Books on Open Adoption

Adoption Without Fear, Jim Gritter, editor, Corona Publishing Co., 1037 S. Alamo, San Antonio, TX, 78210, 1989. Seventeen adoptive couples describe their experiences with open adoption. Good reading for anyone touched by adoption.  It is particularly helpful for prospective adoptive couples just beginning the process.  

Children Of Open Adoption, Kathleen Silber and Patricia Martinez Dorner, Corona Publishing Co., 1990. This book examines the effects of open adoption on the adopted child at every stage of development.

Dear Birthmother, Thank-you for Our Baby, Kathleen Silber and Patricia Martinez Dorner, Corona Publishing Co., 1990.   A classic book on open adoption that presents the subject through actual letters between birthfamilies and adoptive families.

My Child is a Mother, Mary Stevenson, Corona Publishing Co., Written by a birthgrandmother, this book is a personal account of open adoption from the birthfamily’s perspective.

The Open Adoption Experience, Lois Melina and Sharon Kaplan-Rozia. HarperPeriennial, 1993. A complete guide for both birthfamilies and adoptive families. Covers many topics, including readiness for open adoption and growing up in an open adoption. Must reading for those considering open adoption and is a handy reference as the child grows.

The Spirit of Open Adoption, James L. Gritter, Child Welfare League of America, 1997 A discussion of values-based decision making, quality, candor, hospitality, honoring children, community and commitment. His premise is that in order for adoption to be child honoring the adults in the process must dig deep throughout the adoption process.  He is realistic in addressing the problematic issues of conflict, deceit and falsehood, among others, and guides triad members to finding healing even in these circumstances.

Inside Transracial Adoption, Gail Steinberg with Beth Hall, Perspectives Press, 2000. Strength based, culture-sensitive parenting strategies for internatinal or domestic families that "don't match."

The Family of Adoption, Joyce Maguire Pavao, Beacon Press, 1998.   The author opened her own adoption as an adult. She has devoted her life’s work to understanding and helping others understand adoption triad family dynamics. Her premise is that the difficulties that arise out of these relationships are not problems, just normal events and feelings that are associated with adoption relationships. Included are case studies written from an empathetic not clinical perspective. Poetry and prose included, from clients or friends, gives a view into the heart and mind of adopted persons as no other method can.

Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother, Jana Wolfe, Andrews and Mc Meel, 1997. A wonderfully irreverent, and witty book. The author exposes the secret fears many adoptive mothers experience and she gives a glimpse of how she handled the adoption process with humor.

A Letter to Adoptive Parents on Open Adoption, Randolph Severson, House of Tomorrow Productions, Dallas, TX, 1991. A good introduction to openness in adoption for prospective adoptive parents.

Adoption: A Handful of Hope, Suzanne Arms, Celestial Arts, P.O. Box 7327, Berkley, CA, 94707,1990. Updated version of To Love and Let Go. Using case studies, shows how open adoption affects the lives of those it touches, especially birthparents.

Adoption: Philosophy and Experience, Randolph Severson, House of Tomorrow Productions, Dallas, TX, 1991. Explores a wide variety of adoption experiences, including open adoption. Helps readers look at adoption in a new way.

Books on Adoptive Parenting 

Making Sense of Adoption, Lois Melina, Harper and Row, New York, NY, 1989. Describes each stage of development and recommends Age-appropriate activities to reinforce the concepts discussed. A valuable resource.

Raising Adopted Children: A manual for Adoptive Parents, Lois Melina, Harper and Row, 1986. Another excellent reference book on raising adopted children.

Children’s Books on Adoption

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, Jaime Lee Curtis, Joanna Cotler Books,1996. A child asks her parents to describe the night they got the “call”, the airplane ride, when they first saw her in the hospital and how they became a family. Hilarious illustrations.

Pugnose Has Two Special Families, Karis Kruzel, R-Squared Press, 1996 This story is told by a wise, young mouse named Pugnose Doodash, who was adopted through open adoption. Encourages discussion about open adoption.

Books for and About Birthparents

Open Adoption Pocket Guide Books:
      What is Open Adoption, Brenda Romanchik, R-Squared Press, 1999
      Being a Birthparent: Finding Our Place, Brenda Romanchik, R- Squared Press, 1999.
      Birthparent Grief, Brend Romanchik, R-Squared Press, 1999

Birthmothers: Women who have relinquished their babies for adoption tell their stories, Merry Block Jones, Chicago Review Press, Chicago, Il. Written from interviews with 30 birthmothers in a variety of situations, this book relates to the common experiences of all birthmothers in a touching and profound way. A must for anyone who wants to know about the experience of birthmothers.

Dear Birthfather, Randolph Severson, House of Tomorrow Productions, Dallas, TX,1991. A booklet written specifically for birthfathers, with the respect and importance they deserve.

Saying Good-by to Baby: Volume I&II: the Birthparent’s Guide to Loss and Grief in Adoption, Patricia Roles, Child Welfare League of America, 1989. Written for adoption professionals, these books will help providers and others help birthparents with the loss of a child through adoption.

Miscellaneous

In the Tears of a Wounded Child , CoCo Mullins, Xulon Press, 2002. Written by one of APO's very own Board Members, CoCo shares the physical and emotional wounds she sustained in childhood and reveals God's healing from her abusive upbringing. As an adoptive mom to three boys, CoCo intertwines her thread of adoption.

Books to Read