If you have begun your adoption journey already, then I am sure you have come to realize what a daunting and overwhelming experience it truly is. I am a firm believer in doing your research and reading up on various topics as you enter new phases of life. These books are some of my personal favorites which I truly believe will be a great resource for you in your adoption journey. I hope you find them helpful and they provide the information you are looking for!

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1. The Connected Child

By Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross

If you can only choose ONE book from this list, let it be this one. I cannot say enough good things about this book. This book is geared towards adoptive and foster families, and anyone who is parenting a child from trauma. Since all kids from adoption have some sort of trauma history (even birth trauma), this book will be applicable to all children coming into your home. I’ve met Dr. Karyn Purvis, attended her conferences, watched her DVD programs, and read her book, and her stuff is QUALITY! It delves into attachment, behavioral challenges and positive discipline practices!

I highly recommend this book! In fact, if you have family members who are eager to learn on this journey with you, get them to read this book too!

2. Adopted for Life

By Russell D. Moore

Adopted for Life is a beautiful book that approaches adoption from a biblical perspective. This book is a great read for anyone who wants a general overview of adoption and how it pertains to Christian families and churches. It is an excellent book for leaders and support groups in your church to read as well. Moore’s own adoption is woven throughout this book, giving excellent insight into the adoption process and experience, for those wanting to soak up more adoption stories. This book will provide a strong foundation as you move forward.

3. Kirabo

By Kveta Rose

Kirabo is one of my favorite books. Although it is a true story, it reads more like a novel, keeping the reader glued to the story and anxiously waiting to see what happens next. This book is beautiful, exciting, and inspirational and on my top 3 books to read and read again. This book is not only ideal for those adopting, but for those who work in the mission field, young adults, and anyone who loves seeing God’s faith played out in someone’s life. It follows the life of Tandela, who ventures to Uganda after finishing university. I highly recommend this book and be sure to block off a good chunk of time because you will want to read it all at once!

4. The Birth Order Book

By Dr. Kevin Leman

This book is a GREAT resource when choosing the age range of the child you want to adopt. Many people enter the adoption journey blindly, choosing an age based on compassion, ease, room arrangements and more. This book looks at the importance of birth order, and how it affects personality and the identity of each child in your home. I am an advocate for adopting out of birth order, but only when the situation works. This book will be a great companion in determining the best needs for your family and how to choose an ideal age range.

 

5. Adopting the Hurt Child

By Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky

This book is excellent and a must have for your collection. Not only does it detail an adoption journey, but it discussed multiple other adoption journey’s and looks at how adoptive and foster parents can affect children who have experienced trauma. The authors provide a wealth of knowledge and focus on attachment. It also details the process, points of view and more. I highly recommend this book for those considering adoption or fostering.

6. You Can Adopt Without Debt

By Julie Gumm

Not all adoptions costs money, but for those doing an adoption that does cost money, this book is for you! It provides information on changing your mindset, saving your money, getting our of debt, fundraising, and more! It is a great tool filled with ideas and tips, and is a great resource in your adoption journey!

7. Trying Differently Rather than Harder

By Diane Malbin, M.S.W.

This book is written by a social worker, adoptive parent, and parent to children with FASD. It can be challenging to get your hands on this book, but it is a great resource on understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome once you do. Although it is older, much of it’s information still rings true today. Although not all children through adoption have FASD, many kids in foster care and internationally end up with this diagnosis. This book is great for those considering FASD or those already parenting a child with it.

8. Inside Transracial Adoption: Strength-based, Culture-sensitizing Parenting Strategies for Inter-country or Domestic Adoptive Families That Don’t “Match”

By Gail Steinberg and Beth Hall

This book is a must read for anyone considering a transracial adoption, or anyone who already has. It does an amazing job of opening your viewpoint and understanding the adoption from the child’s perspective. It covers important topics related to transracial adoptions for both the child and the parent. This book is also applicable for those working in the adoption field.

9. Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family

by David Sanford (Editor), Renee S. Sanford (Editor), Focus on the Family (Producer)

This book is a bible based approach to thriving as an adoptive family. Through an attachment lens, this book will provide valuable insight on how to embrace the many challenges associated with adoption. It is ideal for those whom are already parenting their adopted child, but will provide insight into those considering it as well.