All these books have been recommended by people who have direct experience of the issues in question with a brief explanation of why.
Some are Christian books, which can be a help in addressing not just the surface issues, but understanding the bigger issues at stake, all from a God-focused perspective.
Inclusion on the list does not necessarily mean an endorsement by UtR.
Christian
Adopted for Life
Russell D. Moore
A very helpful book written by a pastor who adopted two boys. It explores Christian reasons for adopting and the practical issues and obstacles. Impresses adoption is a vital ministry to bring children into a Christian home and church family. Inspirational reading for all – those with or without biological children. The adoption process in the UK is different from the US but the principles and ideas raised are the same. Recommended reading to anyone beginning to think about adoption or fostering, and to those who would like to support adoption.
How to Really Love Your Child
D. Ross Campbell, M.D.
Written from a Christian perspective on how to really love your child. Dr Campbell asserts that everyday a child is asking his parents, “Do you love me?”, not only through their words, but more importantly through their behaviour.
The Call to Adoption
Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
An excellent resource for anyone who has adopted, is paper-chasing their adoption or is beginning to think about building a family through adoption. In easy to read chapters, which can be read in or out of sequence, Wolfe describes her prayerful journey to adopt a daughter from Russia.
The Growth of Love
Keith J White
This is about connecting a theological way of looking at the world to secular theories of child development. Very helpful for people who are looking to parent traumatised children through fostering or adoption.
Keith White runs a residential children’s home in London.
General
British Adoption and Fostering Agency (BAAF)
These books are good for getting to grips with the process of adoption in the UK.
Adopting a Child
Jennifer Lord
The Adopter’s Handbook
Amy Neil Salter
First Steps in Parenting the Child Who Hurts
Caroline Archer
Hands on advice about parenting children through fostering and adoption.
Attachment: Volume One of the Attachment & Loss Trilogy
Dr John Bowlby
Helps prospective adopting parents to understand some of the difficulties a child may have experienced and the future impact this might have on the parent-child relationships. As an adoptee it helped me understand myself a little better.
Being Adopted
David M. Brodzinsky, Marshall D. Schechter & Robin Marantz Henig
Very helpful for a lifelong perspective on being adopted and adopting.
A Child’s Journey through Placement
Vera Fahlberg
A helpful core text as recommended by a Foster Care Employee.
Real Parents, Real Children
Holly van Gulden* & Lisa M. Bartels-Rabb
Holly Van Gulden is an American psychologist who is an adopter, and has adopted siblings. She combines personal and professional experience.
Building the Bonds of Attachment
Daniel A. Hughes*
Dan Hughes is an American Clinical Psychologist who specialises in supporting carers of children who have experienced trauma and attachment disorders.
Helping Children cope with Separation and Loss
Claudia Jewett Jarratt
A helpful core text as recommended by a Foster Care Employee.
A Short Introduction to Attachment and Attachment Disorder
Colby Pearce
An easy-to-read overview of the world of Bowlby and his contemporaries.
*Both Holly van Gulden and Daniel A. Hughes visit Scotland frequently and do excellent training courses for various organisations.
See Krish Kandiah’s blog (President of London School of Theology) for other helpful books.