NOVEMBER 2024 HOT OFF THE PRESS CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL PICK From the noble strength of Crazy Horse to the innovative genius of Steve Jobs, Adoptees Who Changed the World is a board book introduction to people who made a difference in the world–and who also happen to be adopted Simple text by Lorri Antosz Benson and adorable illustrations by Juanita Londoño-Gaviria teach young readers about the contributions of eight famous adoptees: George Washington Carver, Crazy Horse (Tashunca-Uitco), Nelson Mandela, Faith Hill, Steve Jobs, Jamie Foxx, Simone Biles, and Kristen Chenoweth. A quote from each hero is included on each spread, along with colorful, delightful artwork. As an adoptive mom and educator, I'm always looking for other voices, faces and points of view in the adoption community. With To Have and Not to Hold and Adopting Hope, I've found a writer in Lorri Benson that was willing to thoughtfully and honestly meet this challenge!!  I'm very thrilled for the final book in this trilogy being a resource for my 4 year old son and other small students that I teach in the classroom. I believe that this resource is two fold for our family. For our son, as the adoptee and us as the adoptive parents. For him, I believe this will help remind him that there is an adoption community that he can identify with and us it helps us to encourage him as he continues on his adoptive journey as an adoptee. Also, as an early childhood educator, I'm excited to add this resource in my classroom library for any other adoptees that I have in my classroom. ― Deirdre Parker, Adoptive Mother, Educator, and Staff Storyteller , Adoption.com Here’s one more book to add to your collection if you’re looking for age-appropriate books to introduce adoption among kids: Adoptees Who Changed the World. This small board book is packed with big names such as Nelson Mandela, Faith Hill, Steve Jobs, Jamie Foxx, Simone Biles, and Kristen Chenoweth. Each page of this little board book tells a different story about how real-life characters were adopted at a young age and what they did later in life. It was the first time my son heard the word ‘adoptee,’ so I had to explain it to contextualize it. While he is exposed to kids living with their adoptive parents, he doesn’t seem to know they were adopted. So, the book helped lay down the concept in short, simple descriptions appropriate for a young audience. This children’s book on adoption’s storytelling presents how adoptees eventually find a family in their newfound parents and pursue their passions. We love that the narrative doesn’t say they became successful despite being adopted; instead, they are famous people who also happen to be adopted. ― Millennial Parenting "A fun board book with a unique message that provides examples of men and women who were adopted and went on to acclaim and achievement, "Adoptees Who Changed the World" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library board book collections for children ages 2-5."― Midwest Book Review I am a big fan of Lorri’s books.  I recommend that all prospective adoptive parents read her perspective on being a birth mom in “To Have and Not to Hold”.  Her new children’s book is helping to highlight and elevate successful adoptees.  This book should serve as an inspiration and hope to young adoptees that their possibilities in this life are endless. ― Allison Olson, Adoptee and Adoptive Parent, Author of “Surrounded by Love” “All children are born with incredible potential. As the parent of an adopted child and as the CEO of The Cradle, I know this truth is lived out each day in the growth, persistence, and achievements of millions of adopted people. Through vivid illustrations and stories,  Amazing Adoptees Who Changed The World  shows adopted children what is possible: whether it is on the world stage or closer to home, they can and will do great things!”  ― Jason Friedman, President and CEO, The Cradle Lorri Antosz Benson is a 2-time Emmy Award-winning producer/writer, and family advocate based in CA. She has written four books, including two others on adoption, To Have And Not To Hold and Adopting Hope . She is currently working on a documentary, and serves as Strategic Advisor for Harvest Home, an organization supporting pregnant homeless women in LA.