A story of foster care and adoption; the pitfalls, the realities, the truth from an adoptive parent and former foster parent.

A true story about resilience, and the journey of a lifetime for a pair of brothers and their new father against the sometimes all too uncompromising realities of international adoption.

Rich, poignant stories of adoption from courageous birth parents who have made an agonizing life choice for another, who had no voice in the decision. Dramatic and amazing stories from adoptees about the search for their roots, the countless emotional impacts of being adopted, and some of what they've learned from their lives. Beautiful, at times heart-wrenching, personal experiences from both closed and open adoptions. An essential read for not only the adoption "triad" (birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents) but for adoption professionals and legislators who address adoption issues.

A haunting memoir of a tiny girl's journey through a life of hell. After suffering the death of both of her biological parents due to their drug addiction, Natalie Winters was placed in a Texas Foster home where she was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused. In A Secret Star, Natalie shares the horror stories and dark moments of despair that filled her world. Even as the events are detailed within these pages, no one could ever understand the depth of abandonment, abuse, and absence of love she felt. Natalie struggled during these horrible times wondering what light to seek and what star to wish upon. Even when there seemed no glimmer of hope or rescue, Natalie still found a wish that gave her just enough hope to endure. Just as the stars continue to twinkle whether they are visible or not, Natalie discovered that true light doesn't appear at the end of a long, hard road. True light comes from within and offers solace and comfort in the darkest hours. Most people live their whole lives unaware of this secret and empowering light, and it is often not discovered until someone shows us it's there. Natalie realized that even during her most traumatizing experiences, she was not alone. For even the darkest of skies, still have the sparkle of the stars.

Forever Mama is a heartwarming children's book which recounts the story of a little girl's adoption from China in a conversational format between mother and daughter. This book touches on the roles that the little girl's birth mother and foster mother had in her life and the qualities she inherited from both women. Finally, the little girl receives from her adoptive mother what she has been waiting for all along---the promise of forever.

Jessica Keebler, director of the Los Angeles County Bureau of Adoptions in 1955, faces an almost insurmountable crisis. There's a logjam of unadoptable babies and a severe lack of adequate foster homes for these children. The crux of this issues rests with a statute in California's adoption law stating ..". an interracial child is a non-white and may be given only to a Negro family."Since Negro family applications to adopt are as rare as rain in the Mojave desert, the backlog of interracial babies threatens the structure of Keebler's department and her mental health. When Paul and Anne Barlin, a white family, say they will adopt a child "of any color, any national origin," Keebler believes she may have found a way to resolve this backlog of babies.To make this unusual adoption a reality, she must have the courage to flaunt the law or stand up to the state legislature and ask them to repeal the law. Her actions will determine if one at-risk child will be placed in a loving home. This one case has the potential to change the landscape of adoption forever.

For nineteen straight years, the all-Hispanic boys' soccer team from Oregon's Woodburn High has made the playoffs. As they prepare to make it twenty, one thing will become clear: Los Perros play the beautiful game with heart, pride, and their lives on the line. Their spirited drive gives a rare sense of hope and unity to a blue-collar farming community that has been transformed by waves of immigrants over recent decades, a town locals call "Little Mexico." Watched over by a south Texas transplant--a surrogate father to half the squad--this band of brothers must learn to come together on the field and look after each other off it.
More than just riveting sports writing, "The Boys from Little Mexico" is about the fight for the future of the next generation--and a hard, true look at boys dismissed as gang-bangers, told to "go home" by lily-white sideline crowds. The wins and losses they notch along the way spin a striking tale about what it takes to capture the American Dream.

Pamela Bartram provides expert knowledge about the effects of development delay, coupled with facts, figures and guidance presented in a straightforward and accessible style. Adopters also describe what it is like to parent affected children, 'telling it like it is', sharing their experiences and offering advice.

In 1965, Carol Schaefer was 19, a freshman in college and deeply in love. She was also pregnant. When her boyfriend's family opposed their marrying, her parents sequestered her in a Catholic home for unwed mothers a state away, where she was isolated and where secrecy prevailed. She had only to give up her baby for her sin to be forgiven and then all would soon be forgotten she was told. The child, in turn, would be placed with a "good" family, instead of having his life ruined by the stigma of illegitimacy. Carol tried to find the strength to oppose this dogma but her shame had become too deep. "The first time I looked deep into my son's eyes, I felt like a criminal. As I unwrapped his hospital blanket and took in the heady fragrance of a newborn, I feared the nurses or the sisters would come in and slap me for contaminating my own son." Finding no way out, she signed the fateful papers leaving her son in the hands of strangers, but with a vow to her baby she would find him one day. For years, Carol struggled to forget and live the "normal" life promised, not understanding the consequences of the trauma she'd endured. On his eighteenth birthday, she set out to find him, although the law denied access to records. Her search became a spiritual quest to reclaim her own lost self, as she came to understand the emotional and psychological wounds she and other mothers like her had endured. Against all odds she succeeded in finding him and discovered that in many ways they had never really been apart. With her son's encouragement and his adoptive mother's cooperation, she tells their story. REVIEWS: "Strength, sadness, joy, and the power of undeniable love abound in this book." 500 Great Books by Women (A Penguin Books Reader's Guide, 1994) The list of authors goes back to the 11th century. Nominated "One of the best books of 1991." American Library Association. ..". flows as forcefully as the finest fiction. ... This 'ten-hankie-read' never descends into sentimentality but simply reveals the unvarnished truths of the human heart." Wilson Library Bulletin "This wrenching account, covering a range of adoption issues, is a moving testament to the bonding power of motherhood." Publishers Weekly "An astonishing revelation of the emotions that come into play throughout the adoptive process - a must read for all concerned." Kirkus Reviews Literary Guild Alternate Selection. "Inspiring ... a heart tugger." Patricia Holt, San Francisco Chronicle "A chronicle of a time with the starkest of emotions revealed ... Readers quickly understand the trauma that lingers on deep in the hearts of birthmothers every day of their lives." Elliot Bay Booknotes "It should be a must read for anyone who considers adoption the 'easy' answer to an unwanted pregnancy." The Philadelphia Inquirer "As she experiences pain and love, you're on that roller coaster with her, as if the life she lived was yours." St. Petersburg Times "Poignant and powerful, The Other Mother shatters the myth that unwed mothers, unprepared for the sacrifice they make, go on to lead normal and untouched lives." Booklist "Any woman who has gone through any part of her experience, or has been close to somebody who has, will attest to the story's authenticity." The Washington Post "I recommend it with all my heart. Its courage, integrity and love make it a treasure. ... not only for adoptive families and birth families, it is for everyone who longs to know how deep the levels are that connect us, and how precious." Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul ..". addresses intimately the experience of a Birthmother as no other book has - or probably ever will. Expertly written." Jone Carlson, Editor People Searching News "Courageous, moving and heartening." Betty Jean Lifton, Journey of the Adopted Self "A wonderful book. From my professional perspective the book is right on target." Reubon Pannor, coauthor, The Adoption Triangle

This book is designed to open a dialogue with adopted children. It serves to start a conversation about adoption at a very young age, giving children the tools to ask the questions they have and to understand how they came to be in their particular family. Every child needs to know their heritage and their story. Whether their adoption is foreign or domestic, trans-racial, traditional or non-traditional, children will understand (through the magic of animal births) how they came to be in their family, and that they are special and wanted and so very loved. While this book starts the story, each child's individual story will be different and unique. We hope this book will help each child answer the inevitable question, "When did you learn you were adopted?" with the answer "I always knew."

This book honors the day your child became part of your family. Because of this event, you too, can celebrate "Adoption Day" as a holiday each year in your family. This story is about circling the globe to make a family complete. It tells of a child's desire for a sibling through his or her own eyes. We offer these books in a variety of sibling possibilities to fit your family.

Adoption is both a gift and a blessing, but it can also come with difficulties. In Chosen By Love, young Chloe experiences ridicule from other kids because she is adopted. Seizing the opportunity, Chloe's mom shares a secret with her that helps Chloe see just how special adoption is and how it points to an even bigger blessing TOM JASKI is an attorney and a pastor of Grace Community of Topsail in Hampstead, NC. Chosen By Love is his first book, birthed through his family's journey through adoption (twice) as well as his own adoption experience. The adoption journey also inspired Tom's wife, Christy, to help found A Sea of Hope, an adoption ministry that promotes adoption and assists families through the process (www.aseaofhope.org). Tom and Christy have four daughters. You can find out more about what Chloe's mom shared with her at www.tomjaski.com. STEPHEN SOU is with Youth With A Mission and a member of Pick A Pocket in Herrnhut, Germany. Stephen is a fine artist and illustrator, traveling around the world to highlight issues of extreme poverty through the arts.

The search for who we are takes on a different dimension for the adopted person. Often shrouded in mystery and secrets, the quest to discover our roots tests our commitment, relationships, and self-worth. Mr. Bannon explores his own innermost thoughts and assumptions, while expressing his gratitude for life itself, to the mother he has never met. This is a letter of love and curiosity, thanks and confusion, wishing and hoping and in the end, a sensitive message to birth mothers and adoptees everywhere.

A warm and personal story of a four-year-old and his beloved stuffed dinosaur is complemented with vintage watercolor illustrations. Christopher's own adoption comes vividly to life as he sets out to create an adoption scrapbook for his pal, Boris. The misadventures of this unlikely pair only strengthen Chris's love for Boris and help him understand the true meaning of adoption.

Choice, Death, and the Aftermath

Fearfully and desperately wanting to hide my mistakes and deny the unwanted, but not totally unexpected ramifications of my earlier choices, I chose what seemed to be the easiest answer. I chose death, and then I moved into the aftermath of my choice. I, for a lifetime and beyond, will live in the aftermath of my choice. Although there is recovery, through forgiveness, there are lasting ramifications. No one told me that the ramifications of my choice would last forever. No one told me what my choice would do to my heart. No one told me that my choice was, in fact, a death sentence for my baby.

Are you, or someone you know, facing an unwanted pregnancy? Are you wondering if "choice" is the answer, the easiest solution?

After the "choice" comes the aftermath. A living choice not only gives life to a baby, but results in an aftermath of life. Abortion results in an aftermath forever shrouded in death, death of a baby, perhaps death of your own baby. For those struggling with the aftermath of abortion, you and your loved ones can find forgiveness.

This book is for:

Teenage moms wrestling with choice and an unplanned pregnancy

Loved ones who are seeking resolution after abortion

Anyone who needs hope and healing after abortion

This book is a great tool for teen pregnancy educators, pregnancy center advisors, and those seeking to learn more about the emotional struggles, post abortion. It is written out of love and understanding by a woman who thought her choice was the best answer. Whether or not you are a Christian, you will be inspired by the author's incredible faith, without which it would have been impossible to write this book.

Through my story, I pray that you will know that a living choice is the only real choice.

Join me in my story of running from my mistakes, hiding my choice, and slogging through the aftermath. Come with me as I discover a new truth about an old choice. Join me as I struggle with guilt and heartfelt shame, knowing the new truth. Observe the aftermath.

What choice would you have made? What choice would you recommend?

About the author

Sheila and her husband Wayne have been blessed with two beautiful daughters. She is currently on the Board of Directors of Elizabeth Ministry International and Wisconsin Right to Life. In 2010, Sheila received a certificate in equipping from The Masters Institute.

Sheila began her career following college working as an engineer for IBM. After three years, she resigned to attend law school at Marquette University Law School, graduating in 1985. In 2003, after nearly twenty years of being employed full-time as an attorney, Sheila retired and accepted God's call to begin writing Christian books and speaking for a variety of Christian organizations and schools. Sheila's current books include three Bible studies:

The Challenge of Change: Careers, Callings and Work-Life Crossroads

My Secret Loss: Finding Life after Abortion

Grapple with Guilt, Shed the Shame

This is the truly inspirational story of a woman who searched for her parents for forty years. She found a 100 year old artist and free spirit living in Dublin. Could this be her mother? A fascinating and astonishing story to give you goose bumps. If you don't believe in miracles, you will after you read this story.

A very special day is coming up-only Suzie isn't sure which one... When Suzie's mom tells her a special day is coming, Suzie is very excited and begins guessing. Could it be Valentine's Day? Or St. Patrick's Day? Suzie's mom can't resist letting Suzie make guess after guess as Suzie's imagination journeys through many possibilities trying to figure out which special day her mother is so excited about. It's not Christmas, but there will be a big celebration. No, it's not one of "the special days for presidents and kings," but it does celebrate history-their family history. And there will be balloons and cake and maybe even presents, but it's not a birthday. With just a few more clues, Suzie figures it out: it's her Gotcha Day That's the day her family celebrates the date they became a family, the day they recount first holding her and bringing her home and show her all over again how special she is and how much they love her. Gotcha Day is a celebration in itself with warm illustrations, a story full of guesses and laughs, and even a removable Gotcha Day certificate. Families can personalize their child's name and the date they became a family. "Let it hereby be known that your Gotcha Day is a very important date in our family history and how happy we are to have Gotcha " Adoptive parent and author Rebecca Tabasso's debut is a loving-and fun-way to talk to children about adoption. As comforting as a warm embrace, her sweet story renders a heartfelt portrait of the special place an adoptive child's Gotcha Day holds in their family's history. Full of laughter and love, Gotcha Day: A Carried in My Heart Adoption Story for Children is the perfect avenue for families to share with their child their own adoption story, traditions, and joy their child brings to the family.

Adoptive Parent Intentional Parent: A Formula for Building and Maintaining Your Child's Safety Net is an invaluable tool that adoptive parents will use over and over again. Whether you are in the "waiting stage" or you are two, four, six, or even ten plus years into your adoption...this book will to enable you to reframe your situation with a clear vision, new knowledge, tools that work, and the support of others who have walked the path before you. Every child who has been adopted has suffered a breech in attachment; no adopted child is exempt. In addition to attachment issues, some children also suffer with difficult behavior issues amongst diagnoses such as RAD, FAS, and those that suffer with grief, anxiety, sensory issues and the effects of trauma. The author's breakthrough concept of intentionally creating a safety net to help your child heal fills the books entirety. The four-part formula for Building and Maintaining that safety net is laid out in a detailed and user-friendly fashion. It combines the value of knowing yourself, the power of knowledge, specific tools and techniques that work in everyday life and the keys to maintaining the net over time to create a plan you can put in to motion today.

A book about adoption that celebrates the miracle of family and addresses the difficult issues as well. With charming, exuberant illustrations and a diverse representation of families, ABC, Adoption & Me will warm hearts, deepen understanding of what it means to be an adoptive family and provide teaching moments that bring families closer, connected in truth, compassion, and joy.

ADOPTION FOR SINGLES Second Edition is the first of a series of Singleandsatisfied.com books. It was written to walk single men and women through the process of adoption, whether domestic - private adoption of newborns, or children in foster care - or international. Single adults are now permitted to adopt in all 50 states, and with 129,000 waiting children in the foster care system, and an estimated 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone, single parents couldn't be more needed. Read about: * Are you emotionally ready? What does it take to be a parent? * How much does it cost? (Hint: it can be as low as $0 ) * What age child is best for you? What is available? Can you get a baby? (Read about two men who got a 14 month old son and newborn twins.) How about older children? Teenagers? * Where do you start? How long does the process take? Will anyone help you? How about after the adoption? * What do you need to do to prepare your life and home for a child? * Q&As with single adoptive parents, an adoption social worker; the founder of an adoption clinic, and the Executive Director of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. * A 100+ page Appendix of all of the countries tracked by the U.S. Department of State and their policies on adopting to American singles. * Web links to dozens of resources, including an agency directory prescreened for a willingness to work with singles, and forms to help with the process.

Love, laughter and lunacy in 140 characters. A work-at-home dad turns to Twitter to share updates about kids, causes and life. It's a curated selection of bizarre quotes, funny stories and temper tantrums. Woven between potty-training woes and breakfast time songs is a family growing through adoption and learning how to change the world, one status update at a time. You'll find humor, parental commiseration and life-changing wonder mixed into a quick and compelling read. A portion of the proceeds from this book benefit charity: water.