Talking About Adoption

I can’t remember how old I was when I first found out I was adopted. It feels like I’ve always known, but of course, there must have been a time when my parents sat me down and explained everything. I was probably just too young to remember.

I was born during a time when adoption was shifting from something kept secret, often even from the adoptee, to something families openly shared. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be an adoptee who didn’t even know they were adopted until adulthood because of this secrecy.

That’s not the only thing that has changed. Sealed records—where information about adoptees and biological parents was kept confidential—are becoming rarer. Today, many adoptees know who their biological parents are from the beginning and sometimes even have contact with them.

These are all positive developments. However, adoption can still be a tricky topic to discuss, especially if your child is young. If you’re an adoptive parent looking to start that conversation, there are some wonderful books available at MCPL that can help children understand what it means to be adopted.

Here are a few recommendations:

• We Chose You by Tony and Lauren Dungy: Calvin must tell his class about his family, so his parents explain how he was chosen to be their child.
• Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis: A family recounts, once again, the story of the day their child came to be a part of their family.
• Our Wish for You by Dano Moreno: A child’s adoptive parents and his birth mother share all their hopes and dreams for his future.
• In Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho: a Transracial adoptee searches for eyes that look like hers.
• Adoption Is.. by D. A. Royster: Michael tells his classmates his own story to help them understand what adoption is.
• Elliot by Julie Pearson: Little bunny Elliot navigates his way through foster care to a forever home. A great story for children adopted through the foster care system.
• Lena and Ruby: A Story of Two Adoptions by Mary and Kevin Qamaniq-Mason: Ruby, who struggles as an Inuit adoptee, is best friends with Lena, who was raised with an Inuit family through the tradition of Custom Adoption. This story offers a unique look at the adoption practices of another culture.

As we celebrate this year’s National Adoption Month, let’s share with children the diverse experiences of adoption. Check out these and other titles at your local branch.

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch