Going on a Road Trip Book

Title / Author / Publication Date:
Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story / Peacock, Carol Antoinette. / 2000

Genre: Fiction

Format: Picture Book - print

Plot summary:
Elizabeth, who was born in China, tries to sort out her feelings as she learns she has two mommies: her adoptive American mother and an unknown mother in China.

Review citation:
K-Gr 4--With sensitivity and honesty, this book explores the feelings and questions a young Chinese girl has about having been adopted into an American family. She learns why her birth mother had to give her up and why her parents chose to adopt her and her younger sister. She plays games to help her adjust such as pretending to have a phone conversation with her "China mommy" about her current life. Elizabeth's healthy exploration of what it means to be adopted evolves naturally over time. The text and illustrations are printed on brown speckled paper. Confident brush strokes create fluid family scenes and thoughtful facial expressions. The illustrations make Elizabeth's intermittent vulnerability even more obvious. (School Library Journal, vol. 46, issue 5, p151)

Section source used to find the material: Best Books to Help Talk about Birthparents with Adopted Kids. The National Infertility & Adoption Education Nonprofit.

Recommended age: Ages 4-7