Parenting Books

Editor's Picks

In addition to books about general parenting, our adoptive families rely on information that deals with the circumstances of our children’s adoptions. These can include their histories before they joined our families, effects of separation and loss, adjustments, and advocacy. These recommendations cover a wide-range of our parenting joys and challenges.

for California

1) Raising Adopted Children: A Manual for Adoptive Parents
by Lois Ruskai Melina. Relying on solid child development research, the book is a great source of advice and reference. Topics include becoming a family, open adoption, talking about adoption, and serious issues - for both domestic and international adoptions.

2) Adopting the Hurt Child: Hope for Families With Special Needs Kids: A Guide for Parents & Professionals
by Gregory C. Keck, Regina M. Kubecky. Harsh truth and hope are combined in explanations of issues and developmental stages, and coping skills for adoptive families. Dr. Keck and Ms. Kubecky are recognized authorities in the field.

3) Inside Transracial Adoption
by Gail Steinberg and Beth Hall. Transracial adoption isn’t just about the children’s race and culture, but about the parents’ as well, and all must be respected and honored - not an easy task. This book provides families with tools and suggestions, ideas and guidance.

4) Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew
by Sherrie Eldridge. Putting into words what adoptees may be feeling, but are not able or willing to express at various stages of their lives, gives adoptive parents a starting point for opening family dialogs.

5) How It Feels to be Adopted
by Jill Krementz. Young adoptees between the ages of 8 and 16 talk about their families, adoption, questions, issues, and thoughts. It’s great for kids of the same ages, and an excellent book to help parents see things from a young person’s point of view.

6) Real Parents, Real Children: Parenting the Adopted Child
by Holly Van Gulden, Lisa M. Bartels-Rabb. Practical advice for parents on issues their children may face, talking with them, and helping them through difficult periods. Special attention is given to talking to older, transracial, and transcultural adoptees.

7) Adopting and Advocating for the Special Needs Child
by L. Anne Babb, Ph.D. and Rita Laws, Ph.D. Designed to help adoptive parents (and professionals) get started, keep going, and locate additional information and support. The book is packed with information and tools parents can use.