International Adoptions

Gr 9 Up—This volume contains an impressive compilation of statistics and opinions by reputable journalists, social workers, as well as adult adoptees. It offers detailed discussions about whether international adoptions should be encouraged, if celebrity adoptions hurt or help, the consequences for the adoptees, and what changes should be made in the process. The preface and bibliography for each chapter are invaluable, as are the guiding questions at the beginning of each essay. What makes this book so valuable is that it presents an array of forceful opinions. Generally, the writing is articulate and arguments are clear and understandable. The statistical charts and graphs are very readable. Other essays discuss fraud and corruption, and many lament that the fees to adopt foreign children rarely help the sending countries develop the economic strength needed to retain them. Another question addressed is how to balance assimilation in the adoptive culture while maintaining birth culture identity. The prospective audience for this title could go beyond student researchers and debaters to include adoptive parents, social workers, psychologists, and educators.—Deborah Vose, East Middle School and South Middle School, Braintree, MA