UBC Press A Place in My Heart book Paperback

Who are my birthparents? Is it okay to think about them? Can I care about all of my parents at once?A Place in My Heart tells the simple story of Charlie, a chipmunk adopted by a family of squirrels, who starts to wonder about his birthparents. At first he is scared that this might upset his family but feels much better when he talks to his mother. The story reassures children that it is okay to ask questions about their birthparents without upsetting their “forever” (adoptive) parents. This fully illustrated picture book for adopted children aged 2-5 gives you an opportunity to discuss adoption, birthparents, and the fact that our hearts are big enough to hold everyone we care about.

Mary Grossnickle was a foster child and was adopted when she was three. She has worked in the field of adoption and foster care for the past 15 years, providing information, training and support to adoptive and foster families. Mary has received the prestigious "Champion of Adoption Award," which recognizes a professional who is an advocate for children who joined a "forever family" through adoption. Currently, Mary works with the Coalition for Children, Youth and Families, an organization that provides support for adoptive and foster families and the professionals who serve them, Milwaukee USA.