
Reach for this book when your child is preparing for a school presentation or is beginning to ask thoughtful, complex questions about their adoption story and biological origins. It is a gentle and validating resource for families navigating the dual identity of being part of an adoptive family while holding space for birth parents who are not present. The story follows Cassidy-Li as she prepares for her Star of the Week poster at kindergarten. As she selects photos of her American family and pets, she also wonders about her birth parents in China. The book beautifully balances the pride of sharing ones life with classmates against the quiet, natural curiosity about ones heritage. It is ideal for children aged 4 to 7, providing a roadmap for how to talk about adoption in a school setting with confidence and honesty.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist ponders her lack of information regarding her biological Chinese heritage.
The book addresses intercountry adoption and the concept of birth parents. The approach is direct but age-appropriate and secular. It acknowledges the "missing pieces" of an adoption story without being overly tragic. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: Cassidy-Li doesn't get all the answers, but she feels empowered to share her story.
A 5 or 6-year-old adoptee who is entering the social world of school and needs a model for how to integrate their private family history with their public school identity.
This book can be read cold, but parents should be ready for the child to ask their own version of Cassidy-Li's questions afterward. A parent might notice their child hesitating to complete an "All About Me" or "Family Tree" project, or hear their child ask, "Why don't I have a picture of me as a tiny baby?"
Younger children will focus on the fun of the Star of the Week activities. Older children (6-7) will likely resonate more with the internal monologue regarding the birth parents and the complexity of the poster-making.
Unlike many adoption books that focus solely on the "gotcha day" or the journey home, this one focuses on the ongoing integration of identity within a standard childhood milestone: the school presentation.
Cassidy-Li is excited to be the Star of the Week in her kindergarten class. To prepare, she must create a poster representing her life. While she happily includes her adoptive parents, her dog, and her friends, the process triggers a deeper reflection on her birth parents in China. She wonders what they look like and if they are thinking of her. The story concludes with her successfully presenting her poster, integrating both her current life and her birth heritage.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.