Recommended Reading List
Books for Adults
Donor Conception: A Step-by-Step Guide by Gail Pascoe is a comprehensive resource for individuals and couples considering building their families through donor conception. The book offers detailed guidance on the medical procedures involved, emotional considerations, and practical advice to navigate the journey effectively. It aims to support prospective parents in making informed decisions and understanding the complexities associated with donor conception
We Are Family: The Modern Transformation of Parents and Children by Susan Golombok explores the evolving concept of family in contemporary society. Drawing from decades of research, Golombok examines various family structures—including same-sex parents, single parents by choice, and families formed through assisted reproductive technologies—and assesses their impact on child development. The book presents compelling narratives and case studies, highlighting that children's well-being is rooted in the quality of relationships and the presence of love and support, rather than traditional family configurations.
Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception by Lisa Schuman, LCSW, and Dr. Mark Leondires is a comprehensive resource for individuals and couples exploring parenthood through donor conception. The book covers both the medical and emotional aspects of the journey, offering guidance on selecting donors, understanding medical procedures, and navigating the complex emotions that can arise. It also provides practical advice on how to communicate with donor-conceived children about their origins in an open and supportive way.
The Fertility Formula: Take Control of Your Reproductive Future by Dr. Natalie Crawford is a comprehensive guide to understanding fertility and reproductive health. Combining medical expertise with practical advice, the book explores topics such as hormones, lifestyle factors, infertility, fertility treatments, and emotional wellness. It offers readers clear, science-based information and actionable strategies to help them make informed decisions about family building and their reproductive future.
The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility and Getting Pregnant by Dr. Lucky Sekhon is a practical guide for individuals navigating fertility and trying to conceive. The book explores the science of reproductive health, common fertility challenges, and the emotional aspects of the journey, while offering accessible, evidence-based information and supportive guidance. It aims to help readers better understand their bodies, make informed decisions, and feel more empowered throughout the family-building process.
Random Families: Genetic Strangers, Sperm Donor Siblings, and the Creation of New Kin by Rosanna Hertz and Margaret K. Nelson explores the evolving realities of donor conception and the complex relationships that emerge between donor conceived people, their parents, donors, and donor siblings. Drawing on interviews and research, the book examines how advances in DNA testing and changing attitudes toward donor anonymity are reshaping ideas of identity, family, kinship, and genetic connection in the modern era of assisted reproduction.
Books for Children
The My Donor Story series by Sharon Leya helps donor-conceived children understand their origins through engaging, age-appropriate narratives. Each book presents a child's journey of discovery, using relatable metaphors and reassuring storytelling to explain donor conception in a loving and accessible way. The series is designed to support families in having open and positive conversations about their child's unique beginnings.
What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg is an inclusive, gender-neutral picture book that explains conception using the basic elements: an egg, a sperm, and a uterus. Designed for children ages 3–8, it provides a broad framework that allows families to share their unique stories, making it suitable for all family structures, including those formed through assisted reproduction, adoption, and surrogacy.
I Dreamed of You: The Story of an Egg Donor Baby by Lori Metz is a heartfelt children's book that narrates the journey of parents who, with the help of an egg donor, bring their cherished baby into the world. Through simple language and gentle illustrations, it emphasizes the love, hope, and dreams that lead to the child's birth, providing a comforting explanation for young children about their unique beginnings.
The Happy Together series by Julie Marie comprises 13 heartwarming children's books that introduce young readers to various family-building concepts, including IVF, donor conception, and surrogacy. Through clear language and cheerful watercolor illustrations, each book narrates the journey of parents fulfilling their dream of becoming a family. The series aims to help parents share their unique family stories with their children from an early age.
The Kangaroo Pouch: A Story About Surrogacy for Young Children by Sarah A. Phillips is a children's book that introduces the concept of surrogacy to young readers aged 2 to 8. The book addresses common questions children might have about surrogacy, such as why someone would choose to be a surrogate, what the experience entails, and what happens after the baby is born.
Our Hearts Match by Victoria Niño is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of a mother T-Rex who lovingly hatches and raises her baby Brontosaurus. Designed for young children, this gentle story celebrates the idea that love makes a family. Inspired by the author’s own journey with egg donation, it’s a meaningful resource for families formed through donor conception.
Books about Families
Families Come in Many Forms by Bella Mei Wong is a children's picture book that celebrates the diversity of family structures. Through simple language and engaging illustrations, it portrays various types of families, including those formed through donor conception, adoption, and traditional means, highlighting the love they share for each other and their special pets.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer is a colorful board book that celebrates the many forms families can take, showing that love is what truly defines them. Through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations, it highlights everyday moments—like reading, cooking, and playing—that bring families together. With diverse representations of family structures, including single parents and same-sex parents, this inclusive book provides a joyful and affirming message for young children.
