Adoption Books are Hard to Find in Bookstores

by kvSheldon | More from this Blogger

11 Jan 2006 03:33 PM

I went to a bookstore today to look for my favorite book on adoption, Adoption Nation, by Adam Pertman. When I got to the Family and Childcare section I skimmed four bookcases on pregnancy before I came across a couple books on Adoption. They were mixed in with other books on sex education on the same shelf.

I then recalled my frustration of looking for books on adoption when my husband and I were waiting for Connor. I remember finding books on adoption on the Internet and thought I would just go to the bookstore and pick them up and look to see if they would be something I would want to purchase. But at the bookstores I couldn't find the books I wanted or very few books on adoption at all. Meanwhile they had plenty of books on pregnancy and childbirth. I wasn't looking at small bookstores either but major chains in the East. They will remain nameless.

I remember having a feeling of discrimination. After all if you were to look at adoption today it is becoming an ever increasing way to build families. And if you could find an adoption book in the bookstore it would tell you just that.

To me it is very puzzling why information on adoption is difficult to find or get, whether it is about the process of adoption, raising an adopted child, about being an adoptive parent, or a birthparent. There are more books on raising dogs and cats then on raising adopted children in bookstores. Now dogs and cats are great but I think there is something wrong when it's harder to find a book on adoption than it is to find a book on raising a Poodle.

I really don't have an answer, except maybe the bookstores do not feel that they have a market or a demand to carry them.

I would like to hear from others if you have found similar experiences or if you have any idea why they are not carried in bookstores. If you are looking for books on adoption you can find a wide variety on different topics on the Internet on websites such as Amazon.com or Adoption.com

Learn more about kvSheldon

My name is Kathy Sheldon and I live in Northern NJ with my husband, Jeff, my 15 month old son, Connor, two cats, a bird, and the newest addition our 10 week old Bernese Mountain puppy.

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Jody Moreen (3274) 12 Feb 2006 11:45 PM

Hi- I found this to be true also- finding few books in stores on adoption and I know there are hundreds in circulation. Our local library has suggested books forms and I have filled them out and suprisingly they have ordered each adoption book I have recommended (and then they call me when it comes in and I can check it out first! ) I even recommended that they get Adoptive Families Magazine and now it is on the Magazine shelf and old copies also available to check out. One can encourage there local libraries, agency libraries and church libraries to carry adoption books. Ask your agency or organization if they take used books on adoption in good condition for their library and share yours. And if your church or organization, agency has a newsletter, offer to do a book review on a good adoption book- great exposure and at the same time you would be education others on adoption! Would be great to read others suggestions. Also if you cannot find a book at your library- most libraires have inner library loan through the Reference Librarian. Ask them to do an instate search for the book for you (usually that is free) A great way to read some adoption books and not have to buy all of them! Jody Moreen, adoptee Editor Adoption Blessings Journal www.adoptionblessingsnewsletter.com

kvSheldon (105) 14 Feb 2006 05:00 PM

Thanks for the feedback Jodi. The Library is a great idea for a resource to find books on adoption. I also think it's great that they were so receptive to getting adoption books in that you requested.

Kathy Families.com Adoption Blogger