I am Vincent - An Adoption Love Story is a non fiction picture book that will warm your heart! Some years back, I began the process of trying to adopt a baby, and was ultimately matched with an African American infant. I met him in the hospital when he was only 1 day old, and I immediately fell in love with him.
I wrote this picture book to thank Vincent’s birth mother for her overwhelming gift of life. The story is told from Vincent’s perspective, and gives information on his birth mother (in a positive and respectful manner) and also on us, his transracially adoptive family.
I gently acknowledge that adoption is both a happy and sad experience for all involved. I explain how children who were adopted, while unique in their histories, are also just like other children. It is a story about life choices, both big and small and about the bond of families.
As a children’s librarian, I know there are simply not enough books featuring multicultural characters or adoption storylines. I am very determined to help add this book to the We Need Diverse Books campaign. Furthermore, I believe this story can be enjoyed by ALL children, not just those who were adopted.
I appreciate your help in supporting me in this endeavor. If you know of a person whose life has been touched by adoption, or who is concerned about the lack of diversity in picture and fiction books for children, please encourage them to help me reach my fundraising goal.
On a slightly different note, I am unsure if the title of my book is what I would like to keep in the long run. I welome any suggestions for a title change! So, please start brainstorming!
I would also like to thank Carol Ruzicka, a wonderful illustrator from Vermont. She is working with me on this book, and I have to say that she has been such a pleasure get to know. Carol has plenty of experience with drawing for a variety of books, including "Toto the Tornado Kitten" and "Oh, Toto. Where Did You Go?" by Jonathan Hall.
Thank you for any and all support. Please check back in for updates and to see how the fundraising is coming along!
Thank you again!.
- Amina