Complementing Ola Zuri’s first book in the seriesWhy Can’t You Look Like Me?, Where Do I Belong? (Black Oasis Ent., 2009) addresses another important issue in transracial adoption – being comfortable with oneself. Through the use of poetry and vivid illustrations provided by Jenn Simpson, Zuri creates another thought-provoking adoption book for children addressing the complexity of transracial adoption.
Book on Fitting in as a Young Transracial Adoptee
Written as a first-person rhyming narrative that is also translated into French, Where Do I Belong? is about the thoughts of a boy who has been adopted transracially and transculturally by Caucasian parents. Despite having all the same things other children have, he still feels that something is missing. He notices that he stands out and is having a hard time finding a balance between who he thinks he should be and what he really feels. The character eventually comes to the conclusion that he has a lot to offer and is happy with who he is.
The overall focus of this second book in the series is more complex than the first. The note to parents and educators in the front of the book, as well as the brief introduction, help set the tone of the story and make it clear that this book is intended to prompt discussion with children who have been transracially and transculturally adopted.
Illustrations are Important to the Telling of an Adoption Story
The theme of wanting to belong, but at the same time being true to oneself, is a difficult one to convey through simple poetry for children. Fortunately, Simpson’s illustrations help tell the story and make it more concrete for young readers.
The illustrations help clarify what Zuri’s narrative is trying to say. For example, the stanzas “My hands, my face, with colour, a beautiful rainbow, ready to embrace. So bright, so creative, truly blessed, given a gift by God’s Good Grace” show the character playing music he has written on the piano to his parents who are obviously proud of him.
Simpson is able to help readers relate to the daydreams adopted children may have by showing the character thinking about his birth family and wondering what he might be doing if he had not been adopted. Through her vivid cartoon-like drawings, she is also able to portray the sadness that sometimes surfaces in the character and the feeling of isolation that comes with looking different.
Children’s Book About Transracial Adoption Brings Forward Complex Issues
The poetry of Where Do I Belong? is a bit mature for the intended audience of seven- to twelve-year-olds, but the illustrations help fill in the details. The combination of a valid transracial adoption issue and pictures that appeal to young readers make it a good conversation starter for both adoptive parents and kids. To help stimulate discussion and force the reader to look through the book with a more critical eye, the author has ended the book with seven questions addressed to the reader.
The message that if a person lives true to himself and feels positive about who he is, then he will have love and positive energy to give to others comes through clearly for readers. The book also brings attention to the fact that even if an adoptee seems to be adjusting to life, there can always exist the feeling that he doesn’t belong, making it an appropriate read for all adoptive families.
Transracial Adoption Book Inspired by Author’s Experience
Adopted transracially in Canada as a young child, Zuri found it hard to fit into both her family and community. The challenges she experienced in her childhood prompted her to write a series of books for children and to also create an adoptee mentoring program in the hopes of offering support and information to a new generation of adoptees. Her blog, Black Oasis, also offers insight into how adoption has affected her life.
Children’s books about the complexities of transracial adoption such as Where Do I Belong? are important for young adoptees to have on their bookshelves as they help adopted children feel confident about who they are and to honour their whole life experience.
For more children’s book related to transracial adoption, read International and Transracial Adoption Books and International Adoption Books for School Age Kids.
Source:
Zuri, Ola. Where Do I Belong? Kelowna, British Columbia: Black Oasis Ent., 2009 (ISBN: 978-0-9812073-3-9).
Angela Krueger - As an adoptive parent and PRIDE adoption trainer, Angela uses her insights to help others on their adoption journey.
