The absence of books reflecting the adoptee experience and mixed families during my younger years was a primary motivator for self-publishing this book. Writing this book was not just about addressing a societal need; it was also a deeply personal healing journey, allowing me to organize and articulate my own experiences. I wrote this book to empower adoptees and their families, providing a space for their stories to be shared and their journeys to be processed.

It also aims to teach all kids that families do not all look alike - whether they’re blended, mixed, multicultural, or multi-generational. This book is a tool to help children and parents navigate the emotional landscape of what it can mean to be family and to be adopted, fostering more transparent dialogues within families and society about identity, complex emotions, and racial sensitivity.

Ultimately, I hope it prompts a more critical and empathetic approach to understanding the diverse narratives of family, identity, and belonging, especially when facing common, yet sometimes triggering questions.

Food connected me to my roots - culture, history, family and heritage.

Adoption is like dumplings - each one is unique, has many layers, and culturally diverse. No two are the same.

When adoptees finish reading my book, young or older, finish my book, I want them to walk away with a profound sense of validation, empowerment and belonging. They are absolutely not alone on this life-long journey.

I hope my book serves as a mirror, showing them that their unique journey - even its challenging parts - is shared by others and is completely valid. It’s meant to reinforce that their story matters, empowering them to feel confident sharing their voice when they’re ready.

Adoptees can experience a wide range of emotions related to family and adoption, including joy, curiosity, confusion, longing, or even a sense of grief or rejection. My book aims to normalize these feelings, providing a safe space to process them without judgement.

As adoptees, we are multifaceted and beautifully unique. I hope my book is thought-provoking, helping to equip them with ways to engage with common questions, while also expanding their understanding of what “family” and “home” can truly mean.

The most important thing you can do as a parent is create a home where open, honest, and ongoing conversations about adoption are not just permitted, but actively encouraged. Embrace every question, every emotion - even the difficult ones - as an opportunity to connect deeper with your child’s unique story and for them to learn about themselves. Adoption is a lifelong journey, and your willingness to talk about it openly is the greatest gift you can give, fostering a strong sense of security, identity, and trust.

Absolutely! We may not be able to provide licensed or legal assistance but if sharing my experience or my thoughts would be helpful to you, I will do my best to support you!