NATALIA’S LIBRARY CORNER
NJ ARCH Hosted Its First Ever Virtual Family Storytime!
NJ ARCH is proud to have celebrated National Adoption Month in a special way this year. For three cozy evenings in November authors of children’s books read their heartfelt stories about adoption and belonging. Each night included a Q&A session and a fun activity for everyone. Thank you to everyone who joined us during this special event! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
On November 4, author and adoptee Elena S. Hall read her book Adoption is Both, which is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant story that recognizes that there many ways to think about adoption and that all feelings are valid. A small, endearing character who changes color- sometimes pink and sometimes blue shares their perspective on adoption. The little character embraces their feelings and sings of pride in both the good and the bad, changing colors to match their emotion.
This book reminds young readers that it’s okay to feel more than one thing at once and opens the door for meaningful dialogue and emotional understanding.
Elena brings both personal and professional insight to her work. Her other books include Through Adopted Eyes, Through Adopted Hearts, and My Adoptee Voice. You can follow her on Instragram @ThroughAdoptedEyes.
On November 11, Brian and Josie Parker read their book The Pawsons Celebrate. It is about a lovable, furry family of monsters who have just moved to the town of Edgewood. In this follow-up to The Pawsons Move In, we get a chance to see them celebrate all of their favorite holidays, with one very special day coming up on their calendar. It’s their son Maury’s Gotcha’ Day – the celebration of his official adoption! The authors have infused this story with their unique experiences as “creative weirdos,” foster parents, and members of a diverse community, to tell a one-of-a-kind story.
The Parkers have written many books including The Epic of Nicholas the Maker series. Through their work, the Parkers use storytelling as a medium for change, and encourage open minds, empathy, and aspiration to greater heights. Learn more at believeinwonder.weebly.com.
On November 18, author Tom Tracy read his book Wonderfully You: An Ode to Adoption, which is a love note to children who have been adopted. This heartfelt story showcases family creation through the experience of transracial adoption. The reader is invited to experience the adoption journey through melodic rhyming narrative, which is complemented by beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations. It is a perfect read for kids, grandkids, classrooms, those touched by adoption, and individuals looking for books that portray diverse families.
Some of Tom’s other books include Jazmyne’s Big Emotions, Some Families, All Families, and Scoochie & Skiddles series. Discover more about Tom and his books at www.tomtracybooks.com