NEW BOOK OPENS THE DOOR TO
DISCUSSION ABOUT ADOPTION
What is Adoption?
Helping non-adopted children understand adoption
Toronto –December 12, 2005 – In the past ten years there have
been almost 40,000 adoptions completed in Canada, and well over a million
in the United States. There are currently 22,000 children in Canada
waiting to be adopted. Adoptive parents, as well as their family members,
friends, neighbours, care-givers, foster parents, teachers, and other
professionals will at some point need to talk with the children in their
lives about adoption. They may not, however, always know how to do so.
This is where What is Adoption? Helping non-adopted children understand
adoption, a newly released children’s book, will help.
The
inspiration for this book came from an unmet need faced by the authors,
Sofie Stergianis and Rita McDowall. Neither
Sofie nor Rita, both parents through adoption, was able to find an
appropriate resource to help others explain adoption to the children in
their lives. As an adoption
professional, Sofie encountered the same need being expressed by her
clients.
While
a number of books are available for children who were adopted to
better understand adoption, What is Adoption? is the first book of
its kind targeted to children who were not adopted. Since its release last month, the book has been very
well received and, in fact, has been given a number of excellent reviews
by prominent adoption professionals, parents and children (these can be
viewed on the website - www.whatisadoption.com).
The
book, What is Adoption? helps adults explain and talk with all
children about adoption (ages 5+).
This is the story of two friends, Alex and Violet. Alex shares with Violet
that he was adopted, and so begins Violet’s journey of trying to
understand what adoption is. This book addresses questions children have
about adoption in a sensitive and easy to understand manner.
In addition to being educational, the book is also fun and
entertaining, capturing the interest of children.
A helpful section for adults is also included. It can be ordered
online, and is available at some independent bookstores.
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For
additional information, please visit the website: www.whatisadoption.com
or contact:
Sofie
Stergianis (416) 483-0003
sofie@ica.net
Rita
McDowall (416) 471-0052
ritamcdowall@sympatico.ca
