How I Was Adopted Paperback – September 28, 1999

I really like this book, and more importantly, so does my 5-year old. The story focuses on the two basic things all adoptive families know for sure, regardless of their child's origin: that their child was born by a birth mother and that the child was adopted. The story is sweet and objective, not overly sentimental, which allows for the parents to add in their own information, as they read. The story is told partly from the perspective of a girl named Samantha and partly from the perspective of her parents, bringing out how loved and wanted an adopted child is. The story also pays attention to the fact that the child has physical features that were there from birth, and habits and behaviors that the child has grown into in the new family. This way, pre- and post-adoption history blend together. The illustrations are rich in detail, which allows for the young reader's mind to take a break from the story and simply focus on Samantha as a child who likes to play, draw etc. This story seems to be about a domestic adoption of a newborn, but it it's focus allows for some interpretation, especially since Samantha's voice in the story asks the reader about his or her own adoption story. There is a couple of pages that talk about baby pictures, which parents might want to be aware of, if their child does not have photos from the first years of life.

This book will engage your child because the main character asks them questions about their own adoption story.My daughter was very responsive and we are able to "start a conversation", which is just what we needed to do.This is perhaps better for a child over the age of two.

This is exactly what I wanted. Non-religious, explains difference between bio and adopted parents, very engaging. My child can't read so when I get to the part about hiring an adoption counselor I will change it to the social worker who told us about you. When she is older I can explain other ways of adoption.

We adopted our little one at birth, and I love the language in this book. It's definitely one I can see us reading over and over again. The introduction with tips on talking to your child about their adoption is also very well written.

The overall story-line of the book is good, however, none of the reviews or read preview show a semi-graphic depiction of a woman birthing a child. The book also uses scientific terms when talking about a woman being pregnant, such as uterus instead of belly. I agree with the use of the term, however it’s more suitable for older kids than it is young children.

A solidly good adoption book. The story is told by the adopted child, and although it tells her specific story, she acknowledges that every adoption story is different. A good way to start conversations!

My daughter can really relate to the girl in the book. It has great detail about the process that connected with our story too. But it also has a lot about the girl as just a normal girl who likes and does things that normal kids like and do, which my daughter really loves. She wants to feel normal as much as special. We love this book!

I don't think my two year old was ready for this, but I will keep introducing it at regular intervals. It has a good approach to the subject of adoption for small children.