By Teesta Bhola-Shah
Adoption conversations are always evolving — and this July, along with legislation changing the adoption landscape, new media bringing light to the adoption experience has released as well. From new books to documentaries that challenge the narratives we’ve seen on screen for decades, July 2025 has brought new updates across the media.
Whether you’re part of the adoption triad (an adoptee, adoptive parent, or birth parent), or just a curious reader, this post will catch you up on the stories worth reading, watching, and sharing this month.
New Books That Go Beyond the Basics
If you’ve ever Googled “adoption books” and gotten overwhelmed by results, here are some new releases that you should check out.
Healing for Every Heart in Adoption by Betsy S. Kylstra, Lisa C. Qualls, and Jodi Jackson Tucker stands out this month. It’s about the lived experiences of adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. The book delves into the experiences of each group, highlighting the emotional and spiritual aspects of adoption, and providing practical strategies for healing and growth. It emphasizes that adoption is rooted in both loss and redemptive victory, offering a hopeful outlook for those navigating the adoption journey.
Meanwhile, Heart to Heart Adoptions published their 2025 list of essential reads for adoptive parents. Top picks include:
- The Connected Parent (for trauma-informed parenting)
- The Power of Showing Up (because being emotionally available matters more than being perfect)
- Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew (a must-read for anyone raising adopted children)
Films and Series Redefining Adoption Stories
Two shows are getting a lot of attention this month, and they’re not what you’d expect from typical adoption portrayals.
- HBO’s An Update on Our Family looks back at the very public rehoming case involving YouTubers Myka and James Stauffer. The docuseries unpacks the ethics of “influencer parenting,” adoption disruption, and how children with disabilities are treated in the system.
- Over on Hulu, Good American Family, starring Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass, tells the shocking true story of Natalia Grace, the Ukrainian girl who was accused of faking her age by her adoptive family. The show blends drama with dark questions about fear, disability, and how quickly people abandon what they don’t understand.
Memoirs and Real Perspectives
If you’re looking for grounded, personal perspectives, this month has brought some incredible voices to the forefront:
- Peter Mutabazi, a single adoptive father and former street kid from Uganda, has now fostered over 40 kids and adopted three. His memoir, Love Does Not Conquer All, dives into how love is just the beginning — not the whole story. He was also featured in this year’s Parents Next Gen Awards for his advocacy work.
- Over at Rewriting Adoption, a platform run entirely by adoptees, new blog posts this month highlight themes like racial identity, open adoption boundaries, and what it’s like to navigate adoption as an adult. One post reads:
“The one-size-fits-all narrative leaves little room for open and honest dialogs about grief, loss, anger, and trauma.”
Online Resources Worth Bookmarking
- Voices of Adoption has been publishing new podcasts and interviews nearly every day this month. July features Q&As with adult adoptees, LGBTQ+ adoptive parents, and social workers — offering insights from all angles.
- Adoption.com has updated its Parent Profiles and photo listings and added tools for post-placement support.
- Rewriting Adoption continues to be a go-to for adoptee-led content, and their July lineup is especially good.
- Of course, don’t forget to subscribe to the My Adoption Stories newsletter and stay tuned to our website for more content!
Spotlight: Parents 2025 Next Gen Awards
Hosted on July 22, this year’s Next Gen Awards highlighted trailblazers in parenting and advocacy — including multiple adoption and foster care champions. The winners are everyday people doing life-changing work: parenting kids from hard places, speaking up for birth parents, and building more inclusive families.
Stay tuned for more updates on adoption in the media!
