
Reach for this book when your child starts asking questions about their origins or expresses a need to feel secure in their place within your family. It is particularly healing for children who have joined a family through adoption or foster care and may be grappling with feelings of being different or 'left behind.' This story uses a warm, faith based perspective to explain that every child is a deliberate choice and a blessing from God. Written by Tony and Lauren Dungy, the book follows a young boy named Calvin who learns about the beautiful way his family came together. It frames adoption not as a backup plan, but as a purposeful act of love. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, this book provides a gentle, reassuring framework for discussing identity, belonging, and the spiritual belief that every child is exactly where they are meant to be. It is a comforting choice for bedtime or quiet conversation, reinforcing that your child was chosen with joy.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses adoption and the 'waiting' period of foster care. The approach is direct but deeply religious, framing the biological origins as part of a larger plan where God places children in the right homes. The resolution is exceptionally hopeful and affirming, though it does not delve into the trauma of the biological family separation.
A 6-year-old in a faith-based adoptive or foster home who is beginning to notice that their family story looks different from their peers' and needs language to describe their 'chosen' status as a badge of honor.
This book is best read by parents who share the authors' Christian worldview, as God's will is the central explanation for the family's formation. It can be read cold, but parents should be ready for follow-up questions about their own specific 'waiting' story. A child asking, 'Why didn't my first mommy keep me?' or 'How did you pick me?'
Preschoolers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and the repeated theme of being loved. Elementary-aged children (7-8) will better grasp the theological implications and the distinction between 'born to' and 'chosen for' a family.
Unlike many adoption books that focus on the logistics or the 'forever home' concept, this one specifically uses the platform of faith to elevate the child's self-esteem, turning the potentially sensitive topic of being 'given up' into the empowering narrative of being 'chosen by God.'
The story centers on young Calvin and his diverse family. Through a series of conversations with his parents, Calvin learns about the concept of adoption. The narrative emphasizes that while some families are joined by birth, others are joined by a specific choice and a divine plan. It focuses on the emotional preparation and joy the parents felt while waiting for him.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.