Guide and encourager for the immediate and extended family and for those who want to support them the Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family succeeds at all these points. It is presented in four main sections: Becoming an Adoptive Family; Life Issues from Birth to Adulthood; Unique Identity Issues; and Special Challenges. Within these sections many topics are discussed. A small sampling of the topics include: Nurture & Discipline; Stages of Growth; Grief; Ethnic Identity; Sexual Abuse; Disabilities; When an Adoption Disrupts or Dissolves. The topics are written by those with both experience and education in the adoption arena, pastors, adoptive parents, specialists in domestic and international adoption, teachers, adoption counselors and therapists, and social workers. The closing materials enhance the readers experience: a resource guide to books and organizations, a glossary, and a companion web site.
Once again Focus on the Family presents a useful tool for the Christian community. The book is written in pertinent and unambiguous language, honest and compassionate, never dodging the issues. Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family holds the interest of and provides needed information for a wide range of readers: those involved in adoption, teachers, pastors, students, people who want to learn more. It will find a welcome place in many libraries, private and public, secular and religious. I am not an adoptive parent but reading and reviewing this book has been a most pleasurable and profitable experience for me. Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family is for all who want their horizons broadened. The individual memoirs included to illustrate the subjects will remain in your mind and heart for a long time. Donna Eggett, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
