Books for Asian Adoptees and Transracial Adoption Families

This is the first of two book reviews by Linh Song, Executive Director of Mam Non Organization -- a Michigan-based group whose many activities serve the greater Vietnamese community, including providing public education on issues faced by Vietnamese-American families and transracial adoptees.

Part 1 reviews books for kids that explore concepts and issues surrounding transracial adoption significantly, but not exclusively, relevant to Asian adoptees.  In Part 2, "Books about Race and Diversity," Song reviews multicultural titles about cultural diversity and racial discrimination that are of broad, general interest, but can be particularly helpful to parents and teachers of transracial adoptees.  Clicking any title or cover in the series launches a new browser window to Amazon. Information about Mam Non Organization appears at the end of the article.

Books on Adoption for Children and Families

When You Were Born in Vietnam
Therese Bartlett, William Bartlett (photographer)

Great background book for parents-in-process (and family members!). Detailed with information on orphanages and the adoption process, beautiful photographs from across Vietnam. Too long for young children, ideal for ages 10+. Breathtaking.

The Colors of Us
Karen Katz

An upbeat story of Lena and how she notices her skin color and her friends' coloring with comparisons to "French toast, cinnamon, honey..." Written by an adoptive Mom with a daughter from Guatemala, Lena also includes an observation of her Asian American friend. Nice treat with a Caucasian mother and child of color. An uncomplicated way of celebrating diversity, fun.

Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale
Karen Klatz

The adoption journey can be full of excitement and anticipation. What better way to share this with your child than with this colorful book? A great gift for waiting parents, Katz explains how the process is full of love and a bit of magic as the parents fly to a faraway place for a child grown in another woman's tummy like a flower. A celebration.

Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies
Ann Warren Turner, James Graham Hale (illus.)

This is told by a young adopted boy as if he's re-telling a story that was often shared but only now realizing how it's his story. A sensitive tale about how he needs a family and how it's realized through a loving home far away, reached by flying through the moon and stars and night skies. Evenly paced, emotional.

A Mother for Choco
Keiko Kasza

A young bird searches for a mother that looks like him. In the course of his humorous search, he meets other animals and ends his journey with Mrs. Bear. She loves and cares for Choco and he learns that these qualities are the ones that define motherhood. A gentle adoption story.

Adoption is for Always
Linda Walvoord Girard

Five-year-old Celia is angry and confused about her adoption. She asks her parents about her past and they give honest answers and comfort her. It would probably help if the children are already familiar with their adoption story since the concepts are a bit complex for little ones.

Touched by Adoption: Stories, Letters, and Poems
Nancy A. Robinson

A moving anthology of works by members of the adoption triad including pieces by Vietnamese adoptee, Kevin Allen.

The Lucky Gourd Shop: A Novel
Joanna Catherine Scott

An adoptive mother to three Korean siblings writes a fictitious account of their birthmother's life in Korea.

NEXT: Part 2: Books about Race and Diversity >
Titles for parents, teachers, and adoptees address issues of culture, race, and racism  in school and society, as well as within the family sphere