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

The Kingfisher Book of Family Poems was the second book I ever reviewed for Adoptive Families Magazine, and as such, it’s a sentimental favorite of mine.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone with a new baby or newly adopted child, an Easter gift that the whole family will enjoy, or want to get an early start on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day shopping, this book is a great choice.

And, April is National Poetry Month! There’s no better time to order this book from Amazon, or check it out from your public library, and share a little poetry with your family.

Janet S. Wong is one of several big-name contributors to this book, and this book was my first introduction to her work. I’ve since become a fan. Her artful use of language (wow, that’s lame!) is beyond description. You have to read it to believe it, so…

Read with me!
Kay

Three Little Words: A Memoir, by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Rhodes-Courter tells the story of her experiences in foster care, and how “the system” failed her. Through the help of a court appointed advocate, she was eventually adopted.

I appreciate Rhodes-Courter’s honesty when talking about her adoptive family–her attachment to them took time, and she doesn’t pretend otherwise.

The mother in me is proud of the woman Ashley has become! WAY TO GO, ASHLEY!

Read with me!
Kay

I love the book Reasonable People: A Memoir of Autism and Adoption, by Ralph James Salvarese, a fellow adoptive parent and fellow Iowan (I’m a native, he’s a transplant). His portrayal of adopting a child with special needs is beyond inspiring–it’s life-changing!

Here’s a link to my review that appeared in Adoptive Families Magazine:

http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=1732

I also reviewed it for ADDitude Magazine.

And–I’m not finished yet!–I wrote the following three posts about the book for my ADHD parenting blog, My Picture Perfect Family:

Inspiration from Two Remarkable Parents

Addressing Differences in Our ADHD Children

And finally, The ADHD/Anxiety Connection

Yes, I REALLY like this book! I hope you do too.

Read with me!
Kay