Natalie’s Library Corner
Hello Readers!
In this edition we are highlighting the incredible work of an adult adoptee, Angela Tucker.
You Should Be Grateful written by Tucker is a deeply personal and thought-provoking memoir that chronicles her journey as a transracial adoptee in search of her birth family. Raised in a white family in a predominantly white neighborhood, Tucker offers a powerful exploration of identity, race, and belonging. She describes the complicated yet healing reunion with her biological family and layers of emotions that comes with navigating two worlds—one shaped by her adoptive upbringing and another rooted in her family of origin.
Interwoven with her own story are compelling anecdotes from other adoptees, along with research and facts that highlight the broader complexities of the adoption experience. Tucker delves into the dynamics of the adoption triad—adoptee, birth family, and adoptive family—while also addressing foster care, disability, and issues in adoption practices. Her very honest and vulnerable personal story provides a wider perspective on the different aspects of adoption, particularly how it intersects with race and systemic inequities. Tucker invites readers to rethink what it truly means to belong—and who gets to decide.
Be sure to check out Angela Tucker’s podcast, “The Adoptee Next Door” available wherever you find your podcasts. This powerful series goes beyond the sparkly fairy tale of adoption. Tucker interviews and has deep conversations with adoptees on a wide range of topics from transracial adoption to reuniting with birth families which provides unique insight for the listener.
Adoptee Mentorship Society, a virtual mentorship by adoptees, for adoptees, was created by Tucker in 2013. It provides a safe, supportive space for adoptees of all ages to openly share their thoughts and feelings. Many adoptees report feeling validated and empowered after being connected with an adoptee mentor who can truly understand and connect with their journey. There are several ways to get involved, visit www.adopteementorship.org for more information.
Angela Tucker’s extensive work also includes:
- Closure, a documentary about locating her birth family and their reunion.
- The Adopted Life Episodes, a video series of teenagers who were adopted transracially, discussing issues of race, relationships, and heritage.
- Consultation services for parents and professionals on developing adoptee-focused initiatives or navigating adoption-related issues
- Speaking events throughout the nation where she opens conversations about redefining family, transracial adoption and belonging.
Visit Angela Tucker’s web-site for more information:
www.angelatucker.com