BOOKS

Contemporary Issues

Coontz, Stephanie. The Way We Really Are Coming to Terms With America's Changing Families. New York, NY: Perseus Books Group, 1997. A guide to the causes and consequences of today's family trends. The author shows that every kind of family has strengths that can be fostered and vulnerabilities to be avoided.

Doherty, William. The Intentional Family: How to Build Family Ties in Our Modern World. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1997. Today's families may include two working parents, remarried partners, stepchildren, single parents, and grandparents and many of us feel we have lost touch with our ties to one another. By cultivating the rituals of connection that bring us together, every family can become an intentional family.

Garland, Diana R. Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. Comprehensive and practical sourcebook for ministers and religious educators. The section on assessing the needs for family ministry contains great practical advice on how to find out what ministry is needed in congregation and community as well as great wisdom about how to use the assessment process to build support for new ministries in the congregation.

Graff, E.J. What is Marriage For? Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1999. Passionate, witty history of marriage from a feminist perspective. Shows the many forms marriage has taken throughout time and that this institution has always been a social battle-ground, shifting constantly to each economy, era, and class. Discussion guide available on Beacon Press website.

Hewlett, Sylvia Ann and Cornel West. The War Against Parents. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1998. This book insightfully explains the economic, social, and political forces that have undermined parenting in the United States. The authors offer comprehensive vision, framework, and policy prescriptions to reinforce and revalue parenting in our nation.

Kabat-Zinn, Myla and Jon. Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting. New York, NY: Hyperion, 1998. Shows powerful new ways that parents can enrich their families' lives by honoring the fullness of the present moment and the potential beauty that resides within both our children and ourselves.

Mathias, Barbara and Mary Ann French. 40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1996. This important guide addresses the concerns of both white parents and parents of color -- from how to select toys for toddlers to how to talk with teens about what they see on the evening news.

McGinnis, Kathleen and James. Parenting for Peace and Justice: Ten Years Later. New York, NY: Orbis Books, 1999. The authors have updated their classic book by reflecting on and sharing their struggles and successes in integrating their social and family ministries, and in teaching and involving their children in relevant and meaningful ways in social justice actions.

Pipher, Mary. The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families. New York, NY: Ballentine Books, 1997. Today's working parents are harried, tired, over-extended and frequently unable to protect their children from negative outside influences. This book offers simple actions we can all take to help us rebuild and reconnect with the source of our greatest energy and strength, our families.

Ruether, Rosemary R. Christianity and the Making of the Modern Family. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1999. This historical account of diverse biblical and Christian understandings of marriage, sexuality, and family models examines the relations among family, work, gender, and faith from biblical times to the future.

Schachter-Shalomi, Zalman and Ronald S. Miller. From Age-ing to Sage-ing. New York, NY: Warner Books, 1995. This inspiring guidebook to the aging process investigates current brain/mind research as well as spirituality from the world's wisdom traditions to turn the elder years into meaningful and healing times. Reflection and discussion guide available from the UUA RE Department.

Stacey, Judith. Brave New Families: Stories of Domestic Upheaval in Late Twentieth-Century America. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1998. The author reveals how popular nostalgia for the "traditional" family takes a heavy toll on real families, and she makes a strong case for protecting family diversity.

Taffel, Ron and Melinda Blau. The Second Family: How Adolescent Power is Challenging the American Family. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 2001. Describes modern teen life and the phenomenon of teens' building relationships with friends - "second family" -- that rival and sometimes supplant those with family members, and how parents can understand those peer relationships and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Washington, Valora and J. D. Andrews, editors. Children of 2010. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1998. The National Association for the Education of Young Children sponsored this series of three dialogue sessions with the overall theme "Children of 2010." This book addresses some of the issues and problems involved in making democracy work for the next generation of children.

Inclusive Families

Erlbach, Arlene. The Families Book: True Stories About Real Kids and the People They Live With and Love. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit, 1996. First-hand accounts, photographs, and activities to celebrate families in all their diversity. For ages 9 to 13.

Gainer, Cindy. I'm Like You, You're Like Me. A Child's Book About Understanding and Celebrating Each Other (and Leader Guide). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1998. With simple words and colorful illustrations this book invites children to accept and affirm differences.

Gonzales Jr., Juan. Racial and Ethnic Families in America. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1998. This demographic analysis provides readers with an insight into the cultural diversity of the family in American society in the last decade of the twentieth century. With an accompanying Study Guide readers can gain a greater understanding of the history and culture of these racial/ethnic families as well as their struggles with and contributions to American society.

Hawxhurst, Joan. Interfaith Family Guidebook: Practical Advice for Jewish and Christian Partners. Kalamazoo, MI: Dovetail Publishing, 1998. This concise and practical book offers Jewish/Christian families guidance and resources to the challenges and opportunities inherent in their relationships to help them find their own answers to interfaith issues.

Hopson, Darlene and Derek Hopson. Raising the Rainbow Generation. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1993. Helps concerned parents through concrete age-appropriate examples teach their children respect and appreciation for all cultural, ethnic, and racial groups.

Jenness, Aylette. Families: A Celebration of Diversity, Commitment and Love. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1993. Appealing photo pictorial of seventeen children ages eight to twelve and their parents as they openly discuss the challenges and benefits of contemporary family life

Pavao, Joyce Maguire. The Family of Adoption. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1999. Therapist author offers stories from her work with children and families to demonstrate that there are normal, predictable developmental stages and challenges for adopted children.

Say, Elizabeth and Mark Kowalewski. Gays, Lesbians and Family Values. Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 1998. A clear sociological mapping and ethical interpretation of gay and lesbian family values. The family values of fidelity, mutuality, love, care, and humor are articulated in this book by many gay and lesbian voices.

Parenting

Cartese, Saundra. The Souls of Our Children: Lessons of Love and Guidance. San Francisco, CA: Harper San Francisco, 1997. Addresses the spiritual aspects of childrearing through topics such as motherhood, fatherhood, birth, sibling relationships, discipline, partnership, and single parenting.

Catalfo, Phil, Alan Reder and Stephanie Hamilton. The Whole Parenting Guide: Strategies, Resources, and Inspiring Stories for Holistic Parenting and Family Living. New York, NY: Broadway Books, 1999. This book approaches parenting holistically with discussions on alternate schools, homeschooling, volunteering, and responsible consumption as well as guidance in fostering family values, nutrition, play, creativity, and spirituality.

Elkind, David. Ties That Stress: The New Family Imbalance. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press, 1999. Today's family is under enormous stress - needs of harried children sacrificed to the needs of harried parents, childhood innocence supplanted by the illusion of childhood competence, parental intuition traded in for mechanical reliance on technique - and as a result the author contends it fails to meet the needs of children and the needs of parents.

Fitzpatrick, Jean Grasso. Small Wonder. New York, NY: Penguin, 1995. Reminds parents that meaningful responses grow out of everyday family situations. Teaches parents to listen effectively, use appropriate language, and draw on religious tradition to help children grow into compassionate adults.

Fuch-Kreimer, Nancy. Parenting as a Spiritual Journey. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1998. Explores the transformative spiritual adventure of bringing up children with insights from everyday moments as well as rituals, prayers, and inspiring passages from Jewish and other faith traditions.

Martin, April. Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook: Creating and Raising Our Families. New York, NY: HarperPerennial, 1993. A sensitive, thorough look at the many issues involved in forming a lesbian or gay family. Combines the author's experience and professional perspective and the first-person stories of gay and lesbian families.

Morriss, Makanah and David MacPherson, Roberta and Chris Nelson. The Parent Trilogy: Three Programs for UU Parents and Other Adults ( Being A UU Parent, Parents As Resident Theologians, Parents As Social Justice Educators). Boston, MA: Unitarian Universalist Association, 1998. Three timeless, favorite Unitarian Universalist curricula in one volume.

Reddy, Maureen. Crossing the Color Line: Race, Parenting and Culture. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1994. The author explores her personal experiences as a white mother of biracial children and the forces of racism at work in our society. She moves from memoir to race theory, to interviews with friends, to exploration of a broad cultural context.

Family Values

Greer, Colin and Herbert Kohl, editors. A Call to Character: A Family Treasury. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1997. Organized by values, including courage, integrity, creativity, and generosity, this family reader brings together contemporary and classic children's stories.

Lewis, Barbara. What Do You Stand For: A Kid's Guide to Building Character. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1997. This thought-provoking guide gives young people the power to become their best selves with inspiring quotations, challenging dilemmas, engaging activities, and an extensive resource list.

Louv, Richard. The Web of Life: Weaving the Values That Sustain Us. Berkeley, CA: Conari, 1996. With eloquent stories, powerful discussion, and inspirational quotes, the author explores the strands that connect all people - family, community, life, spirit, purpose, nature, childhood, adulthood, and humanity.

Nieuwejaar, Jeanne Harrison. The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children. Boston, MA: Skinner House, 1999. Thoughtful reflections on religious community and how it can enrich the lives of children and their caretakers as a vital part of family life.

Popov, Linda. The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways to Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves. New York, NY: Plume, 1997. This refreshing, clearly written book gives parents basic tools and language to build their family's self-esteem, spirituality, wholeness, and responsibility.

Health & Wellness

Harris, Robie and illustrated by Michael Emberley. Happy Birth Day! Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1996. With beautiful illustrations, this loving story about the amazing day we are born reveals to young readers how remarkable and loved they were right from the start.

Harris, Robie and illustrated by Michael Emberley. It's So Amazing: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1999. A humorous look at the basics of reproduction, birth and families, presented in a way that is easy for children to understand. For ages 8-10.

Harris, Robie and illustrated by Michael Emberley. It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1995. Honest, age-appropriate answers to almost every imaginable question about sexuality including conception, puberty, birth control, and AIDS. For ages 10 and up.

Family Education

Lewis, Barbara. The Kid's Guide to Social Action: How to Solve the Social Problems You Choose -- and Turn Creative Thinking into Positive Action. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Press, 1998. Extensive guide to social action for kids 10 and up that includes sample projects for young people as well as ways for kids to develop action strategies using their own creative impulses.

Payne, Lauren. Just Because I Am: A Child's Book of Affirmation (and Leader Guide). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1994. Warm, simple affirmations and gentle illustrations to strengthen children's faith in themselves. With Leader's Guide. For ages 3-8.

We Can Get Along: A Child's Book of Choices (and Leader Guide). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1997. Teaches essential conflict resolution and peace-making skills to children, and thereby empowering them to make good choices at school, in the neighborhood, and on the playground. For ages 3-8.

McGinnis, James, Mary Joan and Jerry Parks and others. Families Caring...At Home...In the Community...For the Earth. St. Louis, MO: Institute for Peace and Justice, 1995. This guidebook offers suggestions and models for promoting "shalom families" that nurture cooperative living, mutual support, and earth stewardship.

Peterson, Jean. Talk With Teens About Feelings, Family, Relationships and the Future (and Leader Guide). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1995. This series of guided discussions with topics such as moodswings, loneliness, love, and happiness offer safe avenues for young people to talk about concerns, share feelings, and build self-esteem.

Vogt, Susan. Just Family Nights: 60 Activities to Keep Your Family Together in a World Falling Apart. Elgin, IL: Brethren Press, 1994. Each Family Night plan offers readings, activities, songs, and snack ideas built around themes such as ecology, nonviolence, homelessness, conflict resolution, and awareness of other races and cultures.

Weston, Denise and Mark Weston. Playwise: 365 Fun-Filled Activities for Building Character, Conscience and Emotional Intelligence of Children. New York, NY: J.P. Tarcher, Inc., 1996. Fun and innovative play activities for teaching moral values and building character.

Williams, Betsy. Religious Education at Home: A Handbook for Parents. Boston, MA: Church of the Larger Fellowship, 1998. Great tips on how to nurture your child's spiritual development and how to teach Unitarian Universalism at home.

VIDEOS

Building Shalom Families. (1986) Available from the Institute for Peace & Justice, 4144 Lindell Blvd., Suite 408, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 533-4445. A comprehensive video program to assist families in dealing with peace and justice issues. Designed within a Christian context for use with Families Caring curriculum.

Families of the US. Available online from multiculturalkids.com. One 30-minute video in the award-winning video series of ethnic families around the world for children (ages 5-10) and their families.

Power of Girls: Inside and Out. (1999) Available from Family Health Productions, P.O. Box 1799, Gloucester, MA 01931-1799, 1-800 -600-5779, info@abouthealth.com. Profiles five young women who talk about some of the challenges they faced growing up and how support from their family, community, and friends helped them.

Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health. (1997) Video #1, For Parents of Young Children; Video #2, Raising Healthy Kids For Parents of Preadolescents and Adolescents. Available from Family Health Productions, same address as above. Each of these two 30-minute videos with accompanying discussion guides is designed to help families with young children/preadolescents communicate about sexual health.

Real Strength: Boys Talk About Life. (1999) Available from Family Health Productions, same address as above. Examines the struggles five boys faced during their transition to adolescence and how their relationship with family, community, and friends helped them.

That's A Family! Available from Women's Educational Media, 22-D Hollywood Ave., Hohokus, NJ 07423, (800)343-5540, www.womedia.org. Celebrating all kinds of families, children talk openly about their family and its challenges and benefits. Designed for elementary school children with accompanying curriculum guide, but appropriate for children and families of all ages.

PERIODICALS

Family Ministry: Empowering Through Faith Journal. Published by Louisville Seminary, 1044 Alta Vista RD, Louisville, KY 40205. Individual subscription is $20 per year (4 issues). This journal offers academic and religious professionals articles on research findings, theory development, and practice models for family ministry.

Inward Springs. A periodical for liberal religious families. Available from the Inward Springs, 48 Colony Road, Hartsdale, NY 10530, (914) 725-7280; Insprings@aol.com. $15 per year (4 issues), $10 per year each for orders of 25 or more. Unitarian Universalist authors and editors provide inspiring and practical articles to develop faith at home and live family values at home, school/workplace, and community.

Dovetail: A Newsletter By and For Jewish/Christian Families. Published bimonthly (6 times per year) by Dovetail Publishing, P.O. Box 19945, Kalamazoo, MI 49019, (616) 342-2900. A one-year subscription is available for $24.00.

Proud Parenting The premier magazine for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender parents¾and their children. Published by AFM Publishing, P.O. Box 5650, River Forest, IL 60305-5650, (800)256-8519. Subscription for one year is $24 (6 issues).

UU & Me! A Unitarian Universalist Magazine for Kids. Published four times a year for children aged 8-10 years and their families by the Church of the Larger Fellowship, Unitarian Universalist, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 742-2100 x165, clf@uua.org.

FAMILY WEBSITES

Children's Defense Fund
www.childrensdefense.org
Mission to "leave no child behind" and to ensure to every child a healthy start, head start, fair start, safe start, and moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Church of the Larger Fellowship
www.uua.org/clf
Congregation of Unitarian Universalists found all over the world; monthly Quest newsletter and resources for families.

Ethnic American Families
www.ethnic-america.com
Website for research and information about ethnic cultures online and related political and historical information.

Family Association
www.familyassociation.org
Supporting human rights, advocating family values of love, acceptance, honesty, and meaningful communication.

Family Ministry -- Audio-magazine AM/FM
www.cfcm.baylor.edu
Coordinated by Diana Garland, the audio-magazine, journal, and website are different and complementary resources for family ministry.

Family Pride
www.familypride.org
Resources supporting and protecting the families of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender parents through mutual support, community collaboration, and public understanding.

Multicultural Kids
www.multiculturalkids.com
Resources for families and institutions, including books, videos, music, games, puzzles, toys, dolls, arts & crafts, and educational resources.

National Parenting Association
www.parentsunite.org
Working to make parenting a higher priority in our private lives and on the public agenda.

Parenting for Peace and Justice Institute
members.aol.com/ppjn
Designed to help families grow in caring for one another and to become a more loving community. Parenting for Peace and Justice Network, newsletter, curricula, and multimedia resources are available.