For Adoptive Parents - Recommended Readings

Books

Loved by Choice: True Stories That Celebrate Adoption
Susan E. Horner, Kelly Fordyce Martindale, eds.

A collection of short true stories about the adoption experience told from a variety of perspectives, including adoptive parents, birth mothers, adopted children, and siblings of adopted children. Independent, international, special needs, and foster-adopt experiences are all included. Told from a Christian perspective, the stories offer a hopeful perspective on some very difficult situations.

Somebody's Child: Stories from the Private Files of an Adoption Attorney
Randi Barrow

Written by a California adoption attorney, the book shares remarkable true cases that highlight what's right and what's wrong with current adoption law. At the end of each story, the author gives a brief explanation of applicable law and offers her opinion on how it should be changed. While some of the opinions expressed are debatable, the book is both fascinating and informing.

Adopting in California: How to Adopt Within One Year
Randall Hicks

A very easy to read primer on California adoption law, the book covers the various types of adoption available in California and gives good pointers on everything from choosing an attorney or agency to writing a letter of introduction for birth parents.

Saying Goodbye to a Baby: Birthparents Guide to Loss and Grief in Adoption
Patricia Roles