Films, Series and Books
INSTANT FAMILY
Instant Family is A mainstream film which is entertaining and also very highly regarded by foster care/adoption professionals who appreciate the realistic presentation of the challenges of this kind of adoption without pathologizing kids.
THE F WORD
The F Word is a PBS docu-series about a same-sex couple, one of whom is a film-maker, and their journey to parenthood through foster-care adoption. It is engaging and funny and heartbreaking and, as a series, can provide an on-going opportunity to gather and discuss.
THIS IS US
This is Us is an NBC series that works on so many penetrating levels and engages life—including adoption. Wonderful opportunity to gather and discuss its Torah.
THE DAY I PICKED MY PARENTS
The Day I Picked My Parents is a documentary series that follows ten foster children who are part of Kidsave—a Second Nurture partner— as they search to find their forever home.
YOU CAN'T ASK THAT
You Can’t Ask That is an Israeli series of half hour episodes in which anonymous audience members send in questions for people who have something in common, in this linked episode, all were adopted. (Subtitled)
Books and Blogs (and more)
TV & Movies
Preparing for foster children to become part of a community means creating a welcoming community ahead of time—so that all different kinds of kids and families are already as normative as possible. One way to do this is through the books you have available on the shelves. These are links to resources that are continuously updated.
Books for parents:
Adoption-related books from C.A.S.E.
Books from Be'chol Lashon (Jewish)
Books for young adults/ teens:
Adoption-related books from C.A.S.E.
Books for kids:
Adoption-related books from C.A.S.E.
Children’s books about diverse families and lesson plans (From The Human Rights Campaign)
More:
Nationally recognized thought leader, April Dinwoodie, hosts a personal journey while exploring her adoption experience. We follow her as she examines her efforts to find love, identity, family, and connection. Each month April will candidly interview, discuss, and unravel, all matters surrounding adoption.
April's podcast - Born In June Raised In April: What Adoption Can Teach the World
Books by the Second Nurture family:
Either through an existing synagogue-based book group, as a small series or as a one-off, you can recommend one, two, or all of the following books about adoption and invite the author to speak. This is an opportunity to--- Second Nurture partnership. Leave with next steps for participants who are interested in Second Nurture on any level
THE COLOR OF LOVE: A STORY OF A MIXED-RACE JEWISH GIRL
FOR ADULTS
In 1970, 3 day-old Marra B. Gad was adopted by a white Jewish family in Chicago. For her parents it was love at first sight - but they quickly realized the world wasn't ready for a family like theirs.
CASTING LOTS: CREATING A FAMILY IN A BEAUTIFUL, BROKEN WORLD
FOR ADULTS
Casting Lots was written by Rabbi Susan Silverman about her family, created both through birth and adoption, as a metaphor for the world's contradictions and complexities.
EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED
FOR ADULTS
This is a transformative, unflinching account of the creation of an adoptive family. Jillian and Scott and their son Tariku show us painful, frustrating and joyful step by step how to attach, heal, listen, trust and let go. A testament to the fierce and fallible journey of any mother.
WHY IS MY HAIR CURLY?
FOR FAMILIES AND KIDS
A delightful celebration of curly hair and the courage it takes to be yourself. Interspersed with exquisite black and white illustrations by Niloufer Wadia, this chapter book explores genetics, family dynamics and adoption identity through a light hearted and sunny tale.
OUR SUBWAY BABY
FOR FAMILIES AND KIDS
"Some babies are born into families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found its family in the New York subway." So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete's moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in a corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, "Where there is love, anything is possible."
