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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up - Cohen uses a varied format of prototypical scenarios, generous quotations, and lists to offer positive, practical advice on topics such as feelings of favoritism between siblings, resolving conflict, and the pros and cons of searching for birth parents. Topics of general interest are included, and the chapter which explores the search for identity will be helpful to all teenagers, adopted or not. There is a good balance between the feelings and concerns of adopted teenagers and those of adoptive parents. While not minimizing any concerns, Cohen shows readers that they are not alone. Central to her message is the advice that putting the past into perspective will help readers to go forward in the future. A valuable resource. Marguerite F. Raybould, Glendale Public Library, Calif.

Grade 8-12 - A book that is informative, helpful, and interesting. Cohen uses a relaxed, personal, one-on-one style that breeds a comfortable "big sister" feeling in its readership. Solid pages of unillustrated text may seem somewhat intimidating initially, but Cohen's approach to topics such as birth order, stepsiblings, jealousy, quarrels, substance-abusing siblings, sick or disabled siblings, and strengthening sibling bonds provide readable and practical suggestions for dealing with existing and potential family problems. First-person accounts are interspersed throughout. Cohen occasionally introduces her own familial situations and parental perspective to encourage parent-child communication and foster an understanding of the parent as an imperfect and struggling individual. Throughout, communication and empathy are stressed as major keys to all successful interpersonal relationships. This may need help getting into the hands of teen readers, but once there, it will be a gentle, useful source of guidance and will provide much food for discussion and thought. --Celia A. Huffman, Cuyahoga County Public Library , Cleveland

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