Eureka! I have found the answers to questions I would have asked, if only I had known what to ask! Methodically organized, but with a sprinkling of humor, authors Gail Steinberg and Beth Hall pack fifty years of combined personal experience into this book. In addition, they have gleaned from a century of valuable research on the subject, as well as contributions from families built through transracial adoption. While the debate rages about whether an interracial family is in the child's best interest, transracial family-building continues, and parents in such families need help and support. Inside Transracial Adoption provides it. Easy to read and immediately friendly, the book gave me a sense of connection to the families who shared their personal, effectively communicated anecdotes. While cruising along through the section on racial identity, I discovered the key that made Inside Transracial Adoption work for me: Prepare; Don't Protect! A parent who is a protector will not serve the child's need to learn self-reliance and self-determination, but will serve only to make the parent feel better. As a father in my own transracial adoptive family, I am learning not only to become a better student of the issues, but also a more disciplined teacher to my children. Step by step, Steinberg and Hall offer detailed, get-real guidance for families about the tough issues they must face related to race and adoption. The authors' own experiences and their commitment to family life are evident in their heartfelt, conversational writing style. Honest, tough and sincere, this book is a "must-read" and needs to be kept close at hand for easy reference and sharing with others. Reading Inside Transracial Adoption would be a great adoptive family group project, providing an excellent guide for in-depth study and lively discussions!
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