Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Guttman, Jane

The Gift Wrapped in Sorrow

A Mother's Quest for Healing

1999

Notes

Memoir spanning 3 decades of loss and love, regret, and remorse during which the author discovers the gifts that are ever present amid many saddening recollections.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Taylor, Patricia

Shadow Train

A Journey Between Relinquishment and Reunion

Notes

A superb novel-written autobiography of a therapist/birth mother's struggle with the "family secret" and her own inability to "get on with life" until the unfinished business in her life was resolved.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Rappaport, Bruce M.

The Open Adoption Book

A Guide to Adoption Without Tears

1992

Notes

An older book that contains valuable information about openness between adoptive parent and birth parents, not only in the early phases of the adoption, but throughout the life of the adopted child. Told thru stories of real parents and real children.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Gritter, James L.

The Spirit of Open Adoption

1997

Notes

A candid, intensely personal, highly readable account of the experiences of one agency that switched from closed to open adoptions. Traces the reasons for the change and resulting effects on birth and adoptive parents, on the staff, and on the children.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Nydam, Ronald J.

Adoptees Come of Age

Living Within Two Families

1999

Notes

Describes distinct emotional and spiritual challenges and emphasizes importance of ongoing issues of adoption and relinquishment.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Lindsay, Jeanne Warren

Parents, Pregnant Teens, and the Adoption Option

1989

Notes

A practical, easy to read book for parents of pregnant teens (or for the teen herself). Covers the emotional shock, the importance of positive family support and the practical decisions a teen must face without undue pressure. Great book for a difficult time.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Melina, Lois R. and Roszia, Sharon K.

The Open Adoption Experience

A Complete Guide for Adopting and Birth Families

1993

Notes

Thorough treatise on the entire concept of Open Adoption as it may play itself out from child's pre-birth to labor and delivery, to the 1st yr of life, to holidays, to later years. Includes semi to fully open. All sides covered, but slightly biased in flavor.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Saffian, Sarah

Ithaka

A Daughter's Memoir of Being Found

1998

Notes

A gripping true story of a young woman's quest for meaning of family and belonging.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Schaefer, Carol

The Other Mother

A Woman's Love for the Child She Gave Up for Adoption

1991

Notes

A book in which every birth mom can find herself and her experience from pregnancy through search and reunion.  Author tells her experience in a mid west maternity home, relinquishing her son, years of loss, search and reunion.  A 1995 TV movie.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Johnston, Patricia Irwin

Launching a Baby's Adoption

1997

Notes

Excellent book for all prospective adopters and birth parents to help them prepare for the "big event" of adopting a baby. Covers the before, during, and after of the placement, with an emphasis on baby's needs and development. Special section for professionals.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Schooler, Jayne

Searching for a Past

The Adopted Adult's Unique Process of Finding an Identity

1995

Notes

Provides insight into adoptees' motivations to search for their birth families.  Gives a better understanding of the search and reunion process.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Townshend, Rita and Perkins, Ann

Bitter Fruit: Women's Experiences of Unplanned Pregnancies, Abortion, and Adoption

1992

Notes

In their own words, women tell their stories of discovering their pregnancy, making the difficult decision to abort, place for adoption, or keep to raise and then struggling to live with their decision. Tender and honest, a sad but beautiful book.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Severson, Randolph

Dear Birthfather

Notes

Gives teenage fathers the information and support they need to make the appropriate decisions during a difficult time.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Lindsay, Jeanne Warren

Pregnant              

Adoption is an Option

1997

Notes

In the words and stories of many different birth mothers, book presents down to earth info about every aspect of making an adoption plan for your baby, from analyzing choices, involving birth father, counseling, open adoption, selecting family, grieving after.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Carp, E. Wayne

Family Matters

Secrecy and Disclosure in the History of Adoption

1998

Notes

Scholarly history of adoption in America, starting prior to the existence of adoption records, prior to adoption information being held secret, into the secrecy age, the emergence of adoption rights movement, and the era of more openness. Impressive bibliography.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Solinger, Rickie

Wake Up Little Susie

2000

Notes

Ever wonder why birthmothers are angry?  This expose and horror story second to none, and all true.  A powerful and shocking book, pioneering work.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Soroskys, A. and Baran, A. and Panor, R.

The Adoption Triangle

Sealed or Open Records; How They Affect Adopted persons, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents

1984

Notes

Groundbreaking research classic.  Factual, well rounded book that leads to an understanding of adoption as a lifelong process for child, adoptive parents and birth parents.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Johnston, Patricia Irwin

Perspectives on a Grafted Tree

Thoughts for Those Touched by Adoption

1983

Notes

Written by adoptees, birth parents, adoptive family members, adoption professionals and others, a beautiful and moving illustrated poetry collection about adoption. Describes the blend of gain and loss, happiness and pain, which are all part of the adoption experience.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Stiffler, La Vonne H.

Synchronicity and Reunion

The Genetic Connection of Adoptees and Birth Parents

1992

Notes

A fascinating exploration of surprising coincidences in union/loss/reunion stories of families separated by adoption.  Explores nature/nurture connections.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Stummer, Helen

Out of the Darkness

How A Birthmother Found Herself While Searching for her Daughter

Notes

For birthmothers who have put the past behind them or those interested in experience of relinquishment. Contact author hmstummer@earthlink.net

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Burlington-Brown, Barbara

Why Didn't She Keep Me?

Answers to Questions Every Adopted Child Asks

1994

Notes

A collection of moving, heart wrenchingly personal and honest stories by 15 women who made an adoption plan for their children. Important book for mothers-to-be who are considering the same, for pre adoptive parents, and for adoptees looking for answers.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Jones, Merry Bloch

Birthmothers

Women Who Have Relinquished Babies for Adoption Tell Their Stories

1993

Notes

70 women share their experiences of giving birth and placing a child for adoption, raising subsequent children, searching and being found.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Dion, Angela

Dear Son

Letters from a Birthmother

2002

Notes

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Cohen, Mary Anne

Birthmothers and Time

Putting the Baby Back in the Cradle

2001

Notes

Helps birthmothers to recognize that in reunion they must let go of the "lost baby" image.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Franklin, Lynn and Ferber, Elizabeth

May the Circle Be Unbroken

1998

Notes

An intimate journey into the heart of adoption.  Thru this birth mother's journey to find the child she placed for adoption, the triad members will feel a sense of community with each other.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Green, Tim

A Man and His Mother

1997

Notes

Former football star, now a novelist and commentator, Tim Green's story of his reunion with his birthmother.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Battilana, Joan

Search to My Beginning

An Inspirational Adoption Story Told Through Poetry

2003

Notes

One woman's exciting personal journey to discover her roots. The poetry, illustrations and personal reflections help the reader to understand the emotions an adoptee experiences when searching for birth parents.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Carlini, Heather

Birthmother Trauma

Notes

A counseling guide for birthmothers.  Book offers a 7 stage recovery program to help birthmothers lessen pain that can last for years.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Silber, Kathleen

Dear Birthmother, Thank You For Our Baby

1998

Notes

Seminal book on open adoption, has been updated to reflect current practices. Provides practical suggestions about beginning and maintaining an open adoption. Contains actual letters exchanged. Will help one to carefully consider the issues.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Hern, Katie and Carlson, Ellen McGarry

Reunion

A Year in Letters Between a Birthmother and the Child She Gave Up for Adoption

1999

Notes

Beautifully written, authentic exchange between English instructor at a university and gay adoptee, and her birth mom as they get to know each other.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Howells, Dion

The Story of David

1997

Notes

A true account of a pregnant teen and the family she chose to adopt her newborn son, and the truly open adoption that followed. Inspiring story of a truly open adoption.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

D'Antonio, Nancy

Our Baby Comes From China

1997

Notes

With simple texts and loving photographs, tells the true story of the adoption of Ariela. Her family travels to China to meet her; they see many wonderful sights, but the loveliest one of all is their new daughter. They bring her home to meet everyone.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Foge, Leslie

The Third Choice

A Woman's Guide to Placing a Child for Adoption

1999

Notes

A comprehensive guide book for a pregnant woman considering adoptive placement for her child. Covers every aspect from the legalities, to tips on selecting a family, to choices of openness before, during, and after, to dealing with grief and loss.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Kane, Beth

Thank You, Son, for Finding Me

A Birthmother's Story

1999

Notes

A personal story about the reunion of a birthmother and the son who searched for her.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Kinn, Gail

Be My Baby         

Parents and Children Talk About Adoption

Notes

35 first person narratives from adoptive parents, adopted children, adult adoptees, and birthmothers that bring to life the rewards and challenges of adoption.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Askin, Jayne

Search

A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents

1998

Notes

Detailed step by step process for unearthing adoption information thru sealed records, government data, and reference resources.  Includes listing of on-line resources.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Strauss, Jean A.

Birthright

The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptive Adults, Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents

1994

Notes

Truly a guide for those wishing to search for their biological parents or for the children they relinquished. Using a series of true stories, her own and others', author gives practical hints and advice to make the search fruitful and satisfying.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Denton, Katherine

Search of a Lifetime

2000

Notes

A birth mother tells of her search for the child she gave up for adoption. Details how she used the Internet to find her lost child, and the struggle to open records. Story is emotional and sometimes controversial.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Doner Martinez Patricia

How To Open An Adoption

A Minor Parents and Birthparents of Minors

1998

Notes

Information regarding open adoption.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Mason, Mary Martin

Out of the Shadows

1995

Notes

Frank, honest look at those who had confidence to speak out.  Often invisible, birthfathers care deeply and in many cases, had no say in their child's future.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Mc Colm, Michelle

Adoption Reunions

A Book for Adoptees, Birth Parents and Adoptive Families

1993

Notes

An adoptee working with other adoptees and birthparents explores the roots of reunions and how to support the reunion process.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Hughes, Ann

Soul Connection

Memoir of a Birthmother's Healing Journey

1999

Notes

Captures the spiritual journey of a birth mother who holds on to hope that something, someday, will heal, darkest, blackest hole in her life---the surrendering of her daughter.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Roles, Patricia,

Saying Goodbye to Baby: Vol. I

Birthparent's Guide to Loss and Grief in Adoption

1991

Notes

We have not always recognized the right and need of birthparents to grieve. Until recently, they were told they would forget their child, get on with their lives, and have other children. Written for all birthmothers who share a common bond of unspoken loss.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Russell, Marlou

Adoption Wisdom

A Guide to the Issues and Feelings of Adoption

1996

Notes

Book examines the many issues of adoption.  Its purpose is to prepare those who are considering adoption; to validate the feelings of adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees; and to educate people about the lifelong impact of adoption.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Hancock, Marianne

Looking for Oliver

A Mother's Search for the Son She Gave Up for Adoption

2003

Notes

Emma, a wife and mother of two teenagers, recalls the stigma and pain of her school girl pregnancy and adoption plan, and she decides to search for her son. This novel provides hope to those affected by adoption.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Wolch-March, Mary J.

A Birth Mother's Day Planner

1996

Notes

Birth Mother's Day grew out of the author's journey after losing her infant daughter to adoption. It's a day to honor and recall the motherhood experience by birthmothers. Book provides all the information needed to plan such a day - the 2nd Sat in May.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Jasper, Margaret C.

International Adoption

Law for the Lay Person

2003

Notes

One volume in a legal almanac series written by an attorney specifically for the lay person. One whole chapter explains the Inter-country Adoption Act of 2000. Includes sample forms, valuable information on VISAs, non citizen adoptions, fraud, and much more.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Bode, Janet

Kids Still Having Kids

Talking About Teen Pregnancy

1999

Notes

Written in a teen friendly fashion, book explores teenage sexual practice and its consequences. Quoting various teens, the author touches on such topics as failed birth control, miscarriage, abortion, adoption, and child rearing. Non-judgmental approach.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Barrow, Randi

Somebody's Child

Stories from the Private Files of an Adoption Attorney

2002

Notes

Stories of actual adoption placement experiences, some from the birth family's perspective, others from the adoptive parents' perspective, but all told very sensitively and with obvious love by an attorney involved in the placements.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Espejo, Roman

Adoption: Opposing Viewpoints

2002

Notes

A series of scholarly essays written by various experts in the field of adoption. Each essay proposes a particular viewpoint, e.g. "The Internet should be used to recruit families," while the essay following it stresses the opposite.  A great learning tool.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Gritter, James L.

Life Givers

Framing the Birth Parent Experience in Open Adoption

2000

Notes

Author analyzes the many ways that birth parents relate to the experience of an open adoption. He stresses the importance of the birth parent's presence in the child's life and pleads for them to be welcomed, not just tolerated.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Adamec, Christine & Pierce, William L.

The Encyclopedia of Adoption

2000;

1991

Notes

In true encyclopedic form, book gives, in alphabetical order, thorough information about the various concepts that relate to adoption. Begins with "abandonment," and its many complexities, then "abuse", then "acting out," etc. Extensive reference list.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Grotevant, Harold D.

Openness in Adoption

Exploring Family Connections

1998

Notes

Very detailed research study on the effects of varying levels of openness in adoption on the members of the adoption triad. None of the children had reached their teen years as yet, but in general, most open adoptions did not show many negatives.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Kling, Tammy L.

Searching for a Piece of My Soul

How to Find a Missing Family Member or Loved One

1998

Notes

The perfect search resource because fully half of the book is devoted to listing thousands of specific resources (web sites, State access organizations, sample documents, etc.) a searcher can use to find someone. Good practical advice given as well.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Miller, Kathryn Ann

Did My First Mother Love Me?

A Story for an Adopted Child

1994

Notes

Whenever Morgan asks her adoptive mother for reassurance that her birth mother loved her, her mother answers by reading aloud the very loving letter that Morgan's birth mother had written concerning her hopes, dreams, and love for her daughter.

Author

Title

Subtitle

Year

Pennebaker, Ruth

Don't Think Twice

2001

Notes

In this fictional work set in the late 60's, Anne, 17 years old and pregnant, is sent to a maternity home to await the birth of her baby. In her daily diary she honestly describes the real and subtle pressures that lead her to surrender her baby for adoption.