In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories

by Rita James Simon, Rhonda M. Roorda, Rita J. Simon

Book Overview

Nearly forty years after researchers first sought to determine the effects, if any, on children adopted by families whose racial or ethnic background differed from their own, the debate over transracial adoption continues. In this collection of interviews conducted with black and biracial young adults who were adopted by white parents, the authors present the personal stories of two dozen individuals who hail from a wide range of religious, economic, political, and professional backgrounds. How does the experience affect their racial and social identities, their choice of friends and marital partners, and their lifestyles? In addition to interviews, the book includes overviews of both the history and current legal status of transracial adoption.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231118295
• ISBN13: 9780231118293
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Must Read

As a parent that adopted a child who is a miniority (not African American, but Asian) I have gained a lot of insight from an adoptee's perspective. I would recommend this book to an parent considering or currently raiaisng a child of a different race.

Perspective of Adult adoptees is very helpful

This book is important for adoptees, adoptive parents and grandparents, as well as others who are loving and parenting across racial lines. While this is not a "how to" book, it is clear from the adoptees' stories what they believe their adoptive parents did well and what they wish their adoptive parents had done differently. It stresses the difficult issues but also reflects that transracial adoption can and does work. It helps parents to understand the importance of nurturing a relationship between the adoptive family and the adoptees' ethnic communities.

Finally I am not alone

I really enjoyed this book and it let me see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Becaue I am adopted in a white home and Birracial the times have been hard however, with this book I feel like I am not the only one in that kind of situation. This book has helped me discover the true me, and also helped me to realize that if I am not true to myself I am only hurting myself. I wish there were more books like this on the market, and I would recommend it to anyone who is adopted or raising a minority child in a white home.

In Thier Own Voices

This book is a must for any white couple looking to adopt african american or mixed raced children. It is a wonderful complilation of interviews of adult adoptees who were raised in white parent homes. Since every family make up, values, and religious beliefs are different you get a good range of opinions and experiences through the words of the adoptees themselves. Find out what strenthened these individuals and what didn't, maybe through they're experiences you can change the future of your own child.

It is Truly a "Breath of Fresh Air"!

In Their Own Voices is a well-written, powerful, honest and eye opening book about the lives of black and biracial individuals adopted into white families. For many who are for or against this type of adoption, especially in a racially divisive America, this book won't let you come to an easy conclusion about whether interracial adoption is good or bad for the adoptee or community involved. It challenges the reader to put aside his or her opinions and find the answers from listening to the stories of each individual in the book. It is about time there was a book like this. There should be more like it!