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Powerful new must-read book: The Boy from Baby House 10, by Alan Philps and John Lahutsky

October 17, 2009 on 8:52 pm | In Adoption books, Kay's Picks | No Comments

Although my review of this book for Adoptive Families magazine will appear in the January/February issue, I couldn’t wait that long to recommend this powerful book. Anyone with an interest in international adoption will be intrigued by this, the true story of Vanya, a boy living in an orphanage in Russia. Because he was born “imperfect”, he’s judged unworthy of any care beyond what it takes to keep his body alive. No one cares about his mind, his emotions, his soul–until he catches the attention of a foreign visitor. That chance meeting is the beginning of a tenous support system, and a chain of events leading to his eventual adoption.

We were only allowed to see a couple of rooms in the orphanage where our daughter, Natalie, spent two of her formative years. But, the routines and caretaker attitudes described in this book took me right back to that cold, old, building. The details of Vanya’s orphanage life go a long way toward explaining the delays Natalie experienced. It’s heartbreaking to think about.

So why dwell in the past? Why put myself through reading this book? Why recommend it to others, especially those with no ties to international adoption? Because thousands of kids still live in orphanages in Russia, and in other countries, and the world should understand what that’s like.

Not all of us can adopt a child from an orphange. But all of us can help. I’m working with some local moms to start an Iowa Chapter of Gift of Adoption Fund, a non-profit group that helps families afford the cost of adopting. Visit http://www.firstgiving.com/krispeters to see just how easy it is to help.

I’ll add a link to my official review of this book as soon as it’s available online. In the meantime, read this book–this call to action. Then act. Everyone can help.

Read with me!

Act with me!

Kay