Book picks similar to
Fiona: Forever? by Erinn Uher


adoption
family-read-alouds
foster-adoption
middle-grade

Listening for Lions


Gloria Whelan - 2005
    But when influenza strikes down her missionary parents, she is left vulnerable prey to her family's wicked neighbors. Surrounded by greed and lies, Rachel is entangled in a criminal scheme and sent to England, where she is forced into a life of deception. Like the lion, she must be patient and strong, awaiting the moment when she can take control of her own fate—and find her way home again at last.

The Things I Want Most: The Extraordinary Story of a Boy's Journey to a Family of His Own


Richard Miniter - 1998
    There, over the next year, they would try to make Mike's dream come true. But first they would have to work through the fear, anger, and distrust that accompanied this boy who had lived his whole life with the label "severely emotionally disturbed." For the biggest obstacle to Mike's happiness was Mike himself, who gave the Miniters every reason to give up but one--the power of love.When Richard and Sue Miniter decided to open their home--and their hearts--to a foster child, they couldn't imagine the frustrations and joys, the breakthroughs and setbacks, not to mention the emotional toll, that awaited them. Here is the remarkable true story of how their lives changed forever with their decision to answer an abandoned child's wish for THE THINGS I WANT MOST. -->

Therapeutic Parenting in a Nutshell: Positives and Pitfalls


Sarah Naish - 2016
     Suitable for all carers, parents and supporting professionals working with children who have suffered early life trauma. Sarah Naish uses her first hand experience to clearly explain the differences between 'standard' parenting and 'therapeutic' parenting, with case studies and examples of good therapeutic parenting strategies, along with practical applications. Written with the busy parent and supporting professional in mind, this short book provides answers for all those caring for children with attachment difficulties, explaining why we need to parent our children differently, common additional challenges faced by Therapeutic Parents, and the best way to resolve them. The book may be read as a 'stand alone' document, but used in conjunction with the videos and video based courses, it provides a powerful foundation in caring for children who have suffered early life trauma. The author provides essential advice to supporting professionals about overcoming blocked care, and helping Therapeutic Parents to stay connected to their child. This book contributes to the new Level 3 Diploma in Therapeutic Parenting, which will be launched by Fostering Attachments Ltd, (Inspire Training Group) in the Autumn of 2016.

Dandelion on My Pillow, Butcher Knife Beneath: The True Story of an Amazing Family that Lived with and Loved Kids who Killed


Nancy Thomas - 2002
    Like a diamond in the rough, all of the kids who killed were tough and protected on the outside while hiding a glimmer of promise inside. For many of these children, the Thomases were their last hope. With the guidance of this courageous family, their stories of survival and victory break the unwritten code of silence about children without a conscience. Through therapeutic intervention comes the spellbinding metamorphosis of nine children. Although it stems from the deepest of human suffering, each shining triumph will leave you uplifted and celebrating life.

I've Got This!


Melisa Torres - 2016
    As an accomplished tumbler, Trista believes learning the other three events and becoming a competitive gymnast will be easy. Trista quickly learns that gymnastics requires hard work and believing in herself. Despite that, she decides she wants to make the Level 3 team. On her determined journey Trista meets friends who help her learn about the sport and share her passion for gymnastics. Will hard work and dedication be enough to move up to Level 3? Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books teach girls to be kind to each other, flexible in life, courageous, strong, and most of all, confident. The books set the reader in the world of gymnastics. The characters are relatable and have age appropriate challenges. Each book explores a major life lesson that empowers girls to understand their own inner strengths. I've Got This! is book 1 in the Perfect Balance Gymnastics Series.

Jenny and the Cat Club: A Collection of Favorite Stories about Jenny Linsky


Esther Averill - 1973
    Still, the gentle Jenny Linsky would like nothing more than to join the local Cat Club, whose members include Madame Butterfly, an elegant Persian, the high-stepping Macaroni, and stately, plump Mr. President. But can she overcome her fears and prove that she, too, has a special gift? Join Jenny and her friends, including fearless Pickles the Fire Cat, on their spirited downtown adventures and discover why The Atlantic Monthly called Jenny "a personality ranking not far below such giants as Peter Rabbit." AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES, THIS COLLECTION INCLUDES ESTHER AVERILL'S FIVE FAVORITE CAT CLUB STORIES

Baby


Patricia MacLachlan - 1993
    They come to love this baby as their own, all the while knowing that eventually Sophie's mother will return one day to take her from them.

Black Baby White Hands: A View from the Crib


Jaiya John - 2002
    It is only three months following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the nation is burning. Black and White America are locked in the tense grip of massive change. Into this inferno steps an unsuspecting young White couple. Neither had truly known even a single African American person while growing up. Now, a child will change all of that forever. In this fateful moment, a Black baby becomes perhaps the first in the history of New Mexico to be adopted by a White family. Here is a brazenly honest glimpse into the mind and heart of that child, a true story for the ages that flows like a soulful river-separated from his mother at birth, placed into foster care, adopted, and finally reunited with his biological family in adulthood-an astounding journey of personal discovery. Jaiya John has opened the floodgates on his own childhood with this piercing memoir. Black Baby White Hands, a waterfall of jazz splashing over the rocks of love, pain and the honoring of family. Magically, this book finds a way to sing as it cries, and to exude compassion even as it dispels well-entrenched myths. Destined to become a classic, this stirring account is sure to find itself well worn, stained by tears, and brushed by laughter in the lap of parents, adolescents, educators, students, and professionals. Here comes the rain and the sunshine, all at once.

One Perfect Day: A Mother and Son's Story of Adoption and Reunion


Diane Burke - 2014
    Memories of a past she had buried more than forty years ago suddenly resurfaced and she wasn't prepared to deal with them.Steve Orlandi, happily married, father of two and step-father of three, was living the typical middle class American life. But since the age of eight, when he discovered he was adopted, he had led that life dealing with inner questions about his self-identity and genetic history. Always on his mind was one simple, yet complicated and loaded question: Who am I?In One Perfect Day, Diane shares with readers how she came to the heartbreaking conclusion to give her baby up for adoption and how this decision has affected her life sense. Through Steve's invaluable perspective, readers will also experience the lengths he traveled to discover his mother's identity and reach out to her, not knowing whether she'd want to meet with him after nearly four decades of separation. It all comes together on one perfect day.This book asks and answers the questions: What defines family? What does it mean to forgive? And is it worth the time, energy, and emotional cost to love a stranger?

The Secrets of Inishbeg Cove (Inishbeg Cove #1)


Izzy Bayliss - 2019
    In search of the truth he travels from North Carolina to the sleepy coastal village of Inishbeg Cove in the West of Ireland. But not everyone in the village welcomes Greg and he soon learns that his search for answers isn't going to be easy. Can Greg unearth the secrets lying hidden in the waters of the cove? Praise for Izzy Bayliss 'There’s just something about this authors writing skills that almost put you into a trance and I was quite happy to stay inside the book, losing myself into the story.' - Sarah Hardy - By The Letter Book Reviews 'Perfect for the romantic comedy loving readers. I think this is going to be one to watch!' Kasha Holloway - The Writing Garnet Book Reviews 'I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THESE BOOKS!!!' - 5* Amazon Reviewer 'Page Turner ... Outstanding' - 5* Amazon Reviewer

The Accidental President


Tom McLaughlin - 2018
    Well, I guess he can't be any worse than that guy who had the job before him, right?

The Story of Holly and Ivy


Rumer Godden - 1958
    and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she's sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true? This festive tale is perfectly complemented by beloved Barbara Cooney's luminous illustrations, filled with the warm glow of the Christmas spirit.

The Orphan Trains: Placing Out in America


Marilyn Irvin Holt - 1992
    Setting aside our present-day romantic notions about orphan trains, Holt's book sheds valuable new light on the phenomenon by putting it in the context of nineteenth-century ideals about childhood, the roles of social reformers, the changing theories of relief and welfare for the poor, western development, and rail expansion.Marilyn Irvin Holt, former director of publications at the Kansas State Historical Society; is a freelance editor, writer, and researcher and teaches historical editing at the University of Kansas.

Just Call Me Spaghetti-Hoop Boy


Lara Williamson - 2017
    I live on planet Earth, I like eating spaghetti hoops and I've decided I'm going to be a SUPERHERO.Everyone loves superheroes, they solve problems and make people happy, and that's good because my mum needs cheering up. Also, I've found out that before I was adopted my real mum called me ACE. So now I've just got to prove to the world that's what I am. One mission at a time...

Episode 1: Growing Girl: The Extraordinarily Ordinary Life of Cassandra Jones


Tamara Hart Heiner - 2017
    She’s as ordinary as any other 12-year-old.Except no matter how hard she tries, Cassie just can’t seem to fit in. Excited to fill the summer before her seventh grade year, Cassie enrolls in soccer camp. She can’t wait to improve her ball-kicking skills and make a few goals.But Cassie quickly discovers a few obstacles in her path. Namely: herself. As much as she wants to be, she just isn’t very good at the sport. Either camp will be her chance to improve, or it will be the last time she ever plays.