes strategies for doing homework, building self-esteem, stimulating motivation, and increasing organizational skills. TEACH AND REACH is an excellent book for you to donate to the teachers' professional library in your child's school as well as to keep for yourself. (Spiral bound, 200 pgs, 1994)

GROWING UP ADOPTED: A Portrait of Adolescents and Their Families
by P.L. Benson, Ph.D., A.R. Sharma, Ph.D., L.P, and E.C. Roehlkepartain
GROWING UP ADOPTED presents the eagerly awaited results of a groundbreaking study designed to examine the mental health and service needs of adolescents who were adopted as infants. The book examines issues such as identity, self-esteem, attachment, and family dynamics. The strong conclusion presented is that most adopted children do just as well as their nonadopted counterparts. (Paper, 128 pgs, 1994)

ADOPTION AND THE FAMILY SYSTEM: Strategies for Treatment
by Miriam Reitz, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., and Kenneth W. Watson, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Adoption is a profound experience that touches upon universal themes of abandonment, identity, sexuality, parenthood, and the sense of belonging. This book utilizes family systems theory to construct a practical treatment approach for working with families on the myriad issues and interrelationships that surround adoption. ADOPTION AND THE FAMILY SYSTEM offers practical guidance for implementing differential treatment and effective clinical procedures for all members of the adoption triangle. (Hardcover, 340 pgs, 1992)

KINSHIP WITH STRANGERS: Adoption and Interpretations of Kinship in American Culture
by Judith S. Modell
Adoption challenges our understanding of the core symbols of kinship in American culture: birth, biology, and blood. KINSHIP WITH STRANGERS examines these symbols and the way that they affect people who experience adoption. The findings reported here are timely and extremely moving _ they contribute valuable insights to the current debates about secrecy and decision making power in adoption. (Hardcover, 280 pgs, 1994)

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ADOPTION
by Christine Adamec and William L. Pierce, Ph.D.

RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT: A Tapestry of Many Therapies
by Vera I Fahlberg, M.D.

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