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| SPRINGFIELD "When should I tell my child she is adopted?" "How much should I share about his history?" "How do I start the conversation?" These questions mystify many adoptive parents. "Forever Fingerprints, An Amazing Discovery for Adopted Children" gives parents a new tool to talk openly about the feelings and life story of their adopted child, and local author Barbara A. Gowan, an adoptee herself, will share the book with families at the Central Branch of the Springfield City Library, 220 State St., on Nov. 17, at 3 p.m. in the Children's Room. The free book reading will conclude with a children's craft project that ties into fingerprints. Written by adoptee Sherrie Eldridge, author of best-selling "Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew," the new book encourages children to share how they feel about their birthparents, adoption and loss. It is the story of Lucie, whose aunt's pregnancy opens the door for Lucie to talk about babies and the bittersweet feelings she has about her adoption. Lucie's parents answer her questions with honesty and transparency. The story concludes with Lucie's discovery that her uniquely created fingerprints connect her to her whole family. "Forever Fingerprints" shows children how they can discover their own fingerprints through a fun, hands-on fingerprinting activity. The book also offers a parent guide for parents who wish to share the book with their family. The reading of "Forever Fingerprints" is part of a celebration of National Adoption Day, Nov. 17, and people touched by adoption will read the book in libraries and bookstores nationwide. Springfield's reading will be by Barbara Gowan, author of the non-fiction book "Blending In-Crisscrossing the Lines of Race, Religion, Family, and Adoption." Gowan, a native of Springfield, was adopted herself and knows the strong feeling and need to seek information to connect in the world. It was at Eldridge's urging that Gowan wrote her own personal story. One of Eldridge's books will be donated to the Library. Copies of Gowan's book will be available for purchase and autographs after the program. For more information contact the Children's Room at 263-6828 ext. 201 or check the Library Web site at www.springfieldlibrary.org/adoption.html. |