What would your life be like as an African American growing up as a member of a white family? Would you consider this cultural genocide or see it as the often-maligned solution to the problem facing many African American children mired in the foster care system of America?

In Their Own Voices presents the reader with an historical overview of this issue followed by lengthy, in-depth interviews with 24 African American adults raised as members of white families. Authors Simon and Rhoorda tackle the difficult questions facing transracial adoptees with a riveting style of interviews that leave no stone unturned. They uncover what many see as an opportunity for a child to enjoy the benefits of permanency and family life can develop into a lifetime of search for personal identity and self-esteem. While all of the participants believe they benefited by having been adopted, they candidly offer advice to white families about how to make life easier for the black child they adopt. For the families adopting African American children, In Their Own Voices provides a window to the future for their child and may serve to help avoid the unforeseen difficulties that some of the participants have encountered.

The strength of this book comes from the honest, straightforward approach to the topic of transracial adoption, and the expertise displayed in the details of the interview process. Those interviewed showed great courage and a sincere commitment to provide responses that married the tone of openness set by the authors.

In Their Own Voices should be on every agency’s required reading list for anyone thinking of adopting or has adopted a child from another race. Study groups involving families of transracial adoption will find this book a tremendous resource for the questions and answers that can guide them to a more considerate, fulfilling family life.