Adoption Literature for Children and Young Adults: An Annotated Bibliography

(Hardback)

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This annotated bibliography covers the literature published since 1900 suitable for children and young adults dealing with adoption. The 503 titles annotated in this volume are divided into fiction and nonfiction by reading level. A comprehensive subject, as well as title and author index, assures access to the books cited within the bibliography. Although most to the books included feature adoption as a main theme, others use adoption as a secondary theme, while others have characters who just happen to be adopted. The annotations with allow the readers an opportunity to evaluate each title's usefulness. The bibliography encompasses such topics as the age of arrival, sibling adoption, single-parent adoption, foster parent adoption, step-parent and relative adoption, transracial and intercountry adoption, American children, racial identity, minority families, special needs, large families, birthparents, search and reunion, surrogacy and open adoption, and some of the less pleasant aspects of adoption. This book, compiled by a reference librarian who is also an adoptive parent, brings a wealth of information to adoptees, adoptive parents and support groups, adoption agencies and their personnel, librarieans, educators and family therapists. The experiences and emotions described in the hundreds of compiled titles duplicate and validate those of every adoptive family. Each title includes complete bibliographic information, pagination, and OCLC number when available. Also featured is a selective resource list and a directory of adoption-related organizations.

Reviews

"This annotated bibliography provides an extensive list of literature on adoption issues for youth. Complementing Lois Ruskai Melina's work, Adoption: An Annotated Bibliography and Guide [RBB S 1 87], which lists mostly books for adults, this volume is arranged by age level and includes newer and broader-based titles. Lengthy annotations reveal each book's strengths and weaknesses. Books address topics like age of arrival, sibling adoptions, single-parent and foster-parent adoption, step families, transracial and inter-country adoption, minority families, special needs, surrogacy, and other adoption-related situations. To compile the bibliography, the editor consulted standard selection aids, adoption agencies, databases, and interested professionals. Both in-print and out-of-print items are included. The 500 titles are arranged in four major sections: "Preschool and Primary Readers," "Intermediate Readers," "Junior High Readers," and "High School Readers." Titles seem appropriate to the levels, although librarians should consult bordering sections to incorporate those titles that appeal to a wider readership. Entries vary from five to twenty lines and include full bibliographic citations. Content is summarized, and critical comments about applicability and bias make the annotations most useful. Appendix A lists significant adult titles, usually professional, to guide librarians. Appendix B provides names and addresses of adoption-related organizations. Three indexes follow: author and illustrator, title, and subject. Some cross-references are provided. With its wide coverage, critical comments, and varied access points, this bibliography should be useful in most youth-relatedlibraries."-Reference Books Bulletin
The annotations for each of the 503 books are excellent. This work will be very useful to those who are either adopted or who are thinking of adopting.-ARBA
This annotated bibliography provides an extensive list of literature on adoption issues for youth. Complementing Lois Ruskai Melina's work, Adoption: An Annotated Bibliography and Guide [RBB S 1 87], which lists mostly books for adults, this volume is arranged by age level and includes newer and broader-based titles. Lengthy annotations reveal each book's strengths and weaknesses. Books address topics like age of arrival, sibling adoptions, single-parent and foster-parent adoption, step families, transracial and inter-country adoption, minority families, special needs, surrogacy, and other adoption-related situations. To compile the bibliography, the editor consulted standard selection aids, adoption agencies, databases, and interested professionals. Both in-print and out-of-print items are included. The 500 titles are arranged in four major sections: "Preschool and Primary Readers," "Intermediate Readers," "Junior High Readers," and "High School Readers." Titles seem appropriate to the levels, although librarians should consult bordering sections to incorporate those titles that appeal to a wider readership. Entries vary from five to twenty lines and include full bibliographic citations. Content is summarized, and critical comments about applicability and bias make the annotations most useful. Appendix A lists significant adult titles, usually professional, to guide librarians. Appendix B provides names and addresses of adoption-related organizations. Three indexes follow: author and illustrator, title, and subject. Some cross-references are provided. With its wide coverage, critical comments, and varied access points, this bibliography should be useful in most youth-relatedlibraries.-Reference Books Bulletin
"The annotations for each of the 503 books are excellent. This work will be very useful to those who are either adopted or who are thinking of adopting."-ARBA

Author Bio

SUSAN G. MILES, Reference Librarian and Associate Professor at Central Michigan University, is a parent of eight adopted children. Professor Miles is the author of two books on computer technology in library science, as well as many professional articles.