Adoption Books

I hated the author's neverending whining through out this book. I only finished reading this book because I had already started it. He incessant selfishness makes me question why she was given the blessing of a precious baby girl from China. This book is not really about adoption but how the writer has been wronged through out her life. I really don't know why she titled the book "Meeting Sophie" because the book is not about her daughter but about listening to her about her misfortunes in life. I don't reccomend this book because you will just be irritated by her whining about her life.

I think that Nancy McCabe's memoir is so good that I order it for my students at the college where I teach as part of the required reading material in my literature class on cultural identity. I first picked it up a few years ago when I was reading everything I could get my hands on about Chinese adoptions before my husband and I adopted our daughter from China. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a memoir about much more than international adoption. McCabe is writing about identity within the family, the myths that parents and other members of a family often create about one another, and the struggle of finding one's identity especially as a girl in America. I think that in many ways the book shows how much all women--in America, China, etc.--have in common when it comes to the dilemma of needing to be an individual yet wanting to be accepted. I think that the subtitle of this book (A Memoir of Adoption) needs to be omitted or changed and that the book needs to be marketed as a memoir about cultural identity, parenting, and self-discovery--as well as adoption.

I would recommend this book to any single person considering overseas adoption. It was easy to read and enjoyable but I found the author had some strange views. It was almost like she was very unprepared for motherhood and had some family issues of her own to deal with already.
It wasn't my favourite adoption book but I did enjoy it. To be honest, it made me feel a whole lot better about my own situation!

Although I completed reading this book from the first page to the last, I only did so because I thought for sure the author was going to have some big time, life changing, realization at the end of her story. Her tone throughout the book is negative. She talks often about her own childhood issues, employment issues, and doubts about the adoption (which we all have, but hers seemed unfair to her future daughter). I found myself thinking, "We all have problems in our life, suck it up" and "how is her daughter going to feel when she reads this as an adult?" I don't think this is an appropriate book to read if you are looking for information about the process of adoption (I don't think the author meant this book to be about the process anyway) or if you are looking for inspiring adoption stories. If you are, however, looking for the story of a single mother who feels mistreated by everyone (her family, her coworkers, society, other adoptive parents) then this book might be for you. I found that even the writing of this book made me wonder what her editor was thinking. She uses one or two metaphors a couple times throughout. At least, enough for me to realize that I had read that same line earlier in the book.

I can relate to McCabe on a number of levels. Far from expecting a dry "here's the adoption process" sort of missive, I was quite glad to hear McCabe's emotional thoughts as she pursued bringing her daughter home from China.

Ms. McCabe happens to be a single woman with a Ph.D. and a job in academia. I've begun my own doctoral studies this fall, and my husband and I are also considering adopting from China. If the adoption goes through, I'll be close to the end of my program before we travel to China. I don't think there will be a conflict, as I want to keep my hours minimal and flexible (and plan to coordinate with my advisors well in advance of any interruption of my studies), but I wonder what others will think about my priorities.

Nancy McCabe had this problem; she was denied tenure during her adoption pursuit. She found a job at another university, but sure had a stressful time of it for a while. I remember that while I pursued my Master's as a single mother, I was always telling my advisors that my family came first, and always telling my family that I needed some time to study. Neither group seemed entirely satisfied (particularly my advisors, although I made it through just fine).

I appreciate that McCabe's book addresses the issues surrounding becoming a mother (which apply to *anyone*, not just adoptive mothers), particularly mothers working in the academic world.

I could also relate to McCabe's experiences with well-meaning, well-loved parents who couldn't quite interact in ways that were completely supportive to her goals and feelings (they try, and the love is absolutely there, but they somehow manage to miss the mark). I understood the feeling of loss, both before and after her father died. I appreciated that she shared this aspect of her life, as well, as it makes the journey that much more real (life doesn't stop or become any more simple just because you're adopting a child).

Ultimately, I was very encouraged by McCabe's book, and came away thinking, "Well, if she can make it, I bet I can, too!" Thanks, Nancy.

As an adoptive parent and an adoption and foster care professional, it is hard for me to believe that I didn't find out about this wonderful book years ago! The information on the child development, and how it is impacted by adoption is excellent. The information on how adoption impacts family dynamics is invaluable in helping adoptive parents and professionals understand the changes that are occurring for adoptive parents as the journey of adoption proceeds. I wish that I had known some of this information as I was struggling with the changes that adoption was making in me. The book normalized my experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is adopting or thinking about adopting. It reads a bit like a text book, and so might seem bookish for anyone who has not parented, but anyone engaged in parenting, biological, adopted or foster children would benefit from reading this book! (PS I was so impressed with this book that I am taking the time to write these comments... a first for me after at least 10 years of buying books from Amazon.com.)

A good book to read for those who are thinking about of have already adopted a child.

A little clinical but very helpful for learning what to expect during each developmental stage.

I almost did not buy this book after reading a review that it was "too clinical." Thank heaven I went for it anyway. It was SO interesting and SO helpful, it has inspired me to write my first book review here on Amazon. I have read every book I can get my hands on since I adopted a 4-year-old from another country and this was by far the most useful to me. While it also covers adoption of infants and domestic adoption, Van Gulden delves deeply into adoption of older (more than a year old), international/interracial children and the issues they face. I especially like how - after each chapter - she gives a list of other resources/books to consult for more information. There are great suggestions of children's books that will help you approach most any difficult topic that can - and will - come up with your new child. I am back here shopping for more copies tonight - get a copy for grandma/grandpa and anyone else close to you who may need a little education on the unique intricacies of adopting an older child from another culture or race. I am so grateful to have found this book and highly recommend it. Adoption is one of life's richest blessings - and most worthy challenges. This book will help you appreciate and cope and know that you are not alone.

I know people who have raised a grandchild and pretended to be the mother, rather than grandmother - which caused the adopted person intense grief and anger later on.

I know someone who cared for two kids who were not his own and was proud to be known as their "step-father", not pretending to be their father.

I know someone who cared for a child, loving him and providing for him in exactly the same way he would have if the boy was his own. He referred to himself as the "guardian" of the boy and still allowed the boy's family members (excluding the abuser) to communicate with the boy and referred to them as his relatives.

I believe it makes it more difficult for a child to discuss her very real loss (loss of her sister, grandparent or parent) when the people caring for her keep insisting they are her "real" family. Real caregiver, real guardian - and hopefully loving and considerate. But I question whether it is considerate or loving (in the long run) to pretend to be the real family members.

Ben Stein's book was just wonderful in an entirely pleasant, decent and thoughtful way. His devotion to his family and household is not much more than what everyone's should be, but on a little reflection it is a marvelous and almost unheard of example of what ought to be but seldom is today. Mr. Stein's pursuits and accomplishments are too numerous and varied to repeat here, but he surpasses all of them in his level of (I say it again) decency. More importantly, his stories and reflections about Tommy and other friends serve as a genuine model for others to live up to and Stein never in the least part succumbs to a temptation to preach or talk down. After reading Tommy and Me, I get the impression that in addition to being a writer, television host, lawyer and economist he could have done quite well as a clergyman too.

Ben Stein is probably best known for his game show "Win Ben Stein's Money," and for his work as a character actor in the cult classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." But some of us have known about Ben Stein for years based on his excellent work as a journalist and writer. In this poignant and beautiful little book, he demonstrates why some of us loved him even before he started giving away money.

In TOMMY AND ME, Stein recounts his small family's experience in adopting a baby (Tommy) and relates how is life was changed as a result. He illustrates in a deeply personal fashion who he was before he became a dad, and the insecurity (and yes, jealousy) he experienced when Tommy first entered his life. Most beautifully, he shows how he overcame these problems and became a real father. Along the way he records many memorable and occasionally profound observations on what it is to have what he calls "the best job in the world" -- being a dad.

There are some who've criticized this book because they don't agree with all the decisions Stein and his wife have made. For example, he mentions that he buys his son all the video games he wants and, because he makes a pretty good living, buys Tommy far more toys than most parents can. Many people (myself included) question the wisdom of such a policy. Stein and his wife also spank Tommy, which some people would question, but also spanks only very, very rarely, which other people might question (although in this case his policy matches my own).

But this sort of criticism misses the point; the book is a memoir, not a "how-to" manual. Stein describes the thinking that went into his decisions, and along the way shows us what being a real father is all about: making countless decisions that affect your child's life, and making them with the deep contemplation, love, and commitment that all parents owe their children. As Stein notes, young children are inherently selfish little barbarians, and our task (and blessing) is to love them for all their flaws while we do our (inevitably imperfect) best to guide them into decency and maturity.

Another criticism you may hear is that Stein's wife, Tommy's mother, is absent from long sections of the book. This criticism, again, misses the point. Stein's book is not about motherhood, nor is it about generic parenthood. Stein's recountings of vacations and other times he's spent one-on-one with Tommy are meant to show us about the unique nature of being a father. Not a "buddy," an "authority figure" or a "partner in parenting," but a good and decent FATHER, that unique and incalculably important person that, sadly, many children lack in their lives. He also gives us some profound insights into what a lousy father, or a missing father, can do to a kid. As the child of a broken and dysfunctional home, I found his insights on this subject perhaps the most penetrating of all.

If all of this makes the book sound long or pedantic, fear not. Stein's style is light and fun to read, and the book itself is rather short. I imagine most people could finish it in one or two sittings. I first read it a couple of years after the birth of our first child, and I benefited greatly from it. I can't imagine that any serious father or father-to-be would not. And although we did not adopt, I can't imagine that any man going through the unique process of adopting a child will not benefit as much as I did, if not more.

This is funny, engaging, insightful memoir by a man who has found incredible joy in being a father -- and become a better person as a result. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

This is a good book to read for men who are or who will be dads. It highlights the importance of being a good dad, especially being a good dad, and role model, for a son. I did not like Stein's constant patting himself on the back for his being a good dad - that was his responsibility when he adopted Tommy. Nonetheless, a good read. One think Ben Stein needed to do for Tommy, which I did not pick up on, was to be a good husband to Tommy's mom.

Ben Stein has proven more (as if there wasn't enough) talents as he teaches you about the best job you can be a father. Heartwarming and helpful this is a great book that has Ben's dry wit humour and knowledge to get you to appreciate your child/children.

a refreshingly candid look at a (formerly) jaded"boomer" whose perspective is altered and made richer by the inclusion of a joyously rich father- son bond. A delightful read on many levels, and one that will leave the reader deeply moved.Ben Stein has shown himself to be a top notch memoirist with this truly splendid work.

Reading this with my own adopted Korean daughter, I was pleased that Mrs. Czech addresses the issue of what it means to belong to a family and to a culture. This small volume easily captures a small child's confusion about who belongs where, and for what reasons. The drawings are gentle yet definite, and my little girl adores looking at the book time after time. The lesson of the wrongness of prejudice and the rightness of inclusion is made with power and kindness.

"So What Now?" - Well, now - you have identified the problems that children 'who are different' face. This book may not illustrate Jessie's way to handle these problems, but unfortunately there is no ONE correct way to handle any of the conflicts Jessie faces. As an adopted Korean, I KNOW that each one of those situations are hard to deal with when you are "different". But, NOW is when you show your children that "Yes, this could happen" BUT "remember that you ARE NOT any different from other children in Nationality - YOU ARE AMERICAN." For Parents - REMEMBER: America has never been one ethnicity or another. We are built on DIVERSITY. We must NEVER let children believe that they are inferior. Being conformed to a particular way of life, is NO life to live UNLESS we have something DIFFERENT to SHARE with others. "Similarities in interests CREATES friendships, Differences in Culture holds them together."
Jessie's struggle is hard to deal with as a child and a parent but his struggle is a reality. There is no one way to tell a child how to handle any of those conflicts. The ONLY thing a parent of an adopted child can do - IS SUPPORT YOUR CHILD, BE THERE FOR HIM/HER, AND REASSURE HIM/HER THAT BEING DIFFERENT IS GOOD.

This book disappointed me by not showing children how to deal with mean or disappointing situations. The problem is Jessie's - he has to forget about the women in the store and the child on the playground who make him feel bad.

I can see that it would interrupt the flow of the story, but I still wish the coach would have stepped in to say something to the boy who doesn't like "the way you look." It seems Jessie is just supposed to get over it.

The book is good at introducing and affirming diversity, but lacks in teaching coping skills to children who are different in some way.

I was very disappointed to see this book use the very same stereotypes that one would hope we would be working toward eliminating. I was hopeful that this book would be helpful to bring to my child's classroom to use in a discussion of her upcoming citizenship, but found the the classic and inaccurate depictions of her facial structure that we would like other children not to use in teasing Asian children as passed on in this story. If I chose to read this to my daughter's classmates, I would actually be giving them inproper terms that they do not use today.

I read the review that thought that the language of Jan Czech's book was inappropriate. Then I read the other reviews that said that Jan Czech's book was helpful. After reading "An American Face" I have learned the perspective that Ms. Czech was coming from. I don't think that Jan Czech's intentions were to promote children to tease others who are different. But the words of "slanted eyes" and "flat nose" are not inappropriate words. They are descriptions, if you were to look in the mirror how would you describe your face? It's not hard right? Now take those descriptions and try to make them politically correct so that no teasing by children can be made. It's hard, isn't it? Jan Czech is trying to show children, of different races, that no two people look alike.(NOT EVEN TWINS! there is always something different.) Through this book, Jan is showing adults and children that the people of America don't ALL have "AMERICAN FACES", no one does. Can you tell me EXACTLY what an "AMERICAN FACE" looks like? No. It's not possible, there is no one description. You can't say white, black, or tan with big, small, or medium eyes, with a big, small or medium nose, with small, medium or large lips, with small ears or large ears, with blonde, blue, green, brown, black red, or purple hair, with white or yellow teeth, with straight or crooked teeth. Jan is trying to show that through this book. Jan Czech is describing the character in the story the best way she knows how. So how can that be inappropriate, if no one in America can honestly say what a TRUE "AMERICAN FACE" looks like?! Children get teased when they are young. No one can protect them from that. Not even their parents. Jan's book is trying to show people that just because they are "different" doesn't mean that they are not apart of America.

What the heck is "a reader"'s review talking about? Jeanne honestly wrestles with all of the complex emotions that go into adoption--like being angry at the mother for abandoning her daughter by the side of the road to loving the mother for giving Jeanne the chance to have this daughter. To pull out the lines from the book that "a reader" did shows she totally missed the point: this book is not a sugar-coated telling of how everything about adoption is simple or easy or perfect. Instead, it's a real, honest wrestling match between the author and all of her various emotions about her adopted daughters' absent birth mothers or their possibly-negligent caretakers. Of course, it ultimately emphasizes acceptance and love--but getting there isn't an easy journey and Jeanne seems fearless in baring all of her doubts, fears, and wants along the way. That's a huge part of what drew me into the story and made it ring so true and feel so real to watch her go from that to loving her daughters immeasurably, and falling in love with Chinese culture and the people she interacted with.

As the aunt to an adopted girl from China, I appreciated hearing someone give a voice to the not-so-pretty, COMPLICATED things we feel, but when they get attacked like this, it shows why we need more books that get to the truth of adoption and why some people are so terrified of having honest conversations about it. This is a beautiful book, honest to the core, and with a touching message about finding love and acceptance.

Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a FarmHave found so much enjoyment in these books. It may be because I grew up in that area but I just love her writing style. Although quirky, she is funny, lovable, a worrier and just happy doing the best she can do for her husband, girls,and all of the great animals that she has accumulated over time. I do hope that she writes another!

What a great book! Any adoptive mom (or bio mom, for that matter) can relate to Jeanne Marie Laskas as she chronicles daily life - the fun, the nonsense, and the intense emotions - of being a mom to 2 daughters born in China. This book had me laughing out loud sometimes (really!) and shedding tears at others. I recommend this book to moms everywhere!

I'm shocked that a publisher would publish this book. The way the author writes about the Chinese is horrifying--calling them monsters, accusing them of terrible things. The reason for her anger is unclear--it seems she blames the entire Chinese population for the fact that her little girls are available for adoption.

Laskas' second daughter is a bit quiet and withdrawn at first--and Laskas seems to consider rejecting the child! And yet she dares to criticize the girl's birthmother! Unbelievable.

This book is the work of a very angry, entitled person. I wouldn't recommend it.

Being a mother who also adopted two daughters from China, I was looking forward to reading this book...especially because I enjoyed her previous books.

However, this book was a let-down. I am saddened by the author's dislike of her daughter's birthplace and the people. Many times she comments on her hatred for her daughter's birthmother ("hating her for what she did"). Personally, I am grateful for the difficult choice my daughter's Chinese birthmother made, and that I am given the opportunity to have her as my daughter.

Aside from the author's dislike of China, I simply found the book to be a mish-mash of writing. I honestly can't tell you what this book is supposed to be about. She drones on and on about sheep, goats and chickens which completely bored me. Then all of a sudden she'll switch gears and talk about her family, or religion, or her neighbors. It's really weird. There's nothing to really mesh things together. It's like she had a quote of pages to write, so she just wrote about everything. Very confusing and not entertaining to read.

Molly by Any Other Name is a great book that shows the importance of finding your roots. What's great about this book is that is shows the two different sides. Though the focus is mainly on Molly, there is a shift later that goes to the birth mother. It is a very moving book with romance, tears, and the most important, how fundamental family is. I highly recommend this book. It addresses the important subject of knowing your roots as well as gives insight to finding out who you are.

Molly the main character, is a senior in high school who was adopted when she was a couple of days old. One day, in one of her classes, some people from the Northwest Adoptees Search Organization, came and told her class about their program of finding birth parents and adoptive kids. Even though Molly loves her parents very much, she still wants to find her birth mother. Her parents, suprisingly, react to Molly's news of wanting to find her birth mother exactly the way she hoped they wouldn't. After her parents had calmed down a little her mother decides to help Molly in her search for her birth mother.
I loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though it had drama, it had just as many humorus parts in it, and a little bit of romance as well. I really, really hope you read this book because it's worth every page!

Molly by Any Other Name is my all-time favorite book! I've loved it since 6th grade and now I'm a college freshman. It's very emotional and realistic. I SO recommend this book to anyone who's into emotion and sappy stuff like this. Go out and buy it!

I read "Molly By Any Other Name", when I was about 14,that was a few years ago, but i still remember that I really enjoyed this book. I could really relate to the main character Molly. If you are interested in adoption or if you are adopted yourself I think you will enjoy reading this book. Although I think the age range for this book is around 12-17 I think a lot of people would benif from reading it even if you are a bit older. People of all ages will appreciate the message that is being demonstrated. I also love the poem that Jean Davis Okimoto wrote, it was very sweet. I recomend you read this book!!

Molly Fletcher is Asian but has an American family. Paul and Ellie Fletcher adopted her when she was a young child. One day, a speaker from an organization called NASO spoke to Molly Fletcher's family psych class in school. NASO was an organization that helped adopted children find their biological parents. Since Molly was adopted, she was very curious about the organization and wanted to learn more about it. Molly wanted to search for her parents but her father was reluctant and didn't want his daughter to because he was afraid that he would lose his one and only daughter. At last, Paul let his daughter search for her biological mother.
I like Molly by Any Other Name because it was really inspiring and it taught a very good lesson. It showed me that the power of love and friendship was so strong that it could conquer practically anything. Love could get rid of fear and even get rid of hate. I would rate this book four and a half stars because some parts were a bit boring, but overall the book was extremely good. I would recommend this book to most of friends. I think my friends who weren't Americans could relate to this book more and enjoy it more than Americans would. I think children under the age of ten should not read this book because it does have some language that is inappropriate.

I am a therapist working with children in foster care. There are very few children's adoption books that can be applied to a foster child's experience of being adopted. Most books are written about private adoptions both domestically and internationally. The Mulberry Bird is the first book I have found useful in my therapy sessions with younger foster children who have lived with a foster family for a period of time before being adopted by them. This book helps me explain to a young child the reasons he/she is in foster care. Their mother could not care for them on their own so their foster family had to care for them. Even in situations of abuse and neglect this book is useful in helping open the discussion up for these children. A lot of people are uncomfortable with talking to children about why they cannot live with their biological mother or father. It is important that foster children have an understanding at a level that they can handle. You obviously would not go into all the horrific details about the situation that brought them into foster care, but you would give them a sense of a story that they can hold onto so they can understand where they came from in a sense. When they are older they can expand on this simple story, but in the meantime they can have an explanation so they won't somehow blame themselves which suprisingly enough some kids do when left to their own devices. If anyone knows of anymore adoption books that can be applied to a foster child's adoption experience, please write a recommendation and include the title of the book. Thank you!

We read the original version to our adopted daughter until she was old enough to read it herself. She's now 22 yrs old and still calls this book her favorite book. It obviously struck a chord with her. Her adoption was a closed adoption---she's from Korea.

This is one of the better adoption books we've found. The story is quite touching. Our 4 year olds like to hear me read it. It is well written (no bad rhymes or childish language), which is far too unusual in adoption books for children. My only criticism is that it could have used better editing--tends to go on at times and this is suppose to be a children's book. Sensitive-types, be warned: I can't read this book without crying. Luckily, my children are use to it.

I read this to my 5 year old girl last night. We both agreed that it was a sad story with an OK ending.

To me it was an allegory of a homeless single mother, abandoned by her mate, heroically trying (and failing) to care for her baby. Parenthood overwhelms her.

With the help of the kindly advisor (the owl), she is able to place the baby with another species of birds.

This book probably would be most appropriate for older multi racial kids.

After reading it my daughter says: "Daddy I love you and Mommy so much and I never want to live with another family. I never want to be adopted"!!

(Consequently, I thought it best that I didn't bring up the subject of her own birthmother, who she knows very well)!

The Mulberry Bird would be most appropriate for your family if you have a fairly closed international adoption where the birthmother took care of the child for a while before relinquishing him/her. It would not be as applicable in an open adoption situation or where the child was relinquished at birth.

The story itself is fairly contrived and very sad. The mother bird really loves her baby bird but after many weeks she realizes she cannot keep her son safe by herself (the father bird flew out of the picture before the baby bird even hatched). She visits the wise old owl for help and he suggests that she give her child up for adoption. Does he help her by returning her baby to the nest or by finding food for it? No, the ONLY option the owl presents the mother bird is to give her baby bird up for adoption to a faraway bird family (of a different species) and to say good-bye to him forever. She reluctantly agrees but always loves her baby bird even though she is no longer with him. The baby bird forgets all about his life with his birthmother.

This story may be a good discussion starting point for some adopted children, but it just as easily could give them nightmares. This book was so heartwrenching it caused my four-year-old daughter to sob quite hard after we read it, so hard that I could not even discuss the book with her. I am going to wait a couple of years before I try reading it with her again, if at all. Worst of all, the story only somewhat applies to her life, and I worry about what images the book has put into her head. Now I must endeavor to clean up any erroneous ideas that the Mulberry Bird Book gave her and to help her understand that her own story has both similarities and major differences.

With the phenomenal success that American Girl has seen over the years, it is only natural that this incredibly executed franchise is in need of brand-new developments to keep up with demands from the general public. What began in 1986 as a simple introduction of three American Girl dolls (Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly were the ones that started it all) has since metamorphosized into a huge (and still growing!) collection of dolls, books, and outfits for both dolls and girls, among other things. Contemporary "Just Like Me" dolls were introduced a few years ago, but most recently, is Nellie O'Malley who began a rich, vibrant, and unprecedented new tradition for all American Girl fans to enjoy.

As a brand-new tactic to continue reeling in public appeal, the company has started taking the original American Girl books, manufacturing a new doll in honor of a special friend from each character's story, formulating a unique book to accompany that doll, and--perhaps best of all--bringing it all to life in a made-for-TV movie that airs in November. In 2004 they launched this idea with Samantha's servant friend-turned-adopted sister Nellie O'Malley. The year after that it was Felicity's best friend Elizabeth Cole who received a special spotlight. Now, for the 2006 holiday season, Molly will be accompanied by her English friend Emily Bennett in an all-new book and on-screen story.

Now on to "Nellie's Promise"...this was the book that was specially written and included with the Nellie doll that came out in 2004. It picks up right where Samantha's stories left off: orphaned Nellie and her two younger sisters Bridget and Jenny have been adopted by Samantha's loving Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia. Samantha is absolutely delighted to have three new sisters and a best friend living with her, and Nellie is truly grateful for the opportunities of this enriching new life, but things take a turn when her abusive Uncle Mike returns out of the blue for custody of his nieces. The strain of the situation puts a crimp in Nellie's relationship with Samantha, and when push comes to shove it is only when the girls learn to communicate and listen to one another that they learn what makes their bond so important.

I have given this book four stars instead of five because, as some other reviewers have said, it seems to lack some critical spark regarding the friendship between Nellie and Samantha. The story appears to focus more on their differences than anything else, even after they reconcile, and it leaves the reader with a feeling that these girls basically lead separate lives. It is however, a very well-written story and holds up the timeless message of all American Girl characters: love, respect, tolerance, honesty, and friendship in the most difficult times. What is especially admirable about Nellie is her self-sufficiency and refusal to feel sorry for herself as she independently copes with an issue that impacts her whole family. I enjoyed reading this story, and I look forward to seeing what is in store for Molly's tale in November. Judging from the success these books and films have found, it certainly will not be the last!

When I got this book, I read it right away. I've read it at least three times. Nellie is living with Samantha and one day she sees her Uncle who had abandoned her and her sisters! Nellie is worried the he will come and take them away from Samantha. I loved the ending, but I'm not going to give it away!

When I purchased both "Nellie's Promise" and "Very Funny, Elizabeth!" as reading for a road trip I was expecting to enjoy Nellie's Promise more. Surprisingly, I found it to be a very weak and unrealistic story.

American Girl has gotten into the bad habit of taking one historical element from a time period and building a story around it. In this case, it's the settlement house whose role in the story is unclear, yet somehow pivotal.

The characters are completely altered from the Samantha books. Nellie is an unemotional workaholic, while Samantha is an ice queen. These portrayals of the characters are completely wrong and make for a very confusing read.

However, the one area this book succeeds "Very Funny, Elizabeth!" in is illustrations. They are simply gorgeous. In these paintings Nellie and Samantha are recognizable as the bright, cheeky girls that they are. The colors are bright and enticing, adding life to this very flat story.

Loyal fans of Samantha will want to read this book, but fans of the other American Girls would be better off with "Very Funny, Elizabeth!"

What a promising book! I love it! It's so... well... promising! That's why I like it. It's a book full of promises, about a girl who made a promise! And it has such a lovely time preiod! I like the turn of the century because it make's me feel like everyone was working together to make their world a better place. It's fiction, yet non-fiction at the same time! All the American Girl books are like that! Great! Read it, you'll love it!

Being a big fan of Samantha, I was excited when American Girl announced they would be adding Samantha's friend Nellie to their collection of dolls, and, of course, had to read the book that went with the Nellie doll, Nellie's Promise.
In this book, Nellie O'Malley is happy living in a safe, secure, and wealthy household with her friend, Samantha; sisters, Bridget and Jenny; and Samantha's uncle Gard and aunt Cornelia. Her life with Samantha's aunt and uncle is a far cry from her life in the past, during which she worked in a thread factory, worked as a maid, and lived in an orphanage. However, when Nellie's no-good, drunken Uncle Mike runs into Nellie on the street and threatens to take Nellie and her sisters away from Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia, Nellie isn't sure how much longer her perfect world is going to last, and she knows she needs to find a way to keep the promise she made to her late mother that she would take care of Bridget and Jenny.
I enjoyed reading this book, and found it to be a good sequel to the six books in the Samantha series. I also liked reading a book that was from Nellie's point of view, as all of the other books are more centered around Samantha. I did find it a bit unusual that Samantha said she wanted to be the first woman president of the United States, being a girl who had been brought up by a grandmother who didn't believe women should even vote, although I was interested by what another Amazon reviewer wrote about a woman running for president in the 1800's, which would make Samantha's ambition seem less far-fetched. A small problem I have with the book is that all of the loose ends seemed to be tied up a bit too quickly and a bit too perfectly in the end. Overall, this book was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to fans of the American Girls who have already read the six books in the Samantha series.

This charming adoption book shows us loving and caring adoptive parents who know how to handle the difficult moment Cecilia first hears about her adoption and says "I want you and Mommy to be my ONLY mommy and daddy!" We had the same experience with our daughter whom we adopted at four days of age. She didn't want to hear about another mommy and throughout the years wished we had not brought up the subject. The author is sensitive about having a teacher understand Cecilia's questions about her birthmother and assure Cecilia that her birthmother loved her. This is a good book for adoptive parents whose children need to be reassured of their permanent place in the adoptive family and who should be encouraged to love their absent birthparents.

Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

Our daughter came to us at age seven after a long time in fostercare. It is hard to find a book that describes this type of adoption to children and although this book is also about a child adopted as a baby, our little girl loves it. She brings it out and asks us to read it to her often and it usually gets her talking about her birth parents, which is a good thing. It is important for children to know and accept that adoption is not weird or embarrassing and it is okay to talk about, love and think about birth parents whether they know and remember them or not. Birth parents are an important part of who our adopted children are and this book has been valuable to us for starting that dialogue with our child.

My husband and I are considering adopting an older child, but several books were recommended for reading, this one included. I can't say it's helpful when it comes to adopting a child over 4, but I can see it being very helpful for adoptive parents with young ones discovering what adoption means.

This book I felt was too strong for a younger child. The emotions of how the child felt when she knew she wasn't "wanted" and how she rebelled. Yes it may be true that adoptive children will do such things, but if the child is not doing so and then reads this and does it what does that tell you. The end mellows out when everyone is happy and the child shows happiness w/the special party for adoption day signing. In my personal opinion, this is not a book I would promote.

Great book! Kids need to understand who birthparents are and understand their value...however, it is also critical for children to understand who the parents are...those that raised them...My biological dad is not the man that raised me...the man that raised me is the only person I will ever call dad. Glad to see a book that can separate and value both!

I bought this for our 6 yr old daughter who is adopted. I thought that by seeing a book illustrated by other adopted kids and then her being able to write in the book herself would be helpful for her. She was able to use an erasable pen to write in stuff about her and draw some herself. It's very short and very simple,but that is what I feel she needs right now. I would recommend this book to children who are around 5-7 that are adopted. I loved that the illustration was done by children.

I was delighted to discover this book. It is a terrific interactive tool that makes talking to young children about being adopted easy. I found the comparison between adopting a pet and adopting a child an analogy that helps very young children understand the concept of adoption. I highly recommend this book to any parent who has adopted young children.

We love giving this beautiful, interactive book to our friends who are adopting children. As an adoptee, I appreciate the simple and friendly way the subject matter is addressed and especially the unique way of involving the children. We have been told more than once that this book has been the favorite gift received.

My husband and I read this book and thought it marvelous. You see, my husband was adopted and he thought it was very nice that someone would take the time and initiative to write a book like this. He said he wished it had been around when he was a kid. He also said that he thought this would be a very appropriate book to give to a child that had been adopted.

We were so disappointed upon receiving this book. What we especially didn't like about this book was the page that says, referring to the adopted child, ... there are lots of special things about me but the most special thing about me is that I am adopted... We do think that being adopted is a very special thing and one to be celebrated but there are many things about a child that are much more special. (I.E. Their unique and special personalities)