Tracing a family tree, sharing a baby picture at show-and-tell. These are common challenges for the adopted child at school, and such simple assignments can stir emotions for a child who has more questions than answers about her birth.
“Can You Suggest Kids’ Adoption Books for Single Parents?”
Books can help our children make sense of their own stories. They may have questions about things they don’t feel like talking about: being adopted, being raised by a single parent, being raised by gay or lesbian parents.
[Book Review] Megan’s Birthday Tree
When Megan was born, her birth mother, Kendra, planted a tree in her backyard. Every year on Megan’s birthday, Kendra decorates the tree and sends photos of it to Megan, in honor of their special bond.
Ask AF: Books for Understanding the Birth Mothers’ Perspective
Do you know of any books, like I Wish for You a Beautiful Life: Letters from the Korean Birth Mothers of Ae Ran Won to Their Children, written for kids adopted from China?
[Book Review] The Mothers
I heard an interview with Jennifer Gilmore on Fresh Air and I thought she made the process sound miserable—a ridiculously long wait with one scam after another
[Book Review] ABC, Adoption and Me
Although the “ABC” concept makes it seem that this would be a book for younger kids, this collaboration between an adoptive mother and her daughter tackles weighty topics.
[Book Review] Born From the Heart
Reactions to Born from the Heart have been mixed.
[Book Review] Can I Tell You About Adoption?
The narrator, Chelsea, adopted from foster care, explains what adoption means and how it feels to be adopted.
[Book Review] I Am Latino: The Beauty in Me
The team that brought us Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children created another wonderful book with simple text and full-color photos.
[Book Review] Adopted Like Me
Let your child know that, through adoption, he or she joins the likes of George Washington Carver, Marilyn Monroe, John James Audubon, Aristotle, and others.
[Book Review] If It’s Not One Thing It’s Your Mother
You would expect a memoir of motherhood and adoption by a comedian and former SNL cast member to be funny.
Letters to the Editor, RE: Winter 2016
Openness Through Adoptees’ Eyes I cannot explain how much “Adoptees on Open Adoption: ‘I Have All My Pieces’” helped me. I placed my daughter for adoption a little over a month ago and a lot of things have been going through my mind. Will she want to talk to me, will she understand, is this…
A Nation’s Buried Pain
Kay Ann Johnson spent more than 20 years listening to the anguished accounts of Chinese people who relinquished, adopted, and hid out-of-plan or over quota children in the face of the country’s One-Child Policy. In China’s Hidden Children, she shares their stories.
[BOOK EXCERPT] Attaching Through Love, Hugs, and Play
Using fun and games to connect with your child can reduce stress for both of you and lead to a secure, enjoyable relationship. A leading attachment therapist explains playful yet powerful ways to build lasting bonds.
Best Apps for Adoptive Parents
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 expert- and reader-recommended apps for prospective parents and new families.
News Briefs: Intercountry Adoption Updates, Spring 2016
Intercountry adoption laws are always changing. Learn about the changes from the first quarter of 2016 here.
News Briefs: State Adoption Law Updates, Spring 2016
Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, and Iowa all made or are considering changes to their state adoption laws in the beginning of 2016. Read on to learn more.
News Brief: For Some Parents, International Adoption Decision Reflects Racial Bias
A new study by the University of Vermont concluded that race plays a role for some parents who adopt internationally rather than domestically. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 41 mostly white parents who had, collectively, adopted 33 children of various ethnic and racial backgrounds from 10 different countries, as well as the United States.
News Brief: Bill Proposes More Leave for Adoptive Parents in the Military
Representative Tammy Duckworth introduced the Military Leave Modernization Act, which would guarantee 12 weeks of leave for all military parents.
News Brief: U.S. Supreme Court Reverses Alabama’s Refusal to Recognize Same-Sex Adoption
The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that denied the parental rights of a partner in a former same-sex couple.