Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew

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Summary: Marisue's Thoughts
Review: This book takes the reader to new levels of understanding the adoptive child. It helps the reader understand that the adoptive parent is not to blame for their children's grief, and are instead a very significant part of the great journey to attachment with their child. To honor and understand the impact of the first separation experience the child undergoes, is to allow love and attachment to enter their life in a lasting way. Once the first grief is dealt with and not ignored or "stuffed" deep down in the child's mind and heart, healthy attachment builds with less interference. The "static" of the past does not constantly play in the child's mind when experiences are brought to the surface and given their place. The "monster in the closet" is exposed and isn't so scarey after all. Thank you Sherrie for being so brave to tell us. Let's have the courage to believe and share this courage with our adopted children. It's really all right to tell the truth when they ask. Little by little, as development allows for understanding, our adopted children become ours even more when they are equipped with the truth and allowed to express their hearts.

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Summary: THANK YOU, SHERRIE!
Review: I have purchased about ten books on adoption, but this one truly in unique, because it is written from the perspective of an adoptee. My interest in buying these books is to be well-prepared for any and all questions from our adopted child. I feel this book made me uniquely well-prepared because the author herself was adopted. The question and answer format is terrific, the writing is easy-to-read and the examples she gives fit very well. I highly recommend this book.

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Summary: Must read for all adoptive parents
Review: Each chapter of this book hits a home run! Sherrie clearly describes many of the hidden thoughts and emotions that adoptees feel but have difficulty expressing. I only wish it had been put in the hands of my own adoptive parents.

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Summary: A "Must Read" for anyone struggling with Adoption Issues!
Review: Since purchasing "Twenty Things..." by Sherrie Eldridge, I can't put it down. I'm a 52 year old woman who was adopted when I was 6 months old. I've finally found a book written on adoption which mirrors my own thoughts in the beautifully written words I could could not find. The chapters having to do with the Pain of a birthday and the Shame of wondering if I did something to cause my birth parents to want to "give me away" were especially heart touching. Although Ms. Eldridge's book may reconnect all members of the adoption triad with painful issues, this is pain which must be re-visited in order to truly understand and HEAL! Each chapter ends on an extremely positive note therefore providing the reader with the desire to continue reading. Sherrie Eldridge has written an outstanding book with the knowledge that only an adopted person can truly understand. She has clearly done vast research as is evidenced by her many references. "Twenty Things..." is the next best thing to actually undergoing adoption therapy. Bless her!!

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Summary: EXCELLENT
Review: If you have adopted a child or are thinking about adopting or are a foster parent or have a friend with an adopted child, I highly recommend this book. It is intelligent, helpful, and sensitive. I am a far better adoptive parent as a result of reading this book. Any adopted child deserves to have his/her parent(s) read it. It absolutely provides insights that an adopted child may be too young or confused to articulate or bring to your attention.

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Summary: What We All Have in Common
Review: The book raises some very interesting ideas of how an adoptive child feels, even if the child was adopted at birth. However, some of the issues seemed parallel to many people growing up and trying to find their special place in the world. It made me stop and think, "maybe some of these issues are not related to these people/children because of adoption, but because it is a growing process for us all". Adoptees do have issues, however I feel that a lot of the issues presented in the book are common to us all.

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Summary: Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew
Review: As an adopted person, it was a real relief to get hold of this book and realise that I am not alone. My only dissapointment was not getting hold of it sooner, when I was growing up. Well written with honesty, a slight victim mentality at first, but allows the adopted person to understand that it was not their fault and they have a right to their feelings whatever they are.

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Summary: If you're thinking of adopting...
Review: ...at least check this book out from the library. A lot of this stuff we had been told in our pre-adoption classes but its still a very interesting perspective. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone adopting a child of any age or nationality.

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Summary: Prospective adoptive parents
Review: As a foster parent and a soon to be adoptive parent I found this book to be very helpful. I used to think that I could solve all the problems my kids brought into our home with love. I have since realized that this is not only impossible but unrealistic. This book explains not only how your child might be feeling but also what you might do to help them deal with their sadness and grief about losing parts of their life. I am so glad that someone had the knowledge and courage to write a book just for us parents. This book could make all of our jobs a lot easier.

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Summary: Straight from the Heart
Review: This book has been a best seller for some time.It wasn't until this week that I finally read it. Why? Because I didn't think Sherrie would really tell the truth. Guess what? She did.
As an adult adoptee I could certainly relate to much of what she is able to put into words."Grief ache" is what I call it.
I help families create lifebooks for their child. Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew is going on my reading list.Thank you Sherrie! ...