Choosing Single Motherhood: The Thinking Woman’s Guide by Mikki Morrissette – I loved the spirit of this book. Without glossing over the hard parts, Morrissette celebrates motherhood and the choice to parent without a partner. This book covers families formed by adoption, by using a known sperm donor, and using an unknown donor. The only thing I would change about this book is the name. It is equally applicable to women or men who choose single parenthood. You can listen to an interview with author Mikki Morrissette on the Creating a Family podcast: Considering Becoming a Single Mom

Adopting on Your Own: The Complete Guide to Adoption for Single Parents by Lee Varon – This is an excellent resource for single people considering adoption. It walks the reader through making an even-handed assessment of whether adoption is right for them, then leads them through the different stages of arranging and financing the adoption. Varon weighs the specific advantages and disadvantages of different types of adoption as a single parent, and demystifies potentially daunting steps such as choosing an agency and preparing for the home study. A great place to start if you’re considering adoption as a single parent.

Adopting Alyosha by Robert Close – Author Robert Klose, a single, unmarried man, wanted a son so badly that he overcame seemingly unsurmountable barriers to realize his goal. This book is a personal account of his 3 years proceeding through the international adoption maze and serves as an instructional firsthand manual for single men wishing to adopt. In the end, Klose adopts a little boy from Russia who changes his life forever.  His book is a combination travelogue, journal, and above all, love story. “Adopting Anton” is the author’s second book, chronicling the adoption of his second son from Ukraine.   

Now I Am Known by Peter Mutabazi — After running away from home and surviving for years on the streets of Kampala, Uganda, author Peter Mutabazi was found and supported by a man who changed his life. “Now I Am Known” is Peter’s inspiring true story.  After his days as a street kid, he worked for the Red Cross, emigrated to the United States, fostered countless children, and is a single adoptive parent.  In his book, he reveals the transformational power of taking risks, learning to forgive, overcoming self-doubt, breaking negative patterns, and believing in a better future marked by hope and purpose. Mutabazi continues to advocate for vulnerable children.  His story is sure to inspire.