From Booklist Although Elizabeth, a young Chinese girl,
is secure in the love of her adoptive
Caucasian American family, she still has
questions. Why, if China is such a big
country, wasn't there room for all the
babies? Didn't her mother love her? Such
questions surface in games with her
younger Chinese sister, in loving
give-and-take with her American mother,
and in hurt feelings after seeing a
Chinese mother and daughter at the
playground. Decorated in floral patterns
and colored in lush, velvety hues, the
thickly stroked, realistic artwork
expands on the text while heightening the
emotions it conveys. Elizabeth's
misgivings are met head-on by her
adoptive mother's reassurance, love, and
thoughtful responses. The mother's tender
support not only reassures Elizabeth but
will also benefit other adoptees,
especially those from Third World
countries, as it reinforces the efforts
of all loving, adoptive parents. Ellen
Mandel
Sensitive, Touching
Adoption Story From Child's Viewpoint,
November 7, 2001
Reviewer:
Pablo Escalante from San
Francisco, CA USA
In this sensitive, intelligent and
witty account of a girl from China being
adopted by U.S. parents, the author has
successfully related both the emotional
and factual elements of the adoption
process. I especially liked the fact that
the book has been written from the
child's point of view. My wife and I
adopted a girl from China several years
ago, and this book has been a godsend to
us. As we read the book to our daughter,
Sarah, we realized that the author was
saying all those things we had been
feeling and wanting to say, yet couldn't
find the words for.
I might also add that although the
child in this book, Elizabeth, is from
China, I feel the story is universal and
applies equally well to kids from the
United States or other countries.
I can not recommend this book highly
enough for parents who have adopted or
are considering adopting. You are truly
undertaking a journey of love... a
journey that is described accurately and
poignantly by the author.
50 of 51
people found the following review
helpful:
What a way to start a
conversation!, August 5, 2000
Both my husband and I have read this
book to our 6 year old adopted daughter
and were amazed at her response. It is
sensitive and gentle, yet hits on a
tender point in any adoption story. How
did I come to be available? The questions
that she has asked after the book is
closed and she is snuggled safely in my
arms, reminds me how close to the surface
are her memories of China and the
question of why she is in the USA
instead. Although I have [unsuccessfully]
brought the subject up before, this story
has given her the freedom to voice her
own questions and fears. If Elizabeth can
ask questions and get straight answers,
maybe I can too. This book is beautiful.
And creates an atmosphere of safety and
love that gives the adopted child a
chance to ask.