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Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book, which I was so stoked to receive!
Adoption is a much more complicated topic than people realize, and the best thing a potential adoptive parent can do is self-reflect about their own lives and grow from their struggles so that they can parent their children to the best of their ability. I often recommend Melissa's first book, What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption, to families because of her ability to integrate the history of adoption, her personal history and emotions, and challenging questions to adoptive families seamlessly. While I think that this book goes best when paired with the original book, I still found a lot of value in it and have started integrating some of the questions Melissa poses into my work.
My favorite parts of this workbook involved when Melissa integrated real-world examples and websites that families could consult. Words matter, and by including these examples, Melissa clearly showed why our words should be heavily considered when talking about adoption. I also greatly appreciated the section that involved questions that people should ask their agencies, as I would much prefer that people pursue adoption in the most ethical ways possible instead of simply doing whatever will be fastest/easiest for growing their families. Finally, I hugely appreciated the resource list. I trust Melissa's judgement and have added these resources to my own list so I can learn from more adoptee, former foster youth, and first family voices.
My biggest complaint is that this book is advertised as one that families can consult no matter how they adopted their children. I think that the book holds value for all adoptive families; however, it seems most effective as a resource for those who adopted privately (domestic or international). The reason for this is largely due to the fact that Melissa's worldview is through the lens of a transnational, transcultural adoptee. Again, I think there is still benefit to completing the workbook, but adoptive families should make sure to supplement their education with the voices of former foster youth.
Thank you again to NetGalley, North Atlantic Books, and Melissa Guida-Richards for the ARC copy of this workbook.
Adoption is a much more complicated topic than people realize, and the best thing a potential adoptive parent can do is self-reflect about their own lives and grow from their struggles so that they can parent their children to the best of their ability. I often recommend Melissa's first book, What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption, to families because of her ability to integrate the history of adoption, her personal history and emotions, and challenging questions to adoptive families seamlessly. While I think that this book goes best when paired with the original book, I still found a lot of value in it and have started integrating some of the questions Melissa poses into my work.
My favorite parts of this workbook involved when Melissa integrated real-world examples and websites that families could consult. Words matter, and by including these examples, Melissa clearly showed why our words should be heavily considered when talking about adoption. I also greatly appreciated the section that involved questions that people should ask their agencies, as I would much prefer that people pursue adoption in the most ethical ways possible instead of simply doing whatever will be fastest/easiest for growing their families. Finally, I hugely appreciated the resource list. I trust Melissa's judgement and have added these resources to my own list so I can learn from more adoptee, former foster youth, and first family voices.
My biggest complaint is that this book is advertised as one that families can consult no matter how they adopted their children. I think that the book holds value for all adoptive families; however, it seems most effective as a resource for those who adopted privately (domestic or international). The reason for this is largely due to the fact that Melissa's worldview is through the lens of a transnational, transcultural adoptee. Again, I think there is still benefit to completing the workbook, but adoptive families should make sure to supplement their education with the voices of former foster youth.
Thank you again to NetGalley, North Atlantic Books, and Melissa Guida-Richards for the ARC copy of this workbook.