I received an advance readers copy of the book. Jean Widner succeeds in capturing the depth and breadth of the history of adoption in America from the late 1800s to the present and yet also manages a deep dive into many specifics of the practice, as well. She offers insights and an incredible array of resources in the process.
The book examines the plusses and minuses of how adoption in America evolved and is currently carried out in its many forms, open, closed, etc. Unlike many other books on the topics she does not omit the voices of adoptees and birth/first parents. To the contrary, she takes great care in presenting all sides of the adoption equation. The perspectives of adoptees, birth/first parents, and adoptive and foster parents are all present and presented in their own words. These passages are especially enlightening.
This book discusses adoption in an objective voice, including an abundance of peer-reviewed, reliable research and data points, but the author also shares from her own experiences related to adoption at certain points along the way. The author also discusses challenges in our foster care and kinship care systems, hurdles for adoptees as they reach adulthood, and sorely needed legislative change in all areas of adoption, foster care, and child welfare in general.
As an added bonus, Jean leaves the reader with lots to ponder and reflect on. This would be an excellent book to read if you are considering adoption or fostering, or a great gift for someone else considering adoption or fostering. It is an instant classic as well as a valuable reference book that should be on the shelf of anyone who calls themselves an “adoption professional.” I highly recommend!
-Marci P
