Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story

The title of this charming book already tells us that the author includes the birthmother in the family's lives. This adoption story is told by the young child Elizabeth and shows her thought process as she looks at her adoption album and consoles her mother when she didn't have a baby yet, but now she does. The author also charmingly introduces Penny, the dog adopted from an animal shelter and young Elizabeth is happy for Penny to have a family too. It is fun to see the two little Chinese girls talk about their "far mommy and a near mommy" and fantasize talking to their far mommy on the toy telephone. The author cleverly weaves in the adoptive family's love for the two unknown Chinese birthmothers and throughout the pages lets us feel Elizabeth's joy and sorrow when she thinks of her unknown Chinese mommy. Our family has experienced this kind of love for our own birthmother during all the years that we did not know her, but now we have found one another and have a wonderful relationship.Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

As an adoptive parent of two daughters, I've read many adoption books and this one is exceptional! Mommy Far introduces themes for readers aged pre-school and up in a gentle and compelling way. Brownell's wonderful illustrations heighten the loveliness of this book. The message that adoption is warm and good and loving is inescapable and very powerful.What I really loved is the fact that the story is told by a child to other children- the book's readers. 'This is my story,' she seems to be saying,'And this is how I came to understand it.'With the daughter Elizabeth as narrator, it is the story of a little girl, adopted from China, coming to the realization of what adoption really means for herself, her family, her sisterand both sets of parents. More importantly it is the journey Elizabeth takes to understanding her journey into adoption and the vital role both mothers play in her life. It contains loving adoption games created by mother and daughter.Elizabeth's continued child's play using pretend phone calls from Mommy Far illustrates her growing understanding of two mommies. Elizabeth's birthmother is portrayed in very sensitive and undertsnding terms, both in text and illustrations. The young heroine ultimately concludes that both mothers have their time and place and both can fit into her life.While this would be a wonderful addition to any library, it is especially significant for those touched by international and transracial adoptions.

In this sensitive, intelligent and witty account of a girl from China being adopted by U.S. parents, the author has successfully related both the emotional and factual elements of the adoption process. I especially liked the fact that the book has been written from the child's point of view. My wife and I adopted a girl from China several years ago, and this book has been a godsend to us. As we read the book to our daughter, Sarah, we realized that the author was saying all those things we had been feeling and wanting to say, yet couldn't find the words for.I might also add that although the child in this book, Elizabeth, is from China, I feel the story is universal and applies equally well to kids from the United States or other countries.I can not recommend this book highly enough for parents who have adopted or are considering adopting. You are truly undertaking a journey of love... a journey that is described accurately and poignantly by the author.

My eight year old Korean daughter is quite resistant to talking about adoption issues, but is simultaeously very much in need to information and support as she grows. We found this book at the public library, and she did not initially want to read it, but I brought it home and said that I was going to read it. She finally agreed to look at the illustrations, which are wonderful, and then let me read to her. It has become a very important book for us as a family.The balance between being happy and secure with one's adopted family and also grieving and wondering about the "other family" is handled very sensitively in this book. It deals with difficult issues and feelings in a supportive, but honest way. I would recommend it to all families dealing with international adoption issues.

Both my husband and I have read this book to our 6 year old adopted daughter and were amazed at her response. It is sensitive and gentle, yet hits on a tender point in any adoption story. How did I come to be available? The questions that she has asked after the book is closed and she is snuggled safely in my arms, reminds me how close to the surface are her memories of China and the question of why she is in the USA instead. Although I have [unsuccessfully] brought the subject up before, this story has given her the freedom to voice her own questions and fears. If Elizabeth can ask questions and get straight answers, maybe I can too. This book is beautiful. And creates an atmosphere of safety and love that gives the adopted child a chance to ask.