Midwest Book Review on We’re Not All the Same But We’re Family

Nancy Lorraine’s Bookshelf

 We’re All Not the Same But We’re Still Family
Theresa Fraser and Eric E. W. Fraser, authors
www.LHPress.com
9781615994786, $15.95 PB, $4.95 Kindle, Ages 4-8
9781615994793, $26.95, HC, 42pp, www.amazon.com

We’re Not All the Same, But We’re Family

We’re Not the Same But We’re Still Family: An Adoption and Birth Family Story” is a compassionate book for adoptive kids and families that embraces the concept of exploring a sense of family that is inclusive of both adoptive and birth parents and relatives.

Deshaun is a 13 year old adopted boy who was curious about his birth father. He had some memories of his birth mother, but they were not all positive. He asked his parents if they would help him seek information about his birth father. The search was successful and Deshaun was able to communicate with his birth father using Skype. Eventually Deshuan was taken by his adoptive parents on a long trip so he could meet his father and more members of his birth family.
This openness to an expanded sense of family led to added security and expanded love between Deshuan and his biological family as well as his adoptive family. Some questions that are suggested for exploration by other adoptive families include the following: Discuss feelings about adoption. Imagine what openness might mean for both the child and the family.
Acknowledge similarities and differences among family members. Discuss if an expanded sense of family is possible for their circumstances. “We’re All Not the Same, But We’re Still Family: is a positive, exploratory book that helps children and families confront some of the issues included in adoption. Illustrations of mixed race parents and families add to the richness of the adoptive child/family’s exploration of the child’s birth family and history.
“We’re All Not the Same But We’re Still Family” is recommended for children age 5-6 years and up.
Senior Reviewer

Reena's Bollywood Dream: A Story About Sexual Abuse

978-1-61599-014-6
$15.95
In stock
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-014-6
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Reena wants to be a star...

...A Bollywood star. Unfortunately, her family won't stand for it. It doesn't help that
Reena is only eight-years-old. However, a beacon of hope arrives in the form of Uncle
Jessi. He's just emigrated from India to America, and is a welcome addition to her
family household. Uncle Jessi and Reena share a special bond. Not only are they old
pen pals, but he recognizes her desperation to become a Bollywood actress.


One day, Uncle Jessi plans a secret surprise. He invites her to take part in a pretend
acting game. Reena jumps at the chance. At first, she enjoys swinging her hips to
Bollywood beats. She smiles brightly at his camera. However, halfway through her
performance matters take an unexpected turn. The end results surprise both Reena and
Uncle Jessi.

Important lessons come through an action-driven story and beautiful illustrations:

  • Children will learn that sexual abuse is NEVER their fault.
  • Parents and children will be given a launching pad to discuss the warning signs of "grooming."
  • Children will come away knowing they have the power to say: "NO."
  • Children will discover that sexual abuse can occur in any cultural group.
  • Children can be assured that they will be believed when reporting inappropriate behavior.
  • Therapists and parents can exhibit that sexual abuse isn't an off-limits topic.
  • Child abuse survivors will come away knowing they are not alone.


    Therapists' Acclaim for Reena's Bollywood Dream

    "Reena's Bollywood Dream is exceptionally well-written. It works as an educational piece
    to foster awareness to children and their families regarding the realities of sexual abuse
    within the South Asian community. This informative book can help alter a child's life for
    the better."

    --Sadia Khaliq, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., Community Treatment Coordinator, Centre for Addiction
    and Mental Health


    "With a captivating story and beautiful illustration, and with a message that is cross-cultural
    and educational, Reena's Bollywood Dream can help children understand the sad reality that
    there are those who can hurt them but there is also means of staying safe--with others'
    help. I recommend this book highly to all families; it can be instrumental to starting a
    conversation about a difficult topic."

    --Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, Founder and CEO, Stop the Silence



    For more info see www.JewelKats.com



    Juvenile Fiction : Social Issues - Sexual Abuse

    Family & Relationships : Abuse - Child Abuse

    Social Science : Ethnic Studies - Asian American Studies
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