Adoption Books

This book provides basic, practical ideas for every parent. The ideas are not mind blowing or extreme, it just simply provides a different way of thinking about your child's development. My daughter was born 8 weeks premature, and her healthy, "normal" development is always on my mind. I have avoided buying books that state what a child should be doing by a certain age, simply because I know that her development may not follow the "normal" guidelines. Instead, I feel as though this book helps parents to focus on the basic building blocks (note the title) to healthy development, as opposed to stessing out because your child in not meeting certain milestones. The "back to basics" ideas really make sense. The book is extremely easy to follow, and there are real life illustrations of the techniques. I feel as though that being able to physically participate in my child's development truely empowers me as a parent. I've just started the techniques that the book details, and I have already seen results in my little girls development, and our personal bonding. I am very satisified with this purchase. I was looking for a different perspective (but not wacky) and I feel that is exactly what the author provides. Even if you are slightly curious you should make the purchase. There is a lot that can be gained from this book!

I wish I had this book when my child was born. I have put these suggestions into practice in my home now (he is 9 years old) and the difference is amazing! I highly recommend this book for everyone, especially those with learning disabled children.

It's a great book full of simple, yet very useful information and advises. After reading it we actually bought the ply plastic mat she recommends and within a week or so our 4-month old boy started to crawls on the belly around himself! Moreover, he now enjoys being on his tummy and spends quite a lot of time on the floor. We also likes the deep pressure techniques, described there. I think this book is a must for any parent. It's con, however, that it doesn't give any scientific background behind the recommendations. So for me it wasn't a big deal since I'm PT myself and it all sounds very reasonable to me, but to others it might feel unsupported. So don't hesitate, it's a good science-backed approach and your baby would definitely benefit from it, spending more time with you on his tummy than being in all those high-end exersaucers/walkers/stationary entertainers.

I am a pediatric physical therapist who has been blessed to know the author, Roxanne Small, for over 20 years. This book is the result of years of research and hands-on interaction with a multitude of children. It is a wonderful overview of appropriate activities for little ones - without using all of the unnecessary "bells and whistles" items that are being pushed on new parents. Each section of the book is brief but thorough, making it easy to understand and use.

Having put into practice the ideas in this book with all 4 of my own children as well as with my patients, I can attest to the fact that Roxanne's recommendations are useable in the real world and encourage appropriate development and a solid foundation.

Finally, I would like to respond to the reviewer who referred to the ideas in this book as "extreme." I can't even imagine how many hours Roxanne has spent with 4 - 6 month olds, with 3 children of her own and working in pediatrics for over 30 years. She makes it clear in the book that children may (and often do) desire to do things that are not what is best from a developmental perspective. Just because a child has "a fit," it does not mean that what he or she wants is good for them. (Think of playing with matches!)

I recommend this book for all new moms as well as anyone caring for infants. I have been a pediatric therapist for 30 years. Many babies who do not get adequate floor play with tummy time and belly crawling do not develop adequate tummy and back muscle strength. It can affect everything including learning ability, speech, and behavior. The techniques in the book are so logical and easy to follow. The title is perfect.

What a special book! It appeals to both the head & the heart. I have always wondered what goes on inside of my dog's head & now I know. I love getting an idea about the parent's world through the eyes & experiences of Shilo, especially Halloween's "chicken feet"! I am also impressed with his writing abilities, recounting others stories, & observations of all things around him. A must read for any canine adorer!!!!!

a great read though not ment for someone who dos'nt like to pick up a dictionary. i enjoyed the book and learned some new words along the way.

Behind the amusing, touching and sometimes hilarious thoughts of golden retriever Shilo is a deep spirituality that makes one stop and think. This is a beautifully written book with lots of fun photos. I read it twice and will read it again.

This is a delightful read. Susan Lustig must have been a dog in her previous life. She is most insightful into a dog's mind. It is deeper than one thinks initially. It is humorous and elicits many chuckles. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, from children to the elderly.
Enjoy!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. This book is a winner on multiple levels. It's short, sweet, has lots of priceless photos and makes for great reading, over and over again. The premise is very clever and laugh-out-loud funny. While this book is entertaining, I enjoyed it's softer, more poignant side as well. Hope to hear from this team again with more pet antics and adventures.

My kindergartner and I love to read books, especially about animals. This is a great story about dogs, love and protection by a mother, and kids.

Paul M. Howey's Freckles: The Mystery Of The Little White Dog In The Desert is a heartwarming true story about the love and comradeship offered by a dog and her puppies. The black-and-white illustrations of Judy Mehn Zabriskie adds an especially endearing touch of charm to the text story, which is sophisticated enough to appeal to young readers who are almost ready to move on from picturebooks to more complicated reading material. Freckles is highly recommended - especially for young animal lovers.

What a beautiful story about man's love and appreciation for one of our true friends. A touching story to read children of all ages. Proof that dogs like humans care deeply for their young and will nuture and protect them. When given the chance these beautiful creatures will give back in many rewarding ways. Kudos to Mr. Howey for his ability to put this on paper with such style and grace. The illustrations by MS. Judy Zabriskie could not have completed this book any better. If you did not fall in love with the words, you would with the illustrations.

I think that Paul Howey's message can be heard not only by children, but adults too. Freckles teaches us that all animals deeply love and show love in their own wonderful way, and that respect towards our animals on this planet should be of utmost importance in our lives and our childrens lives. What a great inspiration Mr. Howey is to all people on the planet to remember what loving creatures animals truly are. Bless you Mr. Howey.

I was able to meet Freckles before the book came out. At that time she was somewhat withdrawn. As time went by and with love and care by Paul and his wife Trish, she has become a warm and loving creature. Now, with the popularity of her (or Paul's) book, she is a shining star. She brings this life to the children she visits.
I am biased, but this is truly a magical story of being found, being loved and giving all the love back. It's a story for all children of any age.

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

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.

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!

as a teacher, i will encourage all my students to read this book. through this marvelous book, i began to appreciate the character of this man called "moose." aside from being a fine athlete and coach, kraus lived his life the way to which we should all aspire. whether or not you're a notre dame fan, this is a great read.

I am not a Notre Dame fan, but my husband is and he strongly urged me to read this book. I couldn't be more thrilled that I did! It was enjoyable throughout and I was sad when it ended. Everyone should read this- sports fan or not, Notre Dame fan or not.

With their fingers on the pulse of American life, the authors of "Parents At Last" have captured the essence of the most important challenge facing us today - creating and nurturing families. While the media focuses on the breakdown of the family, this book focuses instead on creating family in its many forms - adoptive families, blended families, families who experience the wonders of cutting edge technological fertility. Through it all the underlying truths of family shine through: humor, communication, and most of all, love.

"Parents at Last" is written in a way that engulfs the reader. It is truly lighthearted and enjoyable to read. I purchased it as a gift for my husband, hoping that it would give additional encouragement for our quest to build our family. He also has enjoyed reading the book very much. After purchasing the many infertility and adoption books that we have, it was nice to be able to read a book that was easily read and didn't inundate us with medical jargon.

This book offers hope & compassion to many people with the goal of creating a family. As the Mother of a stillborn son 18 months ago and with added discouragement of not yet conceiving again at age 35+, this book offers hope that there are alternatives to building my family should I need to go that direction. It's nice to know that I'm "not alone" in this quest. It was also wonderful to hear about the book on the "Today" show; that's what prompted me to purchase it.

The photographs in Parents at Last were the first gentle tug at my heartstrings. Helen Kolikow Garber artfully illustrates the 32 family stories told mostly in the first person. The black-and-whites illuminate the painful, joyful tales of how people create families in the late 20th century.

...Organized in four sections to reflect the process of family growth, Parents at Last carries the reader from home to home, detailing the agonies and ecstasies of parents with their children. From the authors' introduction, I was already choking back tears over the blessed connections and sacred lessons learned when a grown-up deliberately chooses to form a family. The adoption stories touched me the deepest, marked by those fabulous pictures of mostly dissimilar faces that share a knowing love.

Often throughout Parents at Last, grief is dealt with and resolved. Pain is accepted and released. Challenge is rife and drives many of the families to fulfill their loving desires. ...The unique stories in Parents at Last are filled with truth, hope and beauty.

So, while you might buy Parents at Last for its gorgeous photos, be sure to read it too. The beauty reaches beyond the page.

--Jeanne McGough, IVillage.com Book Club

As an adoptive parent I found the stories in Parents at Last to ring true. It was so encouraging to see many different kinds of families gathered together in one book. There are many ways to go about creating a family. The only constant is love and commitment. Several of the stories reflect the parents feeling that their child was meant to be theirs. We also experienced that faith as we searched for our daughter 5 years ago. This is a beautiful book that I plan to share with our adoption support group.

This was given to me by one of the people featured in the book while on a business trip to Texas. Honestly, I couldn't put it down! It is so lovely, so inspiring, and so celebratory of the act and diversity of adoption. I highly recommend it to anyone touched by adoption--especially those that need to start celebrating! The photography and testimonials couldn't be better and they represent each person in the adoption triad. Treat yourself and buy a copy!

Wow! I loved this book. Letting people speak for themselves about adoption is so important. I sensed a compassionate hand in the editing of these stories that makes them a pleasure to read and gives an artful consistency without diminishing the individual voices. The photography is wonderfully evocative. By chance, I have had the opportunity to meet a few of the people whose stories are in the book. I was delighted to find that there was no disjuncture between my brief encounters and what I read, which added to its authenticity for me.

I re-visited "Sacred Connections" after almost a year. Any parent would benefit from these tender , moving stories of love, courage and commitment. The voices, of the subjects, reverberate in many of my personal encounters and experiences. It is a wonderful book.

I bought the book because I know some of the people interviewed in the book...but the book was even better than I had hoped it would be! The stories are very moving and brought tears to my eyes. It was nice to see a variety of closed adoption reunion and open adoption stories. I think the book shows people that contrary to current adoption stereotypes...adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents can all share a special bond or connection if they are open to it. Everybody has something special to add to the relationship...and having birth parents be a part of that relationship doesn't have to be threatening or confusing for anyone! This book would make a beautiful gift for anyone you know who is involved in adoption!

I'm a birth mother of a child in an open adoption, and I gave this book to my son's adoptive mother for Mother's Day. The black and white photographs are gorgeous, and they really sum up all the complex emotions inherent in adoptive relationships. The text for each story is well-written and illuminating, and the authors were obviously careful to represent the full range of adoption experiences. If you're looking for something special to express the lifelong connections between the adopted person and his or her birth and adoptive families, this is your book.

Saving Levi is a precious book. I couldn't put it down and had fun reading it to my kids. Adoption is close to my heart as we are waiting for a birth mom referal right now. This book is a beautiful testimony of the very command God gives us to care for orphans. This is a wonderful family and I envy them very much. Wish the whole world could experience a day in their shoes. I was inspired to help missionaries and orphanages in any way I could. NO job is too small. It all fits into God's big plan.

This an awesome book that clearly illustrates the power of God. I read it in one sitting, with a box of tissues. It's definitely a favorite! I would love to read more books by this author.

This is a wonderful heartwarming story about a strong little boy and a determined group of people who would not give up on him. Once you start reading the book I found it hard to put down. It was a very easy book to read. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures as it added so much to the story. I also enjoyed reading about the cultural differences that they encountered in their every day lives while living in China. Having adopted a child from China myself I know what a difficult and lenghtly process it can be at times but in the end it is so rewarding.

I loved reading this book, in fact my husband and i read it together and we both were struck by the simple powerful honesty of lisa's writing. How amazing to watch with her as a hundred different people give love not just to one special little man; but then also pass that love on to those of us who are inspired to do the same just by reading their wonderful story. I would sit beside her and listen to her tell the tale again and again and hope it never leaves me the same!

This book is a must read for anyone considering adoption. This true story will broaden your perspective. I could not put it down and read it in 3 days!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R6TG7VV1THM93

Having just finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, I looked forward to reading a different kind of story about a boy and his dog. This slim volume speaks chapters and volumes about the power of love we can bring to others by giving them a second chance, whether they are orphan boys or dogs in an animal shelter waiting for adoption. Although most of the book comes from a dog's perspective, the love that Ms. Gerencher has for other people and animals comes through the strongest. It's a love that should inspire us all.

This book will be heart-warming reading for any child who has been adopted. In addition, any child who is autistic will feel affirmed by what Ms. Gerencher has to say. Finally, anyone who has thought about adopting a pet from a shelter will realize the full humanity of making that choice.

If you know a youngster who is about 7-10 years old who needs to count his or her blessings, this is a good book to buy as a gift. It will mean the most, however, if you read it aloud to the youngster the first time so you can convey the full emotion in the book.

I especially liked the interior illustrations which are more attractive than the cover one and show a sensitive approach to impressionistic ways of capturing the universal.

Buy this book and enjoy!

I did the artwork for the cover on this book before I'd even read the story. When the publisher sent me a copy of the finished product, I took it upon myself to give the whole book a good read. I was delighted! Not only does the story tug at your heart.... and make you wish you could be equally giving in your own life .... the blurred photographic images throughout the book seem like wonderful watercolors! As the adoptive parent to several canines and felines myself, I can safely say that Ms. Gerencher is just the kind of person I want to be associated with. Her heart is truly in the right place. Bravo!

Second Chance is a wonderful little book that accomplishes a great deal in a relatively small number of warm and wonderfully illustrated pages. First and foremost, it explains adoption in terms that any child can understand - and it does so in an interesting way, via the point of view of Chance, a shelter dog rescued by the author and brought home to live with her, her son, and their three other dogs. The lady keeps talking about adoption, but Chance doesn't understand what that means, nor does he understand what the lady means by his getting a second chance.

Like Chance, Ryan was also adopted, but there is something special about Ryan - he has autism and several related disorders. That doesn't bother Chance at all; in fact, he relates more to this little boy than he does to his new Pomeranian brothers and sister (who aren't as quick to welcome a large, energetic puppy into their lives). In fact, it is Ryan who helps Chance learn just what adoption means. The boy may have bounced around between foster homes rather than being caged up in a shelter, but Chance recognizes how similar their situations were - and he is thrilled to learn that he now has a permanent home with a family who will always love him and take care of him. Adoption, as Ryan tells him, means to be loved forever.

The most telling part of this whole story is the communication between Chance and Ryan. The boy's autism makes communication with other people problematic, yet he can understand Chance just fine. He even looks Chance in the eye when he talks to him - in complete sentences, no less - which is something he never does when talking to humans. This bond formed between Chance and Ryan obviously proves mutually beneficial to them both - and is the very heart of the book.

Chance's early impressions of Ryan (such as his penchant for chewing on his collar) are likely quite similar to a child's first reaction to such a special needs child. That being the case, this book definitely has the potential to help children understand and interact more easily with any friends or family members who have special needs. This is by no means a primer on the nature of autism, but the book does provide a degree of insight into the nature of the condition.

Sandra J. Gerencher's story is as heart-warming as it is instructive, largely because Second Chance is the author's own story - more specifically, the story of the unique bond between her own adopted son Terry (who was born with Fragile X Syndrome) and her rescued shelter dog Chance. The warm and fuzzy watercolor photos that fill each page are of her real-life family of boy and dogs, each one of which was given the gift of a second chance for a happy and healthy life by this caring woman. Having worked with special needs children and adults for over 20 years, Gerencher knows the unique qualities such children have to offer. She also knows the joys that innocent dogs rescued from high-kill animal shelters bring to people's lives. The publication of Second Chance is really just an extension to the important advocacy work Sandra Gerencher has been doing throughout her adult life.

Sandra J. Gerencher addresses many issues in her well-written, entertaining, informative book SECOND CHANCE. Not only is this a tale that deserves wide attention among proponents of animal shelters and readers seeking a degree of understanding of autism, it also stands alone as a beautifully illustrated (by Virginia Cody) book for informing children about the concept of adoption. For this reader this book is one of the finest explanations for sharing the meaning of adoption with youngsters - a definite assist to parents who adopt and are searching for the best way to discuss the topic with their family.

But Gerencher goes further than the usual author of books for children by engaging the reader using a dog's view of the process. The warmly human 'lady' of the story goes to the animal shelter, adopts a German Shepherd/Rottweiler pup that is seemingly unwanted, and takes the pup 'Chance' home - adopting (a strange word to the narrator Chance) yet another animal for her houseful of Pomeranians. The manner in which Chance interacts with his new 'brothers' as well as his bonding with the lady's adopted autistic son Ryan offers the crux of the story, a story that explains the nurturing and care and sense of family that occurs with the concept of the term 'adoption'.

In Gerencher's gently elegant style of writing the story avoids being maudlin and instead focuses on the wisdom of both animals and humans in exploring, understanding and integrating Adoption as a means of illustrating an extended family, or in other words a `second chance' at life. And by electing to set the typeface of the narration superimposed on the beautifully realized watercolor-like manipulated photography of each of the dogs and the boy, this book becomes an art piece as well. As with other authors who offer subtitles to their books, Gerencher opens her fountain of knowledge and experience in her addressed fields by adding the subtitle 'How Adoption Saved A Boy With Autism and His Shelter Dog'. This book is a fine achievement in literature, in children's books, and in teaching resources for every reader, no matter the age. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 08

It's always enriching to peek into someone else's life. So, you know, most books are good. I want as many details as the author is willing to share. I'm willing to pay the price of sharing in depression, envy, greed, sorrow, confusion to gain insight and widom.

The rare beauty of Son of My Soul is that it will make you feel bubbling joy in your heart, and you'll look at the future as filled with boundless opportunity and blindingly bright promise. Read it, and be a better person.

If you are looking for a book that comes straight from the heart this is the book for you to read. It is storytelling at its best. At times reading this book I felt like I was eavesdropping in on Debra's conversation with her son Chris. At other times I felt like she and I were old friends sitting around and she was just sharing her life experiences with me. I whole heartily recommend this book to anyone.

Son of My Soul is a moving and heart felt story written by and about Debra Shiveley Welch and her special adopted son, Christopher. Her journey begins within a very challenged home life as a child. Yet the path in life that she is led down to is a most wondrous, strong and loving path that brings her to the adoption of her son. Tears as well as laughter abound in this book.

Debra is, indeed, a master storyteller. I read her words and I see what she sees, I hear what she hears, I smell what she smells and taste what she tastes. Most importantly, I FEEL what she feels.

"Son of My Soul" is a heart-wrenching autobiography -- a tale of humanity, of living, of understanding, of compassion and anger and forgiveness. But most of all, "Son of My Soul" is a story of true love. If you want to read about real life in all its glory, including hardships as well as the wonders of supernatural love . . . read "Son of My Soul" by Debra Shively Welch. You will be blessed.

-- Linda Alexander

[...]

Everybody will be able to relate to this book in some way or the other, as Debra writes straight from her heart. At times you will feel sad and at other times you will have a smile on your face. We might think or imagine that having the biggest house or best car is the most important thing, but after reading this book you will realize how there are things which are much more important than that.

You will realize how love is the most important thing. Debra has truly given all her love to Chris, her son and her soul, and by the end of the book you will feel very happy for both of them.

The emotions and feelings are universal and at the end of the day we are all one. This book is a must read for anybody who is human and believes in love.

I love this book! I bought this book while I was pregnant with my first child and have found it indispensible. I find that it answers all of my questions and concerns, and the dosing guides for medication are really handy. Having it around has made me a more confident parent, and I'm not bothering the pediatrician with phone calls. I always give this book as a baby shower gift, and it is always much appreciated.

My wife is the Board President of a Pennsylvania adoption support group and she has recommended this book to all of the member families. It is especially relevant to those families that will travel abroad to adopt. Part 1 chapter 18 deals with exactly that topic and gives very sound tips to make traveling easier for all concerned. There is also a list of items both medical and non-medical to bring along-which is enormously helpful! Also, the royalties from the sale of this book go to a children's home in South Africa - what an admirable thing to do! This book is an excellent medical reference tool to anyone with children and an all-around winner!

This is an excellent, well-organized book for a variety of family situations. It is great for both run-of-the-mill parental concerns (from fever and flu to a knocked-out tooth), and it is equally informative for parents who are planning to travel with their children (whether out of town or out of the country). The section on international travel includes travel by immigrants to their country of origin as well as tourists. This is an exceptional resource for every family. There are also special notes for children who have chronic diseases or illnesses, such as those with diabetes or those in a wheelchair. Without being alarmist, the author highlights health concerns and how to address them. I found the book very thorough and informative.

Our neighbors bought us this book after the arrival of our first child - and we can't thank them enough. We carry it with us whenever we travel and we find ourselves consulting it whenever our boy gets sick. It has information on almost everything that normally happens to your kids.

We now buy this for every new parent we know as a baby gift. Its an excellent book.

As a mother of four (ages 14 to 8 months) and having no medical background, I have found this book to be a must. We travel a lot and I can carry this book in my purse or diaper bag. When at home, I keep it handy in the kitchen. The book is easy to use and easy to understand. It tells you how to prevent and treat illnesses as well as when to seek medical attention. The dosing tables for various medications can be used for all my kids. I have given several of these books as gifts.