The Best Adoption Books for Hopeful Adoptive Parents

Parenthood is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life—but like any great endeavor, it requires great preparation. New and soon-to-be parents must equip themselves with knowledge on how to properly care for a baby, as well as how to navigate conversions, education, and relationships as the child grows up. Of course, a lot of this you will learn as you go. For hopeful adoptive parents, however, it can be especially helpful to start building your knowledge base now.

Adopting a baby brings unique challenges in parenthood, including how to talk about adoption with your child and how to navigate relationships with his/her biological parents. By learning all about adoption now, you can prepare for any potential questions or challenges that might arise as your child grows up.

As you prepare to adopt a baby, take time to build your library of adoption books. Adoption books for you, the parents, as well as books for your child. You can check out some great children’s books about adoption here. Below, you will find some of our favorite adoption books for parents.

Adoption Books for Adoptive Parents

1. The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption: Helping Your Child Grow Up Whole by Lori Holden

It is estimated that 95 percent of private adoptions today involve some level of openness. Open adoption means that the adoptive family and the birth parents have a relationship with one another, whether that is direct contact or mediated through an agency. Open adoption greatly benefits a growing child’s identity development. Holden’s book explains this more, and provides tips for adoptive parents on how to navigate a successful open adoption relationship with your child’s birth family.

2. Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge

Author Sherrie Eldridge, an adoptee herself, sheds light on the perspective of adopted children and how that differs from the outlook of adoptive parents. She reveals twenty emotional considerations that every hopeful parent should know before adopting, in order to understand and nurture their child properly. For example, she explains how children need honest, open information about their birth families, no matter what the details may be, in order to understand themselves. Eldridge also explains how adoptees often need to seek out their birth families for their own growth, but that in no way disdains their love for their parents. This book voices the unspoken emotions and concerns of many adoptees, and is therefore an important read for any adopting parent.

3. 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed by Sherrie Eldridge

A companion book to the one above, 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed is designed to give hopeful parents the much-needed support and encouragement they deserve throughout the adoption process. Eldridge covers important topics such as how to talk about adoption with your child, how to honor your child’s birth parents, and how to set the stage for a successful adoption experience. The author also discusses the unique, irreplaceable role of adoptive parents and the fact that they are very real parents, despite the different DNA. A must read for any future adoptive parent!

4. Preparing for Adoption by Julia Davis

Many people assume that the important work of parenthood begins when you welcome your child home. However, the preparation stage is just as crucial – especially for adopting parents. Preparing for Adoption provides clear advice on how to prepare for baby’s arrival, and how to create a strong and loving relationship with your child as he or she grows. This includes learning about your child’s background and family history, building a safe environment for your child to grow, and addressing any attachment needs in the early days of becoming a family.

5. Create Your Own Adoption Lifebook

This is a book you can create! An adoption lifebook is much like a scrapbook or baby book that tells the story of your child’s adoption and first years of life. It can include photos, mementos, letters, documents, and other memories you may wish to share with your child down the road. Many hopeful parents start their lifebook before baby arrives. Some detail their experiences throughout the adoption process, and write letters to their future child. Some include photos and mementos from the birth or hospital stay. You may start your own adoption lifebook from scratch, or purchase the following books to get you started:

• https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Lifebook-Bridge-Childs-Beginnings/dp/0971749604
• https://www.amazon.com/Lifebooks-Creating-Treasure-Adopted-Child-ebook/dp/B077K7444Y

For more resources about adoption, you may also visit the Adoptions With Love resource library below. Click the ‘Adoptive Parents’ tab and gain access to many free eBooks about adoptive parenting and the adoption process:

https://adoptionswithlove.org/resources

Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about adoption, the more you will empower your child to embrace his or her adoption story, and the more you will set your family up for a successful adoption experience. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Adoptions With Love.