Between 1954-1972, Homestead Maternity Home in Fort Worth, Texas, housed thousands of pregnant women of all ages, married and unmarried, who came to Fort Worth to give birth to babies they gave up for adoption through Homestead's child placement agency. Some individuals have referred to this period of time in mid-century America as the "Baby Scoop Era," and to Fort Worth, Texas, as an "Adoption Mecca." Without a doubt, the life of every woman who gave up her baby for adoption was changed forever. Author Janice Tracy interviewed nearly one hundred Homestead birth mothers, adoptees, and adoptive parents who shared with her their personal and emotional stories. In "Adopted in Texas," you will read about the Fort Worth hotel owner and the Baptist minister who started Homestead Maternity Home, the doctors who delivered the babies at local hospitals, and the social workers and lawyers who facilitated the adoptions. In addition, you will read about the difficulties adoptees and birth mothers still experience in searching for each other. These searches have been and continue to be complicated due to the alleged destruction of Homestead's records by those who operated the facility and by the maternity home's use of birth mothers' assumed names on hospital records and other official documents, including original birth certificates filed with the State of Texas. In some cases, no original birth certificates exist at all. But most of all, you will hear the truth about Homestead's maternity care and adoption practices through the voices of those who experienced the process firsthand.

On one memorable day, while Bishop Martin and his wife, Donna, were in prayer together, God gave them a one-word message: "Adopt!" Over the next five years, the Martins would adopt four kids. Others in their church community have heard the call and have now adopted 72 children.

Simple text and ample pictures describe the what adoption is and how it works.

Like Passages, this groundbreaking book uses the poignant, powerful voices of adoptees and adoptive parents to explore the experience of adoption and its lifelong effects. A major work, filled with astute analysis and moving truths.

"An extremely useful parenting handbook... truly outstanding ... strongly recommended." --Library Journal (starred review) "A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike." --Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion. Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you: Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child Effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders Discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened "A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children." --Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child "Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat." --Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine "Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise." --Susan Livingston Smith, program director,Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute "The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions: place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect, 'Calm down, you're not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.' The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child's behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families." --Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children

Award Winner in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest We can all make a difference. Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. In that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born. How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. Trull shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time. “Get ready to feel a lot. This book is inspiring all along the way.” —Bernadette Peters, award-winning actress “I'm blown away. I hope this story reaches thousands of readers.” —Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of One Good Dog “I loved DAWGS! It will inspire you and warm your heart.” —Kristin von Kreisler, bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace

"Providing a clear road map of how the DNA discovery process works, resources, and explanations of just what second cousin-once-removed really means, as well as insight on life as a gay public figure in the South, this generous book makes it clear why Billingsley has found such a home in Houston's heart. Anyone who has ever wondered about missing branches on their family tree, wanted to know more about their heritage, or wanted to understand, once and for all, that we are all really one big family, will find Swabbed & Found enlightening and engaging"--Provided by publisher.