Have you ever been asked the question, “Where are you from?”
This book redefines this common yet complicated question. Follow a true story about international adoption, discovering who you are and where you come from. Written from the perspective of an adoptee, learning you were adopted can create a lot of mixed feelings. This heartfelt story reassures adoptees that you are not defined by where you were born or where you live, but where in your heart you call home.
About the Book
“Where Am I From” is a children’s picture book following the story of an international, interracial U.S. adoptee. Follow her story as she tries to redefine and answer this complicated question.
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The book is currently available on my website, exclusive retailers and at in-person author events. I’ve chosen to sell it this way to create a more personal connection with my readers, especially since this story is so close to my heart.
Exclusive retailers include: Pacifier Kids (in-store or online) and Red Balloon Bookshop (in-store or call in only).
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This book is written from an adoptee’s perspective, which you don’t often see in children’s literature. It is a continuing outcome from reflecting on my own adoptee journey.
It explores the literal and figurative questions some people may struggle with. Come on this journey to examine similarities and differences within cultures, families and individuals.
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The biggest takeaway is that adoption is complex, and the question ‘Where are you from?’ can carry layers of meaning. By reading this book, you can expand a child’s understanding, vocabulary and empathy for different families and different cultures. You will build emotional awareness for adoptees, adoption, and the importance of asking specific questions. You may even take time to reflect on your own life and journey, to gain na deeper understanding for yourself.
Take pride in who you are, what makes up who you are, you are more than where you’re born or where you live.
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There are many ways to support! First, by sharing the book with others who may benefit from these conversations, like families considering adoption, educators, or even community leaders. You can also help by having thoughtful conversations about adoption and being mindful of the words we use when asking about someone’s background. It’s important to realize that the simple question ‘Where are you from?’ can feel loaded or even triggering for some people. By approaching these conversations with sensitivity, we can create more inclusive environments for adoptees.
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Author’s Note
Over the years, the question has long been asked if I would ever share more about my adoption journey. People would always tell me that my story is ‘so interesting’ and ‘it was worth sharing with others.’ I never dreamed of writing a book, let alone one so personal that it doubles as my autobiography, but I am so excited to be sharing my debut children’s book with you!
“Where Am I From?” takes you on a two-fold journey. One showcases my adoption from infancy, growing up in the Midwest, to meeting my birth mother in Taiwan accompanied by vibrant illustrations and hand-drawn text. It showcases the question internally, “where am I from?” both literally and figuratively. I wanted the pictures to be familiar enough for a child to identify different scenes and places with the real world, infused with a little humor. The other journey reveals the world from my perspective as an international adoptee, adopted into a biracial family. It explores the questions I have asked over the years, how I have come to define some of those questions, and the emotions I endure.
I wrote this book from an adoptee’s perspective, for adoptees, but I acknowledge that everyone’s experience is different. My adoption story is not representative of all adoptees in the world. I publish my story in an attempt to normalize the nuances of adoption, and reframe the common yet complicated question, “where are you from?” I hope you find my story heartwarming, and take solace in knowing you’re not alone on this journey.
With kindness and humility,
