February 01, 2018
Essential Books About Adoption
We adore books as a way to learn more about adoption, parenting, trauma, childhood behaviors—any and all things related to the adoption journey. It’s the ultimate education for any member of the adoption triad, and here are some of our top recommendations for ones that should be on your shelf.
Born Broken: An Adoptive Journey, by Kristin Berry. We’re giant fans of Kristin and Mike Berry and their exceptional adoption blog “Confessions of an Adoptive Parent.” (They also have a fabulous podcast!) They’ve created a beautiful family through both biology and adoption, and they have a great deal of experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and childhood trauma. It’s deeply a informational and heartwarming memoir, and will make you feel like you’re not alone.
The Connected Child: Bringing Hope and Healing to your Adoptive Family, by Karyn B. Purvis. This is an OG adoption book, an eternal go-to for any and all parenting needs, as well as a beautiful and empathetic guide for connecting more deeply with your child.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies for Nurturing Your Child’s Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. It’s hard to be a kind, happy, emotionally balanced little one in this day and age. Massive distractions are everywhere, and technology has been a doozie on nurturing healthy connections. A child’s brain is developing at a rapid pace, and this exciting book gives you all the tools you need to nurture and love your child while keeping their growing mind on track.
Parenting the Hurt Child: Helping Adoptive Families Heal and Grow, by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky. This book is specifically geared toward helping adopted or fostered children who have suffered trauma by examining parenting strategies that do and do not work. It offers extensive resources for the children, parents, and siblings alike.
20 Things Adopted Children Wished Their Parents Knew, by Sherrie Eldridge. An essential book for adoptive parents— definitely part of the canon. There is so much going on in an adopted child’s mind, and the challenges they face only endure throughout their life, as milestones pass and emotions evolve. Straight from the mind of an adoptee, these powerful statements can have a big impact on an adoptive parent’s ability to understand and empathize with their child.
