Adoption Education Resources

Adoption Center for Family Building has a large resource library of adoption-related material. Our library is constantly growing, as new research and adoption stories come about. Our goal is to connect our clients to the best adoption resources so they can feel prepared for the journey ahead.
  • All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung. In this memoir, the author reflects on her experiences as a Korean-American transracial adoptee.
  • Growing Up Black In White by Kevin D. Hofmann. The author shares his experiences growing up as a black child in a white family and the struggles he faced as he tried to find his own identity.
  • Sacred Connections: Stories of Adoption by Mary Ann Koeniz. The author, a clinical psychologist, recounts 25 real life stories of adoptees and their relationships with birth parents and adoptive parents.
  • Being Adopted: The Lifelong Search for Self by David Brodzinski. This book illustrates the experience of adoptees, developmental perspectives, normality, search for self, and sense of loss.
  • The Story of Adoption by Joyce Maguire Pavao. This book is written by an adopted person and family therapist specializing in adoption issues. Dr. Pavao demonstrates that there are predictable, understandable, and normal developmental stages and challenges for all adopted people.
  • Parenting After Infertility by Pat Johnston. A compassionate guide through infertility to parenting
  • The Long-Awaited Stork: A Guide to Parenting After Infertility by Ellen Sarasohn Glaze. A sensitive and responsive guide to the unique, emotional experience of parenting after a long, arduous course of infertility diagnosis and treatment.
  • Family Bonds: Adoption, Infertility and the New World of Child Production by Elizabeth Bartholet. A personal narrative to make sense of the world of infertility and adoption by sharing her experience in adopting two children from Peru.
  • Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother by Jana Wolf. A humorous recounting of the journey to adoption by sharing hidden emotions so many parents are afraid to reveal.
  • Real Sisters Pretend by Megan Dowd Lambert. This warm, engaging story, which unfolds entirely through the conversation of two adopted sisters, was inspired by the author's own daughters, whom she overheard talking about how adoption made them "real sisters" even though they have different birth parents and do not look alike.
  • A Most Unusual Day by Sydra Mallery. Today is a very unusual day! Caroline wakes up late, forgets her socks, and feels strange all the way to school. She tries to help her teacher, but everything is mixed up today and all Caroline manages to do is make a great big mess. Finally, the school day ends and Caroline rushes outside to greet her parents, who are having a rather extraordinary day themselves. In their arms they hold Caroline’s new baby sister, who has just arrived from far away.
  • Sam’s Sister by Juliet C. Bond. Five-year-old Rosa becomes a big sister to a baby boy for whom their mother plans an open adoption. This heartfelt story is a wonderful way to introduce adoption to birth siblings.
  • Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell bring us a tender and funny picture book for every parent and child. Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Bornis a special celebration of the love and joy an adopted child creates for a family.
  • I Wished for You: An Adoption Story by Marianna Richmond. This story follows a conversation between a little bear named Barley and his Mama as they curl up in their favorite cuddle spot and talk about how God chose them to be a family.
  • The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler. This warm, joyful narrative follows two parents as they prepare bottles, formula, diapers, clothing, and a cradle in anticipation of the arrival of their adopted child.
  • We Belong Together by Todd Parr. In a kid-friendly, accessible way, this book explores the ways that people can choose to come together to make a family by showing one perspective on the adoption experience. It’s about sharing your home and sharing your heart to make a family that belongs together.
  • The Story of My Open Adoption by Leah Campbell. A warm-hearted tale about a little squirrel who was adopted at birth! Join Sammy as Mom and Dad Rabbit bring him to meet his first family. Open adoption can be complex as well as joyful. Sammy’s story opens the door for kids to talk honestly about their experiences and feelings.
  • Wish by Matthew Cordell. As an elephant couple embarks on their life together, thoughts of children are far away -- at first. But as the desire for a child grows, so do unexpected challenges. And it's only after thwarted plans and bitter disappointment that their deepest wish miraculously comes true. This "deceptively simple" story celebrates the profound joy of becoming a parent.
  • God Found Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren. As little fox gets ready for bed, Mama Fox tells him the miraculous story of his special arrival. This heartwarming and tender tale captures the immensity of looking at God through a young child’s eyes and the profoundness of the blessings that adoption brings to both parent and child.
  • A Crazy-Much Love by Joy Jordan-Lake. Two parents recount the journey of adopting their daughter and the many milestone moments that follow. A warm, lyrical celebration of the deep love parents hold for their children, and a comforting message for kids about how there can be only one special YOU.
  • The Star That Was You by Cheramy Hassen. This book introduces young children to the concept of adoption. It explores the idea of how they, and others like them, found just the right family.
  • Happy Adoption Day by John McCutcheon. This adaptation of McCutcheon's song commemorates the day when a child joins an adoptive family. Complete with musical notation, these verses reassure adopted children they are special
  • I Don’t Have Your Eyes by Carrie A. Kitze. Family connections are vitally important to children as they begin to find their place in the world. For transracial and transcultural adoptees, domestic adoptees, and for children in foster care or kinship placements, celebrating the differences within their families as well as the similarities that connect them, is the foundation for belonging. As parents or caregivers, we can strengthen our children’s’ tie to family and embrace the differences that make them unique. Each child will have their own story and their own special place to belong.
  • Some Babies are Adopted by Cindy Walker. Some Babies Are Adopted is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book that will guide you through the story of a birth mother who prayerfully chooses adoption for her child and searches for a loving adoptive couple. This is the perfect book for those who want to teach their child, whether adopted or not, that adoption is a choice based on love.
  • I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb. I’ve Loved You Since Forever is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy.
  • The Adoption Tree by Kimberly James. The Adoption Tree is a religious story that uses the example of a little seedling being uprooted from where it was originally growing and planted into a new place perfectly chosen for it. This story helps young children understand the meaning of adoption, and see that like this little tree, they too are planted in the perfect spot!
  • Yes, I’m Adopted! By Sharlie Zinniger. This brightly colored children's book illustrates how adoption is brought about by love. Written from a child's point of view, the rhyming verse takes you through an adoption journey from start to finish.
  • Real Parents, Real Children by Holly Van Gulden and Lisa M. Bartells-Rabb. This comprehensive book discusses the entire adoption process.
  • “Annual Report on Intercountry Adoption” by the United States Department of State. This is an extensive compilation of information on international adoption agencies, as well as data on intercountry adoption. The guide is updated annually.
  • When Friends Ask about Adoption: Question and Answer Guide for Non-Adoptive Parents and Other Caring Adults by Linda Bothun. This book is a great gift for well-intended friends and family members who may be afraid to ask questions.
  • Adoption is a Family Affair: What Relatives and Friends Must Know by Patricia Irwin Johnston. In this book, the author provides help to adoptive families whose loved ones just don’t understand adoption.
  • ­Risk and Promise: A Handbook for Parents Adopting Children from Overseas based on the research and clinical experience of four doctors, Ira Chasnoff, MD; Linda D. Schwarts, PhD; Cheryl L. Pratt, PhD; Gwendolyn J. Neuberger, MD. This book tries to help prospective adoptive parents make well-informed decisions with the little information they are given in adoption referrals.
  • “What Makes a Family? A Closer Look at Gay Adoption” by Maria Carmela Sioco for CWLA. This article explores the unique experience of the adoption process for gay couples.
  • ­­Jesus has Two Daddies by Thomas McMillen-Oakley. This book tells the story of a same-sex couple and their journey through the adoption process.
  • Dear Birth Mother: Thank You for Our Baby by Kathleen Silber and Phyllis Speedlin. This book contains actual letters exchanged between birth parents and adoptive parents. It’s considered a classic.
  • The Open Adoption Experience by Lois Melina and Sharon Kaplan Roszia. Two leading experts provide this guide to the issues and concerns of adoptive and birth parents through all stages of the open adoption relationship.
  • Talking with Young Children about Adoption by Mary Watkins and Susan Fisher. It’s often hard to know what to say and when to say it. These authors offer wonderful insights.
  • Making Sense of Adoption by Lois Melina. When to tell? What to tell? How to tell? This book aids parents in discussing adoption with their child.
  • Raising Adopted Children by Lois Melina. Adoptive parent’s guide to raising a child through adoption.
  • Talking with Your Child about Adoption by Patricia Martinez Dorner. Booklet explains how to talk with your child about adoption at different life stages.
  • Life-books: Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child by Beth O’Malley. The author, who is an adoptee, emphasizes the importance of saving every detail of your child’s history, including their birth story, as she guides you through creating a life-book.
  • Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Laura Davis and Janis Keyser. A sourcebook of strategies for the first five years.
  • Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth. One of the country’s leading researchers updates his revolutionary approach to solving – and preventing – your children’s sleep problems.
  • Adoption: A Handful of Hope by Suzanne Arms. A collection of vignettes written by birth mothers.
  • Life Givers by James Gritter. In this book, the author provides insight into the birth parent’s emotional roller coaster as they go through the grieving process.
  • The Third Choice: A Woman’s Guide to Placing a Child for Adoption by Leslie Foge and Gail Mosconi. A guidebook of support and guidance for women considering adoption.
  • Finding Hope: A Birthmother’s Journey into the Light by Hope O Baker. At twenty-one years old, Hope O Baker made one of the hardest decisions a person can make: she placed her son for adoption. Now, in this love letter to her son, Hope shows how messy and chaotically beautiful adoption can be, by sharing the authentic details of her remarkable story. From her struggles, you’ll see how community can help you rebuild and be reminded of how important it is to find your voice and speak up for what you need when life hands you unexpected difficulties.
  • All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung. In this memoir, the author reflects on her experiences as a Korean-American transracial adoptee.
  • Growing Up Black In White by Kevin D. Hofmann. The author shares his experiences growing up as a black child in a white family and the struggles he faced as he tried to find his own identity.
  • In Their Own Voice by Rita Simon and Rhonda Roorda. The authors are researchers who present a powerful documentary written by transracial adoptees who share the many sides of their experiences.
  • In Their Parents’ Voices: Reflections on Raising Trans-racial Adoptees by Rita Simon and Rhonda Roorda. The authors explore the subject of adopting across racial lines.
  • “Self Awareness Tool” from the Transracial Parenting Project by the North American Council on Adoptable Children. This organization offers a comprehensive manual that includes articles on parenting, thought-provoking questions, and insights from children, parents, and experts to help adopting families determine if they are prepared to adopt transracially.
  • An Insider’s Guide to Transracial Adoption by Gail Steinberg and Beth Hall. The authors, adoptive parents of mixed-race children, have two goals in writing this book: to help adoptive parents take a deeper look at the role of race in the lives of children being raised across races and to provide a source to find answers to predictable challenges.
  • “Raising a Child of Another Race” by Jana Wolf. An article about the author’s personal experience as a parent of a transracial adoptee.
  • Weaving a Family: Untangling Race and Adoption by Barbara Katz. Drawing from her own experience as a white mother of a black child, this noted sociologist offers an understanding of how race and family are shaped in America today.
  • Toddler Adoption: Weavers Craft by Mary Hopkins-Best. An excellent book for parents who are considering adopting a child beyond infancy.
  • Adopting the Older Child by Claudia Jewett. This book focuses on the feeling, concerns, and problems of families who have adopted older children.
  • Helping Children Cope with Separation and Loss by Claudia Jewett Jarrati. This book shares specific techniques for helping children cope with loss.

Training Videos

Education - Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure

Education - The Birth Parent Perspective

Education - Transracial Cultural Adoption- A Panel

Education - Everyone's Hope

Education - Meet the Birth Parents

Transracial Cultural Adoption A Perspective

Exploring how it feels to be adopted

Issue of open adoption and it's impact on the adoption triad