Abuela
$6.99
Flying around Manhattan, somersaulting in midair, and resting in the sky on a chair-shaped cloud, Rosalba and her grandmother, her abuela, are having a grand adventure. How do they manage this exhilarating travel? - on Rosalba's marvelous imagination.
Pact says: A beautiful book with fabulous illustrations that is filled with fantasy and love.
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All the Colors We Are
$9.95
Demystifies skin color differences. Human beings have different skin tones to protect us from the sun's harmful rays. Melanin gives us color; all human beings have melanin in their skin, eyes, and hair. Each page has a spectrum of colors, allowing kids to match their own color to the colors on the page. Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Pact says: This is the best book we have found to help children view coloration from a scientific point of view rather than a judgmental one. We feel it should be in every child's library. A Pact bestseller.
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and Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
$14.95
A true story about two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo who become a couple, build a nest together and start a family by hathcing an abandoned egg given to them by the zoo-keeper. The book is a gentle, fun and matter of fact llustration of the point that two dad families are just another kind of family. The light-hearted color drawings of Tango, her dads and the other penguins in the zoo are a central part of the book’s charm.
Pact says: Validating families with two dads: this is a must-have for families and schools.
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Bippity Bop Barbershop
by Natasha Tarpley, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
$16.99
In this companion book to the bestselling I Love My Hair, a young boy, Miles, makes his first trip to the barbershop with his father. Like most little boys, he is afraid of the sharp scissors, the buzzing razor, and the prospect of picking a new hairstyle. But with the support of his dad, the barber, and the other men in the barbershop, Miles bravely sits through his first haircut.
Pact says: Written in a reassuring tone with a jazzy beat, this book captures an important rite of passage forboys and celebrates African American identity.
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Black is Brown is Tan
By Arnold Adoff
$6.99
This collection of poems about biracial identity, presented in an accessible, conversational voice, have stood the test of time and serve as a good springboard for discussing racial heritage with children. This series projects a clear and positive perspective for young people in general, standing up for an "I'm okay" attitude that will likely feel supportive to multiracial children. The poems express the voice of a well-rounded character who values helping the community while progressing toward self-realization. One of the few books of poetry to address this topic.
Pact says: This poetry about biracial identity has been a favorite for over thirty years.
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Boyra and the Burps
by Joan McNamara, Illustrated by Dawn W. Majewski
$18.00
This book is set in an orphanage in Eastern Europe and tells the story from the perspective of the child (Boyra) rather than the adults. Boyra watches and wonders about everything that is going on around him as his journey to adoption progresses.
Pact says:This book gives parents and children the chance to think about how children's sense of safety and comfort is based on what is familiar to them.
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Brown Like Me
by Noelle Lamperti
$12.95
A brown child with white parents celebrates all the things he meets in the course of his day that are colored brown, just like him.
Pact says: This is one of the few books available to illustrate a multiracial family and will be a valuable addition to the library of any child interested in diversity and especially meaningful to children growing up in multiracial families by adoption.
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David's Father
by Robert M. Munsch
$5.95
When David moved to the neighborhood, Julie was afraid of David's father because he was a giant. David, who was adopted, is not a giant and looks like a regular kid. When Julie got to know David's father, she found out he was very nice after all, but still kind of scary. "You think he is scary?" asks David. "Wait till you meet my grandmother."
Pact says: A hilarious story written from the point of view of the adopted child who has to explain to the world about his very strange parents. Every adopted child should have this book because it's the only one that turns the tables and identifies the parents and grandparents as different and the child as just a regular kid. Presenting a positive approach to the differences that can sometimes divide young children; David is the defender of difference, not the target. Don't miss this book.
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Day We Met You, The, by Phoebe Koehler
$5.99
Adopted children and their parents will want to celebrate that important day - the first homecoming - with this lovely and affirming book. Written for parents to read aloud, its details offer opportunities to reaffirm the details of this important homecoming.
Pact says: Affectionate and personal, it creates a mood that conveys comfort and reassurance.
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Did My First Mother Love Me?
by Kathryn M Miller
$12.95
Morgan knows her adoptive mother and father love her, but she wonders about her birth parents. Did they love her too? At the end of the book, there is a nice discussion for adults about how to talk about adoption with children.
Pact says: A Pact bestseller. Books that articulate the challenges of growing up adoption can be a real springboard to conversation and break through any sense of "being the only one" your adopted child may have. The illustrations are realistic and wonderfully detailed, using warm, clear colors and depicting simple scenes.
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Feel Good Book, The
by Todd Parr
$15.99
A celebration of difference, this is a story of family love that includes adoption in a wonderful way. Everybody wants to feel good, from sweet ("Being together feels good") to whimsical ("Catching snowflakes on your tongue feels good") to downright silly ("Making sounds like a monkey feels good"), this is a bright catalog of good feelings.
Pact says: The central idea of acceptance, understanding and confidence is the unstated message of every page but the book is not sappy or sugar coated. Good job!
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Forever Fingerprints
By Sherrie Eldridge, Illustrated by Rob Williams
$17.95
Forever Fingerprints uses a common occurrence - a relative's pregnancy - as
a springboard for discussions on birthparents, and where adopted children
are before they are born. Lucie is excited to feel a baby moving in her Aunt
Grace's tummy but it makes her think of how she understands her adoption
story in a different way. The tools offered by her parents - an
understanding of how each person has unique fingerprints given to them by
the specific mixture of their birth parents genetics - give Lucie's parents
the chance to reinforce their love for her, to empathize with her feelings
of confusion and interest about her birth parents and to honor her
connections to her birth heritage.
Pact says: This is a worthwhile addition to every family's library, yet
another vehicle to encourage the normal discussion of children's experience
of and growing understanding about what it means to be adopted. This book is
autographed by the author and includes a washable inkpad and a special sheet
for making a fingerprint memory as well as some suggestions for parents
about how to use the story with their children. We like it.
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Hair Dance!
By Dinah Johnson, Photographs by Kelly Johnson
$16.95
Hair comes in all colors, textures, and styles. Whether it is worn long or short, in braids or cornrows, or left natural in an Afro, hair plays a big part in who we are and how we feel about ourselves. In this inspiring book, Kelly Johnson's stunning photographs of girls wearing a range of hairstyles and the lyrical words of Dinah Johnsonâ019s poem celebrate African American hair in all its radiant variety.
Pact says: Celebrating African American beauty and diversity is always important.
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I Don't Have Your Eyes
by Carrie Kitzke
$16.95
"I don't have your eyes... but I have your way of looking at things," emphasizes connection while acknowledging differences, particularly in a transracial adoption context. Filled with images of children and adults of all different hues, ages and shapes, it addresses the issues of being a family with visible differences.
Pact says: This is a great beginning and perfect for young children who are noticing differences.
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I Love My Hair
by Natasha Tarpley
$6.99
Kenyana, a young African American girl, doesn't feel very lucky about her hair because no matter how gently her Mama combs, it still hurts. Mama shows her the many wonderful ways she can style it and encourages her to not only feel good about her special hair but also to feel proud of her heritage..
Pact says: I Love My Hair reminds African American girls not to succumb to white ideas of beauty for themselves.
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I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
by Kennise Herring, Illustrated by Jane Dyer
$14.95
This story follows a woman on her journey to adopt a baby girl from China. From orphanage crib to plane flight, the narrative chronicles the baby's trip to her own crib in her own room in her new home.
Pact says: This book acknowledges the baby's first mother and time in an orphanage in an important and respectful way - forever part of the child's heritage.
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In My Heart
by Molly Bang
$15.99
Bang's new book is a beautifully illustrated work it could stand all on its
own, even without a story. The vibrant colors, the style of artwork and the
fun integration of alphabet lettering into the story's lines all give the
book a feel of warmth and fun. Overall the multiracial images that appear in
the book speak directly to the concrete mirroring we should all strive for
as multiracial families.
Pact says: It is so nice to see a book that reflects racial diversity for
our children among adults not just other children.
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Let's Talk About It: Adoption
by Fred Rogers
$6.99
Discusses what it means to be part of a family and tackles some feelings adopted children may have. The main message is that belonging in a family comes from being loved. Fred Rogers opens the door for adoptive families to safely talk about their good and not-so-good feelings in a book that reinforces family unity.
Pact says: This is a classic and every generation seems to love it.
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Mother for Choco, A
by Keiko Kasza
$5.99
Choco wished he had a mother, but who could his mother be? The story is about belonging. The story ends with Mrs. Bear acknowledging that she will perform the parenting needs Choco is missing - fun, love, nurture, protection even though she doesn't look like Choco.. The word adoption is never once used in this story..
Pact says: A great validation that a mother is who takes care of you, and a family can be found, not just born.
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One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dad
by Johnny Valentine
$10.95
Two children - one with blue dads, one from a more traditional family - compare notes in this lighthearted, easy-to-read book about parents who are different. In the end of course, they discover that blue dads aren't really that different from other dads. Funny and light-hearted, with nothing blatant. Appeals to a preschooler's sense of the ridiculous without insulting them. Also encourages thinking about racial issues and questions about how "other" kids families might be structured (divorced, single-parent, step-families, gay families, adoptive families). Bright, well-composed illustrations. Vibrant text.
Pact says: Validates all kinds of families without being preachy or heavy handed.
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One Wonderful You
by Francis Portnoy
$9.95
"You are unique because you are a wonderful blend of both your families." This straightforward, clear and entertaining book talks in language kids can understand about genetics, heritage and what adoption really means. The simple message reinforces basic information in an appealing way. Multicultural cartoon-like illustrations add appeal.
Pact says: We love the inherent message of completeness, helping children from the beginning feel great about BOTH their family legacies. Written by an adoptee, there is no question that the book's validating message will help children feel comfortable in their skin as they process the facts of their adoption. And it has some humor as a bonus!
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Over The Moon: An Adoption Story
by Karen Katz
$7.95
Once upon a time a teeny-tiny baby was born. At the same time, a man and a woman had a dream. They saw the baby in a basket surrounded by beautiful flowers and they knew it was the child they had been longing for. Bright, exuberant illustrations tell the story of how one family came together with the lively appeal of Guatemalan folk art.The child has brown skin and looks Central American.
Pact says: In this story, a mom and dad fly to a faraway place to adopt their baby. The message is reassuring, the illustrations are delightful and the text is happy.
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Pablo's Tree
by Pat Mora
$17.95
Five-year-old Pablo can hardly wait to see how Abuelito, his grandfather, has decorated Pablo's tree for his birthday. When Mama first told her father that she was going to adopt a baby and name it after him if it were a boy, Lito went out and bought the tree for his grandson. He moved the tree from place to place and watered it, but he waited to plant it until the day that Mama finally brought Pablo home. And every year since then, Lito has decorated the tree for Pablo's birthday.
Pact says: This book is a powerful tool for all adoptive families, at any stage of pre or post-adoption. Illustrates a family ritual and how it promotes deep and enduring attachments for a child as he grows. This is one of the only books about adoption featuring Latino characters.. Recommended for the home library of every child of Latino or Hispanic heritage.
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Peter's Chair
by Ezra Jack Keats
$6.99
The new baby is home and Peter's world has really changed. So Peter runs away until his parents welcome him home with his own grown-up chair. Peter eventually realizes his status as big brother is very special.
Pact says: Sibling rivalry and a happy ending. This book has stood the test of time and remains both charming and reassuring.
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Rainbow All around Me, A
by Sandra and Myles Pinkney
$15.95
Poems about colors, the book is illustrated with photographs. This book ingeniously combines an examination of colors with a look at the broad spectrum of multicultural children who make our world such a colorful place.
Pact say: This book is affirming and articulates race in the context of colors for young child. We love it!
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Sam's Sister
by Juliet C. Bond
$18.00
Finally -- a book that acknowledges the birth siblings of adopted children. Sam's Sister follows six-year-old Rosa as she comes to understand her mother's dilemma, learns about adoption, experiences his birth and placement with Sarah and Joe. We are delighted that Rosa and her family are Latino.
Pact says: We hope this book makes it into every adoptive and birth family home as well as becoming a staple for agency personnel to use with their prospective clients. Buy a copy for your own children and your adopted children's birth siblings. Even if your child doesn't know his or her birth family, this story delivers a terrifically positive message. Four stars.
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Shades of Black
by Sandra L. Pinkney
Embraces the beauty and diversity of African American children. Using simple poetic language these photographic portraits and descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage.
Pact says: Pictures of the real faces of African American children demonstrate in a visual way the true diversity of "black" people, allowing young children to understand that blackness derives not from the color but from the culture of a people.
Shades of Black (Hardcover) $15.95
Shades of Black (Board book for younger children) $6.99
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We See The Moon
by Carrie Kitze
$16.95
This is a story written from the adopted child's perspective, asking the questions about his or her birthparents that are often unspoken. ...What do you look like? Where are you now? Do you think of me? It teaches children to use the moon as a private tool to connect with family that is always with them in their hearts.
Pact says: We love this book! It is simple and hopeful in a Zen like way- focused, refined and beautiful. Delivering the message that all beings are connected, it succeeds in transforming the sadness of separation into a healing experience, inspiring readers toward finding their own meanings. Every adopted child (and adult) needs a copy of this book.
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When Sophie Get's Angry - Really, Really Angry
by Ann Caron
$6.99
When Sophie's little sister grabs her toy Sophie looks to her mother for help but mom says Sophie needs to learn to share. This makes Sophie feel like "a volcano ready to explode". Overcome, she runs outside, finds solitude, is able to cry, think about what she has done, and manage to calm down. Ends with loving hugs.
Pact says: Supportive book for any child who has ever lost her temper - or might ever lose her temper.
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Whoever You Are
by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub
$6.00
Whoever You Are urges readers to accept differences among people, to recognize similarities, and, most importantly, to rejoice in both. The book offers a "'we- are- all- the- same- under- the-skin' message for the very young. An essential book that acknowledges in the simplest of terms our common humanity.
Pact says: Vivid colors underscore a vibrant and essential message.
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Whole Me, The
by Ellen Barron
$16.00
A story in verse about the experience of kids being adopted from the foster care system. Intended for kids aged six to twelve, we feel this book is appropriate for kids four years and up. It is presented in picture book format that children may feel makes it a "baby" book. Nevertheless, it presents authentic feelings children
often have about the move from foster care to adoption.
Pact says: Though this book is not everything we might have wished, it fulfills a unique purpose.
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Yo! Yes
by Chris Raschka
$16.95
Two boys, one Black and one white, meet on the street. In a simple story that uses just nineteen words ("yo" appears twice, "yes" six times), two boys meet as strangers who strike up a conversation on a city sidewalk. One hails the other, who is cautious. The first persists. The other responds. Gradually they become friends.
Pact says: So bountiful it feels as if it's spilling off the pages, energetic illustrations create mirrors to see ourselves in and windows to see others. Friendship across differences is supported.
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