All Families are Different
Gordon, S 2013, All families are different, Prometheus Books, New York.
Dr. Sol Gordon established his career in psychology and mental health for children while he was a founding director of the Institute for Family Research and Education. He has published multiple children’s books to help children understand and answer questions that they might have about themselves and their families.
This colourful book discusses what it means to be a normal family and if there is such thing as ‘normal’. Dr. Sol Gordon helps children understand and appreciate what it means to be a part of a family unit and unique and special nature of each person’s role within a family. It helps children understand that every family is different, and all are special in their own right.
A Mother for Choco
Keiko, K 1992, A mother for choco, Follett Library Resources, Illinois, USA.
Choco wishes he had a mother, but he does not know who she is. The animals around him are different, and the baby animals around him are not like him. A story based on families with adopted children or children that are new to families from foster care situations, readers will gain insight and realise just how different families are. They come in different shapes, sizes and colours!
Choco looks around and does not find anyone that is similar to him; even his brothers and sisters are different. He questions Mrs. Bear and asks if she is his real mother but then realises that it does not matter. Mrs. Bear does all of the things a mother would do, and looks after and loves him also like a real mother would. He realises that it doesn’t matter is Mrs. Bear is his real mother, or that his brothers and sisters are different; they are still family and they all fit together as a family unit.
Falling into Place. (ages 8-12)
Green, S, 2016, Falling into Place, HMH Books for Young Readers
‘Falling into Place’ by author Stephanie Greene, is the story of young girl Margaret’s life and shows the ways in which it progresses in a negative manner. Her father has remarried, her grandfather passed away and finally her grandmother is forced to sell the family home to move into supportive care. To confound the issues surrounding her, her father has a new partner and she is now pregnant with Margaret’s stepsister.
Then, in a twist of fate, Margaret discovers that her grandmother is now struggling adapt to life within a blended family. This leads Margaret and her younger cousins on an adventure to help locate their grandmother, leading to the development of a renewed social network that ultimately creates a fun and rewarding environment for the children.
This stories narrative explores a range of confronting issues which many families may encounter, but is delivered in a manner that is suitable, and educational for all children. While compelling at times, this text avoids culturally sensitive issues such as sexuality or religious and cultural beliefs, rendering it suitable for the class environment.
The Great Big Book of Families
Hoffman, M 2011, The great big book of families, Dial Books for Young Readers, New York City, NY.
This book depicts a range of families, with each image dedicated to a visual portrayal of a different family with different circumstances. Each depiction provides a commentary on how unqiue each and every family is. From home life, houses, school holidays, pets, visitors, feelings and family trees; Hoffman’s story matches perfectly with the humorous illustrations. The book also discusses families from around the world and their quirkiness, the rituals and cultural influences, and highlight of how each member contributes to the family unit- the focus is on always on how ‘crazy’ each family is, thereby showing how each family is unique and different in its own ways, regardless of how ‘normal’ they may appear to be at first glance.
Ink is Thicker than Water
Spalding, A 2013, Ink is thicker than water, Entangled: Teen Publishing, 2013, New York City.
For many, reaching their teens is an exciting and thrilling time. It is the time where they are finally allowed more freedom, they have more of a say in their day to day lives and are granted more autonomy to show to parents that they are on their way to becoming a responsible adult.
However for Kellie, things have just become more complex. This is the age for self discovery and finding out what she really likes and what she wants to do. How does one define oneself, if they aren’t able to define how they fit in with their own family, let alone society in general? Having a stepdad, that owns a tattoo parlor, a mum that lives an alternative lifestyle, an overachieving step sister and a younger half brother; Kellie feels small and insignificant and struggles to see where she fits in on all of this mess.
Follow Kellie as she heads down the road of self discovery, how her very unique family plays the most important roles and influences in her life. Families with teenagers from blended families are going through issues with self identity may find that Kellie can help give them a clearer picture; and that it is okay to be feeling lost. Kellie also shows readers how she came to realise that defining herself both outside and within her family can finally allow her to feel permanent; just like a tattoo.
The Mulberry Bird: An Adoption Story
Braff Brodzinsky, A, The mulberry bird: An adoption story 2012, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Philadelphia, USA.
An adoption story written to help children understand the common issues in adoption and possible reasons for their adoption, this story addresses some of the heart wrenching issues that both parents have to face, and the difficult decisions that may follow.
When a mother bird and her nest gets destroyed by a big storm, she struggles to keep her chick alive, fed and safe. She needs to make the difficult decision between struggling and risking the safety and wellbeing of the chick, or give her darling chick to another mother bird that has a large, secure nest with shelter, food and love.
This story is great to read aloud to children in adopted homes as it discusses the forces of love from both maternal parent and adoptive parent, contact made post adoption, and the importance of nurturing children into a new home.
We Belong Together
Parr, T 2008, We belong together: A book about adoption and families, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Boston, MA.
We belong together is a children’s book which target children at an early primary school reading level. It does not contain a central narrative, but rather a series of ideas associated with adoptive families. It depicts a adoptive family performing rituals such as kissing each other goodnight, sharing stories, getting a first dog and holding hands while crossing the street. The drawings are simple but effectively convey the emotions and actions. Likewise, the writing is brief, consisting of a few words per page. The author, Todd Parr, has released a range of other books which deal with diversity in appearance and families.
Would the Real Stanley Carrot Please Stand up?
Stevens, R 2015, Would the real Stanely Carrot please stand up?, Andersen Press, United Kingdom.
Stanley Carrot has always struggled to fit in, he is a ‘carrot’ (ginger) top, freckled, tubby preteen. He also has a secret- he is adopted. For as long as he can remember he has always wanted one wish and on his thirteenth birthday his wish is about to come true. He receives a letter from his long lost biological mother asking to meet him. On one hand, Stanley is over the moon; on the other, he is worried that his mother will find him a disappointment. So he hatches a plan, he is going to need to find someone that looks like him, but better. Someone that is smart, funny, intelligent and fits the perfect son criteria.
With his focus over the last few years on finding his mother, Stanley paid little attention in finding himself. This challenge sets up new challenges for him, just who is the real Stanley Carrot? A hilariously funny novel about self love, discovery and family this story teaches young adults about the importance of staying true to oneself and not dwelling too much on one’s past.
Blended Families Children's Literature 