Walking the Dragon's Back

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complex emotions of being an adoptee, preparing for a new sibling, or expressing a desire to connect with their birth heritage. It is a perfect fit for families looking to validate the unique 'in-between' feeling of international adoption while providing a high-stakes adventure that keeps young readers engaged. The story follows Grace, a Chinese-born girl raised in America, as she returns to China with her family to adopt a younger sister. Through a harrowing survival situation on the Great Wall, Grace must balance her anxiety about the changing family dynamic with the physical demands of a wilderness crisis. The book addresses themes of resilience, family loyalty, and the formation of a multicultural identity. It is developmentally appropriate for middle-grade readers, offering a secular and realistic portrayal of a modern adoptive family that honors both the beauty and the tension of returning to ones roots.