Connecting the Dots: Exploring Themes in Adoption Picturebooks

Abstract

Approximately 1.4 million school-aged children entered their families through adoption. As such, adoption represents a real and complex social issue with which young children-adopted or not-can grapple. Adoption picturebooks provide a medium by which children can explore this complicated concept. This manuscript analyzes a standard library collection of adoption picturebooks to explore the salient themes that arise throughout this body of children's literature. Four major, yet overlapping themes emerged: the adopted child as ''precious'', the search for identity, the pursuit of adoption, and the need to establish a sense of belonging. This study shows that the themes located within this subset of children's literature are broad, fluid and often intricately woven together; a complexity that is mirrored through the same qualities in life. Through adoption picturebooks, children are provided with a terrain in which to explore the conceptual components that frame their identities and are presented with a space to examine the realities of adoption.

Lesbian, gay, and heterosexual adoptive parents' experiences in preschool environments

“…Books in particular may be a valuable way for preschool-aged children to learn about diverse families – although to be effective, they should ideally be read and taught alongside broader classroom discussions about diversity. As Mattix and Crawford (2011) note, “quality literature provides a sociocultural context in which social issues can be examined and a means by which to explore the worlds of self and others” (pp. 319–320).…”

“…319–320). Further, such books can help to dispel prejudice and build community, by providing children with “enthralling stories” that help them to imagine the lives of others (Mattix & Crawford, 2011, p. 320). Several parents also pointed out that they were somewhat resentful of having to be the “spokesperson” for all things adoption.…”

“…The absence of research on adoptive families' experiences in schools is concerning, given that societal stigma related to adoption is still pervasive (Goldberg, Kinkler, & Hines, 2011), and may trickle down into the attitudes and practices of school personnel, who may fail to understand or attend to the multiple dimensions of difference that are experienced by adopted children (Mattix & Crawford, 2011). Teachers may also neglect to discuss racial or family diversity in the classroom because they believe that young children are too young to understand these issues (Robinson & Ferfolja, 2002), an assumption that has been challenged by empirical research (Boutte, Lopez-Robertson, & Powers-Costello, 2011).…”

Birth Parents’ Portrayals in Children’s Adoption Literature

“…Classic fairy tales also depict stories of abandonment, where adoptive parents are "wicked step-parents" (Bordo, 2002, p. 320). Other recurring themes include adoptees as special or chosen, like a gift, or the result of a "mix-up" by God (Bordo, 2002, p. 322;Mattix & Crawford, 2011).…”

“…Because books are used by parents to create narratives and socialize children (Ayres, 2004;Louie, 2009;Mattix & Crawford, 2011;Vonk, Lee, & Crolley-Simic, 2010), this article analyzes 104 children's books for ages 4 to 8 years to understand how birth parents are depicted.…”