Post-Adoption Book List

The following books can provide new and experienced parents with valuable information and tools.  

Does Anybody Else Look Like Me?: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Multicultural Children by Donna Jackson Nakazawa (2003) The author draws on research and information in help raising multi-culturally children and being part of a multi-cultural family.  I especially appreciate the realistic suggestions provided.  Ms. Nakazawa provides tools for parents to help children prepare challenges of being multi-cultural or coming from a multi-cultural family.  This is not a book specifically about adoptive families or children.  

Raising Adopted Children: Practical, Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent by Lois Melina (1998) Thought to be a primer in adoption.  Covers many issues in adoption, including: transition and adjustment, bonding and attachment. talking about adoption, risk issues, open adoption, ethnic and cultural identity and disabilities. This is an easy to read, straight forward, informative book.  

Toddler Adoption: The Weaver’s Craft by Mary Hopkins-Best (1997) This book discusses the precious gifts and consuming frustrations of parenting toddlers.  After reading Toddler Adoption, you will feel more prepared and have a resource in which to turn.  

When Friends Ask about Adoption: Questions and Answer Guide for Non-adoptive Parents and Other Caring Adults by Linda Bothum (1996) This book is a quick read organized in a question and answer format.  It gives helpful ideas when those not knowledgeable about adoption ask questions,  

Multiracial Child Resource Book: Living Complex Identities by Maria P. P. Root and Matt Kelley (2003) This book is available through Mavin Foundation.  The glossary is very valuable in the terms it clarifies.  The Resource Book covers; basic multi-racial issues: identity and development, specific multi-racial heritages, and resources.  

A Mind At A Time by Mel Levine, MD (2002)   Dr. Levine, a nationally recognized learning expert, author and speaker, reviews the variety of potential learning styles that our children possess.  Dr. Levine reviews the systems;  memory, language, motor, social thinking and more.  He makes the case for appreciating, celebrating and managing learning differences.   A great resource to reduce parent guilt when it comes to your child's education.

The Post Adoption Blues: Overcoming the Unforeseen Challenges of Adoption  Karen Foli, Ph.D. and John Thompson, MD (2004) This The authors explore the too rarely discussed topic of expectations in adoption.  Expectations are not always met and the resulting sadness, frustration and at times depression, can catch us completely off-guard, especially when we’ve worked so hard to become a parent.  Read this book to help reduce your feelings of isolation and guilt.