Customer Reviews

All About Adoption: How to Deal with the Questions of Your Past (Sunscreen)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I liked this book for it's straight forward approach, and down-to-earth language. Aimed at teenagers, it succeeds in being approachable. However, I was disappointed by the use of terms like "natural parents," "children of their own," and "given away." Those certainly aren't phrases that I use with my kids, and I was surprised to find them in a contemporary book on adoption, especially one designed to help adolescents with questions about their origins. I'd recommend reading it along with your child and using that language as another opportunity for discussion.

As an adult adoptee, this would have been perfect during my teens. I LOVED IT....IT'S BEEN TRANSLATED from the French, FYI. It's an older book, but still addresses some good points. :)

I give this two stars because it does deal with difficult adoptions issues such as racism and for the organization of the material. However, as a librarian, I am appalled that my professional journals rated this so highly- I will never give this to anyone without making sure that they know there is offensive, outdated language in it. To hand this to a child who is dealing with adoption issues and not preparing them for passages such as "some adopted kids just consider them" (adoptive parents) "their real parents".... "why she gave you away" is cruel. I hope that future editions will have better editing so that the true value of the book is accessible. Overall, it is well written, organized and teen accessible....except for those passages that would be a slap in the face to the adoptee reading them. This is a book to be used by teens on their own. Unfortunately the poor translation/bad editing make it useless in that manner.