The ability to understand and accept individual differences is an essential part of life. Adopted children face a wide variety of issues that sets them apart from children who live with their birth parents. Gayle H Swift and her daughter, Casey A Swift, wrote ABC Adoption & Me to address the unique questions raised by adopted children. Parents can easily use this picture book as a starting point for discussion. Establishing an open dialogue at an early age will minimize the possibility of children developing low self-esteem.
Gayle and Casey start the book with a guide for parents. It includes 5 helpful tips on ways to utilize the book as well as the parameters of the Adoption-Attunement Quotient. By gaining a better understanding of how adoption can influence a child, parents and educators can more effectively meet the emotional needs of adopted children.
The genre of ABC books includes a multitude of topics. These books cleverly compartmentalize a given subject by using the alphabet. Most of these books are geared toward a younger audience- pre-kindergarten and early readers. The larger font and illustrations in this book focus on this age level. However, older children and adults will find ABC books, such as this one, a useful resource.
Each letter of the alphabet is showcased on its own page. Some of the statements reinforce self-awareness while others give rise to questions. For example, the letter D opens the door to the discussion of birth parents. It states-
“D is for dreams. Sometimes I dream about my birth parents and wonder if they like me.”
Throughout the book, adopted children are made to feel that it is okay to question their feelings. The last letter, “Z”, reemphasizes the wide range of emotions that adopted children encounter.
“Z is for zig-zag. Sometimes I feel happy and sad about being adopted.”
By working together, Gayle and Casey have created a picture book that will help both adults and children. Gayle called upon her experience as an adoptive parent while Casey used her experience as an adoptee. As a result, readers will be able to see a balanced approach to the important issues raised by the adoption process in a child friendly format.
Book Awards:
- Favorite Read of 2013- Adoptive Families Magazine
- Notable Picture Book for 2013- Shelf Unbound
- Honorable Mention- Gittle 2013 List.
- Four Royal Palm Literary Awards
Book Giveaway
Anyone who leaves a comment on this blog by Sunday, June 15 will be eligible for a book giveaway. The randomly selected winner will be sent an autographed copy of ABC, Adoption & Me.
Related Blogs:
Woodson Picture Book Promotes Kindness
Multicultural Picture Book- Improving the World
Multicultural Picture Book Building Self-Esteem
Multicultural Picture Book Explores Languages
I’m looking forward to sending a copy of ABC, Adoption & Me to one of your commenters.
Gayle,
Thanks again for taking time to be interviewed and participating in the book giveaway. The winner has been notified. I will forward her contact information after I receive it.
Such an important topic. This is a novel approach that can be used with younger children.
Barbara,
Thanks for stopping by the site. As the sole commenter, you automatically win the giveaway. An email was sent to the address you provided.