Growing Snowflowers

Yesterday I contacted the author of a wonderful book written about an adopted girl from China. The author Mary Cummings belongs to the local MN chapter of FCC 'families with children from China'. I heard back today, she is happy to donate a signed copy of her lovely book for the CCAI raffle & silent auction. There is a link to Mary's book on our blog, so if you would like to pick it up from Amazon, the link is right there!

Here's what the editorial said about the book!

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5–A gentle, sensitive story of international adoption told through the eyes of a Chinese-American girl. Ada Lorane Bennett explains how she came to have several names–the first was from her birth mother and is buried deep in her heart, another she received at the orphanage, and the third came from her adoptive parents. In telling her story, readers learn about Ada's life in America, her likes and dislikes, and a few facts about her homeland. However, it is the child's present life in the States and her love for her adoptive parents that is emphasized. A few Chinese words are introduced and explained within the context of the story. The book concludes with pages from Ada's scrapbook. Consisting of pictures and thoughts, they reveal what is important to her–family, friends, pets, as well as facts about China. The theme of family should interest most children, but adopted youngsters will relate to Ada's feelings as she considers her past as well as present circumstances. Simple, lyrical text enhances the quiet tone of the story. Soft and delicate, the realistic illustrations capture the mood of the story and reveal Ada's thoughts about who she is and where she came from. The warmth and simplicity of this story, plus the positive message on adoption, should appeal to most readers.–Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Book Description
Ada has three names. Wang Bin is what the caregivers called her at her Chinese orphanage. Ada is the name her American parents gave her as the three traveled home. And there is a third name, a name the infant Ada only heard whispered by her Chinese mother. That name, unknown but treasured, is someplace in Ada's heart.
Additonal pages based on Ada's scrapbook will inspire readers to collect their own drawings, photos, and thoughts.