Reviews (5)

Fringe therapies and beliefs about adoption
This well-meaning book unfortunately presents an entire chapter on ideas about Reactive Attachment Disorder derived from the belief system of a "fringe therapy" and not on scientific understanding of early personality development. In a list of organizations that are sources of help for adoptive parents, the book includes the "Attachment Center at Evergreen", at the time of publication a hotbed of treatments involving physical restraint and emotional intimidation of children. A child's death at the hands of therapists occurred in the year that this book was published and was connected with some of the ideas discussed
WowExcellent Research Resource
I bought this book randomly hoping that after finding really poorly put together books on Adoption both domestic and international this one would be the key.I am currently writing a research paper contrasting and comparing international and domestic adoption for school.Trust me this book is excellent and outlining the process in detail for someone looking deeply into the multi faceted world of adoption. Great Job
The author is my mother. I feel she did a great job of listing the highs and lows of adopting a child, like me. I hope that for those who put a thought into adopting a child that they read this book and understand where she is coming from. Adopting a child could be difficult but most of the time it is worth it. Good job Mom! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Parenting - General    7. United States    8. Advice on parenting    9. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (12)

Charming!
Sara Martin was orphaned at the age of 8 and lovingly raised thereafter by her Aunt Reni.Shocked to her core by Reni's sudden death shortly after her college graduation, Sara has yet another, potentially more monumental shock to come.A letter in Reni's safety deposit box addressed to Sara reveals the devastating news that she was adopted as an infant.
Follow Your Heart a rewarding read
Thank you, Lori Paris, for weaving such a sentimental and enriching read. The reader is literally swept away and becomes a part of Sara Martin's heartfelt search for her birth parents -- people she only just found out about at the age of 21, on the sad occasion of her last remaining relative's death. Lori Paris does such an excellent job with rich detail that for the timeframe that you are reading the book, you morph into Sara's close friend, cheering for her to find her happy ending. And she does find a doozy of one -- not without her share of struggle and conflict, but the author wraps everything up very well at the rewarding and satisfying end.

A warm, inspiring book!
Follow Your Heart is not only suspenseful, but also heartbreaking and hope-filled at the same time. Lori Paris is at a place where many dare not go, and through writing this book, the blessing that she received was to reveal the secret of the human heart, and that love fills our emptiness and loneliness. She took on a difficult subject in a sensitive manner. Because of its uncalculated emotions, she explored the fragility of not only adoptees but also their families with tender care. And in a gentle, loving manner, she brought out the hidden message of her book; that is, to teach the reader to take a chance on the feelings of their heart. She walks the reader down the path of pain, and in the process, discovers love and being loved by a new family, and encourages the reader to take a leap of faith and go on to a hope-filled future. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Advice on parenting    7. Marriage & relationships   

Reviews (3)

The reality of adoption
Touching on a current, pervasive, yet unfamiliar subject, the authors bring to light the intricacies of the adoption triad and the difficulties faced by all involved.From an adoptive parent's perspective, the nature of the relationships can be complicated.With the proper communication mechanisms, whether records are sealed or open will have little impact on the individuals involved and, I think that area has not been addressed in the book.However, that is not to say it is unworthy of reading.Those who are not members of the triad, or object to adoption, cannot regard this book with true sincerity and those involved can achieve a better understanding of all parties invovled.

Must Reading For All Touched By Adoption
This is one of the finest books ever written on the subject of adoption. Reading this book, in my opinion, is one of the best gifts that any adoptive parent could give to their child or to themselves. The insights provided by the authors are invaluable in helping adoptees, adoptive parents and birth parents alike understand the exquisitely unique and complex issues that adoption "triad" members face throughout their lives. This book dispels a lot of commonly held beliefs and myths about adoption, and provides a sober look at the reality of what it means to be an infertile parent, or a beholding adoptee; and it addresses the myriad of expectations that inevitably lead to hurt and disappointment. Armed with the knowledge and insights revealed in this book, adoptees and adoptive parents can forge a happier life together; and birthparents will find comfort in knowing that others understand their sacrifices. As a reunited birthfather and an advocate for better communications between adoption triad members, I highly recommend this book.Buy it ... it will change your life!

Those newly realizing the problems of adoption will benefit.
The stories contained in this book provide further reasoning for outlawingadoption altogether, although the authors mean to support the open recordsmovement.They are certainly accurate in pointing out that, where adoptionis concerned, a change is necessary.Unfortunately, their alterations aretoo minor to solve most of the problems adoption creates.This book wouldbe good reading for anyone who has recently begun to accept that adoptionis not a perfect (or even remotely GOOD) solution for unplanned pregnancy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoptees    2. Adoption    3. Case studies    4. Child Care/Parenting    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Privacy, Right of    7. United States   

Reviews (4)

A Christian perspective on adoption.
Here is a scriptural roadmap to aid those who wish to adopt.The story is told from the experience of a Christian family who recently went through the process of adopting two boys from Asia. Through many trials and frustrations Kristin Wong shares her struggles in keeping faith and the Biblical lessons she is taught on the way.She speaks with an honesty and beauty that allows the reader to witness precious moments of joy and love. A heart warming and faith building book.

good resource for adopting families or those who've been adopted
This book has applications for any Christian in understanding his/her own adoption as God's child. I plan to recommend this book to my friends, especially those that are adopting children into their family or who have been adopted into a family themselves.My favorite aspect of the book is the author's honesty about her own faith struggles in waiting on the Lord throughout the adoption process.

Amazing perspectives on God and his care for all people
As Kristin Swick Wong tells the story of God's work in her own life, and his work in her family, she shows us more of who God is.I was deeply encouraged by Kristin's story.Particularly her understanding of a Christian's prayer life and her deeply held conviction of God's care for each of his individual children, including Benjamin and Josiah, Kristin's adopted sons.The consistent reminders of every Christian being adopted by God, our heavenly Father, were also ablessing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Christian Life    4. Christianity    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Family Relationships    6. Christianity - Christian Life - General    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Religion    9. Religion - Marriage & Family    10. Religious aspects   

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Family - Adoption    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Life Stages - Adolescence    7. Social Science - Psychology    8. Adolescent children    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Family / Adoption    10. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (2)

Portrait of Adoptive Parents Good but Incomplete
This book is an interesting overview of parents' widely varying approaches to raising children adopted from China. However, the authors seem to assume that virtually all adoptive parents are white and that real biculturalism is impossible. On the West Coast, at least, that's not true. Many Asian American parents have adopted children from China, and quite a few children are attending bilingual/bicultural schools.It's too bad Asian American views on bicultural socialization have been largely left out of the picture.

Interesting Read for Parents and Others
From both personal experience and quantitative research, these authors do an excellent job of defining and exploring the phenomenon of Americans adopting Chinese babies.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. China    3. Chinese American children    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Intercountry adoption    6. Interracial adoption    7. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Sociology - Marriage & Family    12. United States    13. Child welfare    14. Ethnic studies    15. Family & Relationships / General    16. Family & relationships    17. USA   

Subjects:  1. Adjustment (Psychology) in chi    2. Adjustment (Psychology) in children    3. Adopted children    4. Adoption    5. Clinical Psychology    6. Developmental - Child    7. Family/Marriage    8. Psychological aspects    9. Psychology    10. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    11. Child development    12. Child welfare    13. Family & Relationships-Adoption    14. Parenthood    15. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Development    16. Psychology-Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (4)

Good, but have mixed feelings
This is a story about a big sister waiting for her little sister to be brought home. It is written from the perspective of the big sister and discusses the questions and concerns she has regarding her sister and the time needed to go get her... "I didn't know babies came from airplanes." "You will be gone for such a long time." "Who will take care of me while you are gone, and will Grandma know to cut the crusts off of my bread like you?"
Our daughter LOVES it!
I highly recommend this book!We're in the process of adopting a baby boy from Russia, and I searched for books that explain adoption to the sibling already at home.This book has been a great way to start to prepare our 3-year-old for a baby sibling who will arrive in a different way.It's about a little girl whose parents are adopting internationally - they travel without the little girl to bring home a baby girl, so the book also deals with separation while parents travel.It never mentions what country the baby is from, and it's easy to substitute "boy" as appropriate when reading.Our daughter now "reads" the book to herself because she knows it by heart, and tells everyone that she's adopting a baby brother from Russia.

Excellent preparation for kids whose parents travel to adopt
This is the first book our 22-month-old child ever asked me to read by name! My husband and I leave tomorrow for St. Petersburg, Russia to adopt our second child, and "Seeds of Love" has helped immeasurably tohelp us prepare our son for our absence and to help him anticipate being abig brother to his new baby sister. The book gently raises and answers manyof the questions and concerns a child would have when anticipating beingseparated from his/her parents for an extended period of time. A must forbrothers and sisters of international adoption! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family - Adoption    5. Family/Marriage    6. Fiction    7. Intercountry adoption    8. Seeds    9. Sisters   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (2)

from SherriAllen.com
Anita Jeram's "All Together Now" tells the story of the Honeys and how they became a family.The story starts with Mommy Rabbit leading her children in singing their family song.The children all have their own special parts to sing, because each child is different.You see, the "children" are Bunny, Little Duckling and Miss Mouse. Bunny was Mommy Rabbit's first child.One day, Little Duckling hatched from his egg, followed Bunny home and became the second child in the Honey family.Later, Bunny and Little Duckling found Miss Mouse all alone and Mommy Rabbit quickly welcomed her into the family, too.
Wonderful Book and Also Has a Great Adoption Theme
This precious children's book not only teaches about families and their important differences but is a great story about adoption.Momma Rabbit has three children--whom she loves the same--one baby was born to her and two joined the family through adoption, (one is a mouse and one is a duckling).."but momma rabbit is their momma just the same."They celebrate their differences while also enjoying their similarities.Most importantly, they are a FAMILY! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Animals - General    3. Animals - Rabbits    4. Children's Baby - Family    5. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Rabbits   

Reviews (1)

This book helped us adopt our daughter
I initially found this book in our local library in early 1994. I then ordered a copy of my very own so that I could write notes in the edges and make notations in the margins. I used this book to find agencies that had parameters that we were looking for: location, price for adoption services(we are not rich), and average waiting times. I mailed many of the agencies in the book and we recieved many, many referrals. One of them lead to the adoption of our daughter in October 1994.She is now eight, and the joy of our lives. My only regret is that there has been no updated version of this book as we are tring to adopt another child and updated information would be sooooo helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Adoption agencies    4. Directories    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. General    8. Reference    9. States    10. United States   

Reviews (3)

Roger Bingham Survivor II reviews my new book
I found the book, Who Am I to be very well written and the
Outstanding Book
I am fortunate having discovered this new book regarding the topic of adoption.Who Am I? is a cheerful and exciting book celebrating God's love through ADOPTION.It is important to have books such as this one in order to provide ample opportunity for children to ask questions about their own adoption.The adopted children in my life are secure and content with being adopted,and this book has definately helped to solidify identity.

Adoption Book For Children that is truly Inspirational!
I would like to recommend Who Am I? for parents/caregivers explaining adoption from a Christian perspective.Who Am I? addresses hard to answer questions and facilitates communication concerningthe gift of ADOPTION.The book tackles identity issues that adoptees must face,and provides a happy tone for readers and children.This book is a must see!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage   

Reviews (8)

Awesome Book!
All I can say is, this book is amazing. I loved it so much. I cannot wait for Kelly's next book.

Love this book, and I didn't even attend Notre Dame
This is an absolutely wonderful accounting of a man who had a vision of the proper place of athletics in American life. By the end, I had a tear in my eye, even though I have no direct connection to ND.

Inspirational
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.While Moose Krause isn't the most recognizable figure in Notre Dame sports history, his story certainly makes him one of the most interesting.Congrats to Mr. Kelly for his enthusiastic, page-turning masterpiece! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1913-1992    2. Adoption    3. Athletic directors    4. Basketball coaches    5. Biography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family/Marriage    9. Krause, Edward,    10. Sports - Basketball    11. United States    12. Advice on parenting    13. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Adoption    3. Family Law - Children    4. Law    5. Law and legislation    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. United States    8. ADOPTION_LAW AND LEGISLATION    9. ADOPTION_UNITED STATES    10. Family & Relationships / Adoption    11. Family law    12. Social welfare & social services    13. USA   

Reviews (48)

Wonderful story of love and family
I read Helen Doss' heartwarming book in grade school and am thrilled to see it back in print. Carl and Helen Doss, a young couple struggling to get Carl through divinity school, adopt a baby boy. Without really planning it, they adopt eleven more children!
The Family Nobody Wanted
This book is very heartwarming and can touch anyones heart. This book talks about a couple that can't have children so then they go to another option which is adoption. First of all they are a very poor couple and can barely afford food. They go apply for adoption and get declined they then fix the problems with their financial needs and then apply again getting approved. They get their first baby boy, Donny. They have trouble taking care of him since their very afraid of 'breaking one of his bones'. But they get through after that they apply for MORE AND MORE children and go through troubles along the way. At the end they adopt 12 CHILDREN and get in an article in a magazine. This book was really nice and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read a comforting story...

Life-changing
I'm so pleased to see this title back in print. I read it, and re-read it, and re-re-read it many times as a young teen. And I owe this book the credit for my two precious children, who joined our family shortly after their births. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. California    6. Doss, Carl    7. Doss, Helen Grigsby    8. Family    9. Historical - General    10. Interracial adoption    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Sociology - Marriage & Family    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: general    15. Child welfare    16. Family & relationships   

Reviews (4)

A Blessing to all
What a wonderful book. I rarely purchase books. This one had a title and cover that intrigued me.I couldn't put these heartwarming stories down.Truely "Loved by Choice" will be a blessing to all who read it.

LOVED BY CHOICE
AS THE MOTHER OF AN ADOPTED DAUGHTER, I FOUND THIS BOOK OF TRUE STORIES TO BE COMFORTING AND ENLIGHTENING.IT OPENED MY EYES TO MANY OF THE STRUGGLES MY DAUGHTER AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED OVER THE PAST 21YEARS.I FEEL THE MATERIAL IN THIS BOOK WAS TOTALLY A BLESSING AND I FEEL ANYONE WHO READS IT WOULD BE BLESSED.

Wish I'd read this one first
We're in the process of applying to adopt a child, and I've read about 23 books on the subject (all aspects).This one is by far the most encouraging!Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoptive parents    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Birthparents    6. Case studies    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family/Marriage    9. Parental Memoirs    10. Parenting - General    11. United States    12. Family & Relationships / Adoption   

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoption    3. Adoption And Adoption Services    4. Adoptive parents    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. General    8. Sociology    9. Child welfare    10. Social work   

Reviews (1)

a great book
This is a great book that incorporates two issues that children often have to deal with: adaption and racial issues.The book, told in the first person, focuses on two adapted children of two different culturalbackgrounds.Highly reccommended--it will teach your children that noteverybody in the world is the same. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoption    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Juvenile literature    6. Sisters    7. United States   

Reviews (10)

I didn't get it
As the grandmother of 3 adoptees, I was eager to get this
A Rich Tapestry of Truth & Beauty
"A Ghost at Heart's Edge" is a rich tapestry of truth, beauty and pain, woven with heartfelt honesty. It offers rarely seen glimpses into all facets of adoption, not just the standard "joyous" reunions that are always more complex in real life than in TV drama. It should be required reading for anyone considering adoption. For those already adopted or who have adopted a child, it will ring with boldly familiar truth. I am pleased to be included in this groundbreaking work.

A Family Treasure
Susan Ito and Tina Cervin have skillfully compiled a beautiful meditation that challenges our most insidious assumptions of what it means to be a True Family. Required reading for anyone with a beating heart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Adoptees    3. Adoption    4. American literature    5. Child Care/Parenting    6. Family & Relationships    7. Fiction - General    8. Literary collections    9. Short Stories (Anthologies)    10. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms   

Reviews (5)

Thank you, Thank you
As an adoptive mother of 4 children myself 3 of which have an emotional and/or mental illnesses I was moved to tears, feelings of joys, able to relate to her sense of accomplishments and feelings of failure.The emotions of raising these chidren is unbeliable and Ann puts it all in words that speak to my heart and to the very core of our family and life raising these children.
A Must Read
Ann Yurcek takes the reader on an inspiring family journey.As a fellow adoptive parent, the second half of the book closely chronicles our own family's journey of adopting siblings with FASD.Many of the challenges the Yurcek's experienced are what we live daily in our home.
A journey for financial and health answers
In 1989 the author's sixth child Becca was born with a rare genetic disorder, driving her parents into poverty as they struggled with medical bills and despair. Their journey for financial and health answers would lead to the adoption of five siblings separated in foster care, and a newfound battle for resources in mental health. TINY TITAN: JOURNEY OF HOPE will find many audiences and its autobiographical account of a struggle is truly inspirational.
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Children with Special Needs    5. Family & Relationships / Children with Special Needs    6. Specific Groups - Special Needs    7. Women    8. Child Development    9. Fetal alcohol syndrome   

Reviews (1)

A `must' for any involved in children's social work, and for college-level specialty holdings.
Lori Aqskeland edits Children And Youth In Adoption, Orphanages And Foster Care: A Historical Handbook And Guide an outstanding and unusual survey providing the first comprehensive introductory resource on individuals and groups which have contributed to ideas of what children need temporary care. Three sections of original essays survey the practice of adoption, foster care and orphanages from colonial to modern times, using primary documents by adults and children alike to round out the historical review. A `must' for any involved in children's social work, and for college-level specialty holdings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. History    6. Orphanages    7. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Marriage & Family    11. Sociology Of Children    12. Sources    13. United States    14. United States - 20th Century    15. United States - General    16. American history    17. Child welfare    18. Family & relationships    19. History / United States / 20th Century    20. USA