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Book Details:
Book Title: Finding Family in a Far-Away Land: An Adoption Story
by Amanda Wall
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-10), 44
pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book, Adoption
Publisher: BookBaby
Release date: March 29, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone.
Book Description:
Every adoption experience is uniquely different but the yearning to have
unconditional family love is universal. Two Indian sisters, Priya and Ari,
experience what it's like to be adopted into a multi-cultural, interracial
family. Walk alongside these two charming, dynamic girls as they journey
through the adoption transition to a new country full of new experiences!
"Finding Family in a Far-Away Land" is a pensive and sometimes comical book
that demonstrates how children can experience the same journey quite
differently. A glossary of cultural terms is included so that all can learn
and enjoy what Ari and Priya cherish about their Indian roots. This story is
meant to be a resource to those hoping to learn about one family's adoption
experience― and may even help a child process their own adoption story. The
intended audience for this book is children ages 4-10.
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My Review
Finding Family in a Far-Away Land is a delightfully unique children's book that tackles the subject of adoption, new cultures, and bonding with a new family.
The story follows Priya and Ari, two sisters who live in India. When their family gets sick and passes away, the girls end up in a orphanage. But a new family comes to adopt them and take them away, ready to shower them with love and affection. The sisters, now in a strange, new land, discover many new things and have many new experiences while still keeping their Indian culture a part of their lives (and also teaching their new family about Indian culture).
This is a heartwarming story that children, especially adopted children, will enjoy. The words are easy for young readers. The illustrations are lovely. And the glossary of terms in the back of the book will help educate young readers about Indian culture.
A wonderful story overall.
5 stars!
Guest Post
What I’ve learned
from my daughters while writing this story
Soil settles and houses shift, and much is the same with
adoption. Three years ago, we adopted our sweet daughters from India. We took
our biological son and daughter with us to India so that they could be play an
instrumental role as older siblings. We
returned to Colorado as a family of six and began the process of assimilating.
The last few years have been transformative for my daughters who experienced
the newness of moving to America and integrating into a new family. Albeit hesitant, Priya and Ari navigated many
cultural differences. I conceived
sleeping in a bed was going to be monumental for Priya, but it was the tiny ice
cubes at Chick-fil-A that really wowed her.
Becoming a parent of four children was life altering too. My
heart was bursting but my patience and emotions felt exaggerated. Throw in a
pandemic, zoom school and working from home, and I may as well have planted a
white surrender flag in my front yard.
Despite the difficulty of managing our household, this past
year has been an opportunity for growth and reflection. Much of my gratefulness
stemmed from reflecting on my daughter’s adoption transition. Ironic,
considering I wrote this story to help them process their life changes. Mint tea and slippers in hand, I found myself
slipping off with my computer and enjoying the rumination. I thought about the first month home when we
all generously passed around jumping lice. Gathered on a circular rug, dripping
in oils we combed each other’s hair every night. Our calamitous inconvenience had
become a bonding ritual, full of laughter and “eeews” from our findings.
Relatedly, I had taken our health and resources for granted.
While visiting a children’s hospital 30 times that first year with my daughters
we witnessed children in more unfortunate circumstances. Even so, tummies
bloated with parasites; my daughters tried 13 rounds of antibiotics to
eradicate their condition. Being born into an impoverished village will allow
you to see global disparity, especially at the sight of a sprinkler system. My daughter Priya screamed when she first saw
clean water feeding our front lawn. Unfortunately, that was something I hadn’t
given much prior thought.
There were more surprising moments of gratitude too. As we
began incorporating Indian culture into our lives, I felt alive with the
opportunity to share in this rich, ancient culture with my family. My living
room would be so quiet without our colorful Bollywood dance offs. My husband
surely felt similarly when he loaded his plate for the third time at the
breakfast buffet in Hyderabad, India.
All my children teach me through their trials and
tribulations, but I am notably awed by my youngest daughters for their
resilience. I am grateful to them for inspiring me to write our story because
they have shined through their adversities. Our house certainly shifted for the
better.
Meet the Author:
Amanda is a mother of four with a heart towards adoption. She lives in
Colorado with her family but loves to travel and connect with others through
their culture. Educating families on adoption is a passion for Amanda
because the adoptees' voice is often unheard.
Enter the Giveaway:
FINDING FAMILY IN A FAR-AWAY LAND Book Tour Giveaway
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