Abstract

Who are my birthparents? Is it okay to think about them? Can I care about all of my parents at once?

A Place in My Heart tells the simple story of Charlie, a chipmunk adopted by a family of squirrels, who starts to wonder about his birthparents. At first he is scared that this might upset his family but feels much better when he talks to his mother. The story reassures children that it is okay to ask questions about their birthparents without upsetting their “forever” (adoptive) parents.

This fully illustrated picture book for adopted children aged 2-5 gives you an opportunity to discuss adoption, birthparents, and the fact that our hearts are big enough to hold everyone we care about.

This charming and realistic book helps children learn to talk about their feelings rather than act out. Charlie has big feelings about adoption, identity and birth parents and acts out his feelings. He is helped by his adopted mother to express his feelings in a positive way including an art project. The children I have used this book with love him and love doing the project.
Regina M. Kupecky, social worker at The Attachment and Bonding Center of Ohio, co-author of Adopting The Hurt Child, Parenting the Hurt child, A Foster-Adoption Story: Angela and Michael's Journey and The Case of the Multiple Mothers
Mary Grossnickle was a foster child and was adopted when she was three. She has worked in the field of adoption and foster care for the past 15 years, providing information, training and support to adoptive and foster families. Mary has received the prestigious "Champion of Adoption Award," which recognizes a professional who is an advocate for children who joined a "forever family" through adoption. Currently, Mary works with the Coalition for Children, Youth and Families, an organization that provides support for adoptive and foster families and the professionals who serve them, Milwaukee USA.
I consider A Place In My Heart one of the very best books for young adopted children (and their parents) because it demonstrates how to make it 'OK' for children to hold their feelings and connections for both of their 'real' families: their birth parents and their adoptive parents. No surprise the book was written by an adult adoptee - she really 'gets it!'
Beth Hall, Director, Pact An Adoption Alliance www.pactadopt.org , author of Inside Transracial Adoption