Have you ever been asked the question, “Where are you from?”

This book redefines this common yet complicated question. Follow a true story about international adoption, discovering who you are and where you come from. Written from the perspective of an adoptee, learning you were adopted can create a lot of mixed feelings. This heartfelt story reassures adoptees that you are not defined by where you were born or where you live, but where in your heart you call home.

About the Book

“Where Am I From” is a children’s picture book following the story of an international, interracial U.S. adoptee. Follow her story as she tries to redefine and answer this complicated question.

  • The book is currently available on my website, exclusive retailers and at in-person author events. I’ve chosen to sell it this way to create a more personal connection with my readers, especially since this story is so close to my heart.

    Exclusive retailers include: Pacifier Kids (in-store or online) and Red Balloon Bookshop (in-store or call in only).

  • All parents should buy this book because it’s an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of family and identity in today’s world. It acts as a mirror, helping readers see their own family structures - regardless of shape or size - as normal and valid.

    The book is also a powerful communication tool, offering a gentle and natural way for parents to initiate transparent conversations about sensitive topics like adoption identity, complex emotions, and racial sensitivity. It encourages empathy and critical thinking, teaching readers a more understanding and inclusive perspective of the world.

    Ultimately, parents are not just buying a story; they’re investing in a resource that will empower their children, strengthen family bonds through open dialogue, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of what it means to be a family.

  • The biggest takeaway is that adoption is complex, and the question ‘Where are you from?’ can carry layers of meaning. By reading this book, you can expand a child’s understanding, vocabulary and empathy for different families and different cultures. You will build emotional awareness for adoptees, adoption, and the importance of asking specific questions. You may even take time to reflect on your own life and journey, to gain na deeper understanding for yourself.

    Take pride in who you are, what makes up who you are, you are more than where you’re born or where you live.

  • Please share my book and my story with others . You can also help by having thoughtful conversations about adoption and being mindful of the words we use when asking about someone’s background. It’s important to realize that the simple question ‘Where are you from?’ can feel loaded or even triggering for some people. By approaching these conversations with sensitivity, we can create more inclusive environments for adoptees.

Jade Amez™ - Where Am I From? Jade Amez™ - Where Am I From?
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Jade Amez™ - Where Am I From?
$25.00

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Reviews

  • "An engaging and insightful tale about adoption."

    - Kirkus Reviews

  • "This book heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging, it beautifully illustrates how we're shaped by more than where we're born. It expertly addresses sometimes uncomfortable questions and emotions with a gentle approach. Ms. Amez was a delight to have visit our school and engaged all of our learners!"

    - Teachers at Magnuson Christian School

  • Working with Jade Amez to visit our school was a wonderful experience. Ms. Amez was very communicative and worked with us to create a plan that works with our students and schedule. She read her book to 4 of our classes, engaged our students with a game and allowed time for questions which our students enjoyed. We bought a few of her books for our library as many of our students resonate with her experiences.

    -Highwood Hills Teachers, St Paul Public Schools

  • “An emotional journey of self discovery! Delightful!"

    - Rachel
    Mother

  • "This was great exposure to students about adoption and different types of families around us all."

    - Xai
    Preschool Teacher (E10), Uni. of MN Child Dev. Laboratory School

  • “A beautiful journey of culture, family, and self discovery. There is a magic captured here that will make children everywhere ask what makes them special.”

    - Matt
    Musician & Community Advocate

  • "By turning a common, but sometimes-offensive question on its head, the author skillfully shows that a nontraditional family life can be enriching despite its more difficult moments."

    - Kirkus Reviews

  • "A worthy addition to any collection looking to expand representation of adoption."

    - Laura
    Library Media Specialist, Parkview Center

  • "A book that beautifully reminds us that "home" is in your heart."

    - Mia
    Teacher at Highland Park Middle School

  • “An eye opening look into the experience of being adopted, making the uncomfortable questions comfortable.”

    - Ryan
    Producer

Author’s Note

Over the years, the question has long been asked if I would ever share more about my adoption journey. People would always tell me that my story is ‘so interesting’ and ‘it was worth sharing with others.’ I never dreamed of writing a book, let alone one so personal that it doubles as my autobiography, but I am so excited to be sharing my debut children’s book with you!

“Where Am I From?” takes you on a two-fold journey. One showcases my adoption from infancy, growing up in the Midwest, to meeting my birth mother in Taiwan accompanied by vibrant illustrations and hand-drawn text. It showcases the question internally, “where am I from?” both literally and figuratively. I wanted the pictures to be familiar enough for a child to identify different scenes and places with the real world, infused with a little humor. The other journey reveals the world from my perspective as an international adoptee, adopted into a biracial family. It explores the questions I have asked over the years, how I have come to define some of those questions, and the emotions I endure.

I wrote this book from an adoptee’s perspective, for adoptees, but I acknowledge that everyone’s experience is different. My adoption story is not representative of all adoptees in the world. I publish my story in an attempt to normalize the nuances of adoption, and reframe the common yet complicated question, “where are you from?” I hope you find my story heartwarming, and take solace in knowing you’re not alone on this journey.

With kindness and humility,