Books/CDs

This is an easy, instructive list of books and other materials to guide the AFC Mentor, AFC affiliates, and others who may be curious about the foster care and adoption process and experience. What we offer below are a series of eclectic and diverse fiction and non-fiction readings and listenings.

Through the generous efforts of Good Search, AFC Mentoring is able to get back a percentage of what you spend when you shop. Just go to Good Search and make AFC Mentoring your non-profit, and then use GoodShop for these these books listed below (among other things!) To use B & N to shop! Or to use Amazon.com to shop!


The Gus Chronicles: Reflections From an Abused Kid

Author: Charles Applestein

An easy-to-read story about life in out-of-home placements, The Gus Chronicles follows the experiences of Gus E. Studelmeyer, a fictional thirteen-year-old victim of neglect and sexual abuse. Gus's character is a mixture of children the author has worked with over the years. Gus addresses issues such as abuse and neglect, loyalty to one's birth family, self-esteem building, sensitivity to the misuse of power, physical restraint, and much more.


The Gus Chronicles II: Reflections From a Kid Who Has Been Abused

Author: Charles Applestein

This is a sequel to Appelstein's first book, The Gus Chronicles. Similar to Book One, Gus E. Studelmeyer, the main character and narrator begins a year older, and addresses a variety of topics abused and neglected kids face: abuse and neglect, loyalty to one's birth family, death of a parent, prejudice, physical rstraint, humor, and others.


No Such Thing as a Bad Kid

Author: Charles Applestein

Appelstein once again takes to the literary stage in producing this practical handbook written for those who directly deal with youngsters at risk such as foster parents, residential car workers, and teachers. It identified factors such as acting out as cried for attenion, and immediate ways to proactively respond to the behaviors.


Facing the Sunshine

Author: Sara Jane Thornton

At age sixteen, following years of childhood sexual abuse, Sara dropped out of school, left home, and developed alcohol, drug, and sex addictions, eventual idly sliding into a downward spiral of self-starvation that nearly took her life. Aided by her innate resilience and determination, however, she defied expectations and, discharged at age twenty-three, began learning to live on her own.


The Family of Adoption

Author: Joyce Maguire Pavao

The author "describes the grief processes, dilemmas, and potentials for healing of birth mothers and adoptive parents." She was the "first specialist to clearly identify and demonstrate predictable, understandable developmental stages and challenges for every adoptee."


The English American

Author: Alison Larkin

An amusing look at what happens when an English adoptee searches out her birth family, who aer found to be Americans, and what she learns from it. Based loosely on the author's own experiences.


Hope's Boy

Author: Andrew Bridge

Hope's Boy is the story of the author's mother's struggle with mental illness, and his life without her as a foster child after being taken from her at age seven. He spent the spent the next eleven years in foster care, then attended Wesleyan University and Harvard Law School. The author is now a lawyer who works on behalf of kids in foster care and in poverty. Visit www.hopesboy.com for more information.


Mentor, The Kid & the CEO

Author: Tom Pace

"The kid, Tony, meets an unlikely friend...The CEO. From this relationship, Tony discovers the keys to success and significance in their simplest form. His inspiring story will have you laughing, crying and hoping it never ends." The book is offered free through the authors website, http://www.pacebutler.com.


One-Line Raps for Girls and Chaps

Author: Charles Applestein

Appelstein's CD music compilation contains "one-line raps or cues (.e.g. "Let it go, Joe!") put to rhythm and melody that can enhance a young person’s functioning." The idea behind them is to practice the desired behavior – so that real change can occur.


More to Come

Please visit us again when we update our selection.