From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. Having written on such subjects as puberty rites, Native Americans, and the environment, Liptak is fast becoming a familiar name in children's nonfiction. This direct, well-balanced consideration of a topic not sufficiently pursued in YA literature is one of her best efforts yet. Tackling the subject from a wide-angle perspective and ever alert to the pros and cons, she covers everything from adoption options (open versus closed, private versus agency, single parent versus traditional family, etc.) and cultural attitudes toward adoption to transracial adoptions, surrogacy, and searches. Although the book's uninviting format and drab jacket may keep kids at arm's length, there's a wealth of information to be had here, buttressed by thorough documentation, a glossary, and a good bibliography. Although at first glance this seems to be about parenting, it's really a book with children at its heart. Stephanie Zvirin
