The Adoption Experience Author:L. Steven Nickman Grade 8 Up — Nickman uses seven hypothetical case studies to illustrate prototypical situations of teenage adoptees (and, in one case, a birth parent). Each chapter is followed by a commentary that analyzes the sociological and psychological implications of the case. Important topics discussed include the need for an adoptee to learn about his or... more »igins, adoption of older children, interracial and intercultural adoption, the abused child and an adoption that failed. Every adoptee will be able to identify with parts of this insightful study. The chapter on the family-tree assignment and the ambivalent feelings it bares in the adoptive student will ring a familiar chord. Nickman is generally objective, although he stands in favor of open adoption records. Although the book is directed toward teenagers, the text has an adult tone and is written with long, often convoluted sentences. The device of misspelled words to simulate a child's writing style lacks authenticity. The few dream analyses may not be particularly meaningful or helpful to lay readers. Despite this, the vignettes are poignant and hard-hitting. Marguerite F. Raybould, Glendale Public Library, Calif.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Card catalog description
Presents various aspects of adoption including interracial adoption, searching for birth parents, and giving up a child for adoption. Also discusses the feelings of the participants, the provisions of the law, possible problems and their solutions, and ways in which adopted people are different or alike from those that are not adopted.« less