Sam's Sister [Hardcover]

Juliet C. Bond (Author), Dawn W. Majewski (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Rosa's mother explains to her that she is pregnant with a child for whom she can't provide. Instead, she knows of a couple who will "help us take care of the baby." When the infant is born, Rosa and her mom get to pick Sam's middle name-Querido, which means "wanted" in Spanish. After the adoptive parents take the newborn home from the hospital, they stay in touch with his birth family, who eventually visit the baby. Rosa misses him, but she knows that, "Sam is where he should be. And even though he doesn't live with Mommy and me, we will always be part of his family." The text is straightforward and sensitively written. The focus remains on Sam's mother and sister, a valuable point of view. However, despite its attempt at directness and the respect it pays to this Latino family, the story feels circumspect. For instance, the word adoption is never used. While the close relationship Rosa and her mom continue to have with Sam and his new parents seems ideal, children may be confused about its exact nature. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are static though serviceable. Because this book does not provide background information on the complexities of adoption or advice on reference materials that could further aid readers, its usefulness is limited.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Perspectives Press (IN) (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0944934307
• ISBN-13: 978-0944934302
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #94 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Adoption

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!, June 1, 2004

By 

"julesbai" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sam's Sister (Hardcover)

Sam's Sister is a work of beauty. The author and the illustrator have done an impeccable job of representing the emotional aspects of open adoption from a child's perspective.

The U.S. has seen a steady rise in open adoptions in the last two decades. Many feel that its process-birthparents, adoptive parents, and children in an ongoing relationship-has improved adoption overall by promoting healthier emotional experiences for the families involved. Yet, open adoption continues to be somewhat mysterious to the general population. If open adoption is a challenge for adults to understand, what about the children involved? This question is eloquently tackled in Sam's Sister.

Rosa, the 5-year-old central character in the book, recognizes that her single mom is behaving differently. She worries, and when unable to get a smile from her, wonders if her mother is sick or has stopped loving her.

Her mother eventually tells Rosa that she has a new baby growing in her tummy, and when he's born, she won't be able to take care of him. She explains, in language that a child can understand, many of the reasons that birthmothers relinquish their newborn infants: There just isn't enough money or energy to provide the support and care a new baby needs. "Right now I couldn't provide those things for two children, even with your help," she tells Rosa.

While other stories might stop here, Sam's Sister is just beginning. Rosa's mom assures her that both she and the baby in her mother's tummy are loved. Rosa helps in making the open-adoption plan and meets the chosen parents for her soon-to-be baby brother. Her desire to maintain a relationship with her new brother is validated by everyone, and the adoptive parents encourage her involvement on many levels. When Sam is finally born, Rosa is able to visit him, reaffirming that she will always be Sam's sister.

This wonderful story is told with a clear, honest approach that avoids fantasy. The book will be an effective tool in helping young children understand the experiences and feelings that surround adoption.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, April 22, 2004

By 

Richard York (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sam's Sister (Hardcover)

This beautiful little book is bound to bring comfort to many mothers and children out there struggling to come to terms with the decision to place a child for adoption. Written love and compassion, this book tells the story of a beautiful little girl, Rosa, who struggles to understand why her mother's new baby isn't going to be living with them. Ms. Bond writes straight from the heart with an understand and compassion that is truly remarkable, and Ms. Majewski's illustrations compliment the story beautifully. In this busy and sometimes impersonal world, a little gem like this book is truly something to be treasured.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sam's Sister a Great Choice!, April 18, 2004

By 

Leah (Rolling Meadows, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sam's Sister (Hardcover)

This is an excellent tale for families on both sides of the adoption fence. Sam's Sister shows an endearing and insightful little girl's viewpoint and questions she has, about her younger sibling who will be adopted to another family. This is a side of adoption rarely seen in children's literature, and has been written in a very tender manner.