With Eyes Wide Open- this is a workbook prepared by Children's Home Society of Minnesota. It is an excellent workbook to help examine issues of international and older child adoption (over age 1). An online version is also available through Minnisotta Children's Home Society, the completion of which includes a certificate of completion.

Passage to the Heart-many stories that talk about the realities of international adoption. Also has a very good chapter on attachment.

An Mei's Strange and Wondrous Journey- my daughter loves this book and it helped her to resolve some questions that she had about the orphanage.

When You Were Born in China- words and pictures to help talk about adoption with your child. (there are also titles for other countries)

I Love You Like Babycakes-and excellent story about a single parent that adopted in China.

Chinese Eyes- a gentle way of teaching Asian children about prejudice.

The Mulberry Bird- helps explain birthmothers, adoption and Trans-cultural adoption.

The Lonely Planet guides are a great resource for information about the country you are planning to adopt from.

The Whole Life Adoption Book- or some other book that looks at adoption throughout childhood.

The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adopted Children- this book is from USCIS and will explain the law related to international adoption. This one may be ordered online from the USCIS Documents webpage.

There are many parenting books and general child-rearing books. I like the Spock book others swear by the Sears book. Either one will give excellent information on dealing with children, developmental issues, and health issues.

Good Fortune- an excellent movie about Chinese Adoption. It answers many questions for family and friends and is a legacy for children adopted from China. It may be ordered for $29.95 plus $7 shipping from

Good Fortune, LLC Judith Pierce, Manager 1408 39th Ave. E. Seattle, WA 98112
or e-mail at jpierce94@aol.com

Child Speak "99 Ways to Speak to Your Child in Chinese" or "99 Ways to Speak to Your Child in Russian" are books with audio tapes that intorduce new parents to basic words and phrases needed when adopting older/toddler children. There are basic words such as hello, good bye, how are you and body parts, etc. And phrases that might be useful like, do you have to go to the bathroom or are you hungry. The tapes have the words and phrases spoken by children and the audio quality is variable on the tape but is pretty realistic to what you would get from a child. This is an essential resource if you are adopting a child over about a year or 18 months old. The cost is $32.95 which includes regular shipping and handling. They do not take phone orders. It is available through:

Adoption Center of Washington 100 Dangerfield Road, Suite 101 Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-7774