ADOPTION: A Handful Of Hope
Arms, Suzanne 1990

In a series of case studies - closely observed, personal and moving - we learn what adoption means to children, to adoptive parents, and especially to the women making and adoption plan for their babies. Adoption: A Handful of Hope gets to the heart of what adoption is really like and shows how the whole process can be improved. This book describes how open adoption has affected the lives of many families as their children have grown.

DESIGNING RITUALS OF ADOPTION FOR THE RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR COMMUNITY
Mason, Mary Martin 1995

A guide for Welcoming, Naming, and Entrustment Ceremonies; Baptisms; adoption finalizations and anniversaries.

THE OPEN ADOPTION EXPERIENCE
Melina, Lois Ruskai and Roszia, Sharon Kaplan 1993

Two leading experts provide an authoritative and reassuring guide to the issues and concerns of adoptive and birth families through all stages of the open adoption relationship. It covered the steps from initial preparation, to placement and the first year, through the challenges of adolescents. It provides help to all those involved in an adoption to understand the nurture their relationship as it changes and grows.

DEAR BIRTHMOTHER, THANK YOU FOR OUR BABY
Silber MSW, Kathleen and Speedlin Esq., Phyllis 1991

This book contains actual letters written between members of adoptive families, both children and adults, and birthparents. In a caring and compassionate manner it makes the case for openness in adoption, and provides specific and practical suggestions.

CHILDREN OF OPEN ADOPTION
Silber MSW, Kathleen and Dorner MA, LPC, Patricia Martinez 1989

This sequel to Dear Birthmother examines the effects of open adoption on the adopted child at each stage of development: infancy, preschool, school age and the teenage years. As an added bonus, the text is filled with excerpts from actual letters between members of the adoption triangle - birthparents, adopted children, and adoptive parents.

ADOPTION WITHOUT FEAR
Gritter MSW, James L. 1989

In Adoption Without Fear, seventeen couples give the stories of their experiences with open adoption. The reader shares in their joy and pain as they travel on the road to adoption. The couples describe the bittersweet feelings as they add a child to their family while watching the birthparents say good-bye. A touching way to come to an understanding of what "open adoption" really means.

OPEN ADOPTION: A Caring Option
Lindsay MACHE, Jeanne Warren 1987

This book presents the concept of open adoption from a highly positive viewpoint. Its definition of open adoption emphasizes the need for counseling, both for the birthparents and the adoptive parents. Using personal narratives, the book thoroughly explains the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to adoption.

A BIRTHMOTHER'S BOOK OF MEMORIES
Romanchik, Brenda 1994

This beautifully designed book is meant to be a present from a birthmother to her child placed for adoption. The book includes room for a birthmother to describe her childhood and childhood experiences, family, friends, and family traditions. There is a section for her to write about her pregnancy and the decision to make an adoption plan, and of course, places for photos. This special book will last a lifetime and be a keepsake that an adopted child will treasure forever.

OPEN ADOPTION BIRTHPARENT NEWSLETTER
Romanchik, Brenda

Published four times a year, this newsletter features information on how to cope with an open adoption relationship, including toys and books appropriate to buy for children, book and video reviews, and suggestions for things to do when you visit. Included is a question and answer column and profiles of birthparents in open adoptions.

HOW IT FEELS TO BE ADOPTED
Krementz, Vill

This book is recommended in virtually all adoption bibliographies, and with good reason - it is one of the best. Nineteen youngsters describe How It Feels To Be Adopted. They present the good and the bad parts about being adopted, from the adolescent point of view. Written in the first person, this book is very personal and moving. Give this book as a gift to your adopted children, but don't forget to read it yourself too.

GROWING UP ADOPTED: An Inside Look
Rosenberg, Maxine B.

In Growing Up Adopted, the author writes about fourteen adoptees, eight children and six adults. Their personal testimonies provide a touching documentary of the adoption experience. What makes this book unique is the inclusion of adult adoptees' stories. Adopted children will appreciate the honesty and intimacy of their life stories.

THE OPEN ADOPTION BOOK: A Guide to Adoption Without Tears
Rappaport, Bruce M. 1992

This book serves as a guide to those considering adopting a child, what to expect, emotionally and procedurally, in an open adoption. By interweaving personal stories and real-life experiences of adopting parents, birthparents, and adopted children, the author gives answers to the most frequently asked questions about the open adoption procedure.

THE OTHER MOTHER
Schaefer, Carol 1991

"The Other Mother addresses, intimately, the expense of a birthmother as no other book has - or probably ever will ... Carol Schaefer has given a gift of insight not only to those whose lives have been touched by adoption, but to those who cannot fathom either relinquishment or a post-adoption search ..."

-          Jone Carlson, Editor People Searching News

ADOPTION AWARENESS: A Guide For Teachers, Counselors, Nurses And Caring Others

Provides clear, compassionate and sensible guidance for professionals and others involved in crisis pregnancy counseling. Includes guidelines for assisting birthparents in the classroom, in the counseling setting, and in the hospital. Interviews with birthparents add depth and reality - a guide for anyone wishing to support the adoption alternative in crisis pregnancy.