Kimchi & Calamari

A parent might reach for this book when their child begins to ask deep questions about their origins or expresses a sense of not quite fitting in with the family's dominant culture. Joseph Calderaro is a witty, relatable fourteen year old who loves his Italian American family but feels the tug of his Korean roots when a school project requires him to explore his heritage. This story beautifully captures the tension between the person we are at home and the person we appear to be to the world. While the book deals with complex emotions like alienation and the fear of hurting loved ones by being curious about birth parents, it maintains a humorous and hopeful tone. It is perfectly suited for the 9 to 13 age range, offering a roadmap for navigating identity with honesty and grace. Parents will appreciate how the story validates the adoptee experience while celebrating the strength of diverse family bonds.