Adoption is not something that you jump into uninformed.  It can be a big scary event out on the horizon and most people want as much knowledge as they can get before undertaking it.  Reading is one of the simplest and best ways to get this sort of knowledge  of adoption before you start.  However, if you just do an Amazon search on adoption, you will likely be overwhelmed by all of the results.  Being somewhat of a research nerd, here’s a list of some of the most helpful adoption books that I’ve run across so far.

Adopted For Life by Dr. Russell Moore.  This was the first book I read on adoption and one I can’t recommend enough.  This book is both theological and practical as Dr. Moore discusses the theology behind adoption but also provides application for this theology.  This book helped me understand better than anything else how adoption is tied to the Gospel and the implications this should have on Christian families, missions, and the church.

Reclaiming Adoption by Dan Cruver.  One of Dan Cruver’s primary messages is that vertical adoption (our adoption by God) fuels horizontal adoption (our adoption of orphans).  The authors in this book explore this and provide some great insights on the theology of adoption.  Plus, as an added bonus – the final chapter is written by John Piper, what more can you ask for?

Orphanology by Tony Merida & Rick Morton.  This is a straight forward and engaging book that calls for Christians and the church to become actively engaged in adoption and orphan care.  The passion that these guys have for the cause and the Gospel comes through loud and clear.  This is probably the first book to give someone that you want to influence to become more aware and engaged about the plight of the orphan worldwide and the church’s duty to get involved.

Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge.  This book is just what it’s long title claims to be.  It’s a very practical discussion of things adoptive parents need to know.  As a newly adoptive parent (again), I’ve got this on my stack to reread.  It’s very straight forward and helpful.

Everything Conceivable by Liza Mundy.  This is not written primarily from a Christian worldview (the author’s a reporter with the Washington Post) nor does it deal specifically with adoption.  It focuses on the business of assisted reproductive technologies and the ethical dilemmas that these procedures cause.  It’s helpful to know these things if you’re in a position to counsel a couple dealing with issues of infertility.

Heirs with Christ by Joel Beeke.  Because no book list is complete unless there’s a Puritan connection, I offer this suggestion.  This little book is a nice introduction to Puritan teaching on the theology of Adoption.  It’s always helpful to bolster your theology in the wisdom gained from studying old writings and authors.  Time has not diminished the wisdom of the Puritans and Joel Beeke does a great job of introducing their teaching on adoption to the modern reader.

While not an exhaustive list by any means, these are some of the most helpful books on adoption that I’ve read so far.  If you’re needing some reading material on this subject, I recommend this as a good starting place.