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About the Book | Awards | Reviews | What Others Have Said |
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Elizabeth, who was born in China, feels a range of emotions as she learns she has two mommies; one in China and one in America. When Elizabeth expresses confusion about having two mothers, her adoptive mother shares stories with her. Together Elizabeth and her mother play their made-up "Adopt Me" game. Eventually, with the help and support of her American mother, Elizabeth begins to understand that she has a far mommy and a near mommy, who both love her very much.
AWARDS
 Notable Social Trade Books for Young People 2001
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2000
REVIEWS
"Straightforward and sensitive to the needs of adoptive children and parents."
Notable Social Trade Books for Young People 2001
National Council for Social Studies
The Children's Book Council
“The (book). . .not only reassures Elizabeth but will also benefit other adoptees, especially those from Third World countries, as it reinforces the efforts of all loving, adoptive parents."
Booklist
“With sensitivity and honesty, this book explores the feelings and questions a young Chinese girl has about having been adopted into an American family. Elizabeth's healthy exploration of what it means to be adopted evolves naturally over time. The illustrations make Elizabeth's intermittent vulnerability even more obvious."
School Library Journal
"Elizabeth has always known she was adopted from China, but when she learns she has a Chinese mommy, too, some difficult questions are raised. The situation is handled sensitively by the author, who writes from personal experience. ...the faces deftly show the strong emotional bond between adoptive mother and daughter."
The Horn Book
"Mommy Far, Mommy Near is exceptional. I really loved the fact that the story is told by a child to other children-the book's readers. 'This is my story,' she seems to be saying, 'And this is how I came to understand it.'
. . .While this would be a wonderful addition to any library, it is especially significant for those touched by international and transracial adoptions."
Kathryn Creedy, Adoptive Families Magazine
"Indeed, Mommy Far, Mommy Near's best virtue is that it serves as a model- to both parents and children- for talking about and trying on adoption feelings. . . (It) is an important book providing meaningful insights on how school-aged children process adoption. We believe that all internationally and/or transracially adopted children will find powerful reflections of their own issues…We urge you not to miss it."
PACT, An Adoption Alliance Book Review
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
"Unlike so many sentimental children's books on adoption, Mommy Far, Mommy Near rings true because it expresses the child's thoughts and feelings as she swings between love for her adoptive mother and longing for he missing one who looks like her. I was especially moved when the adoptive mother joins her child in talking to her Chinese mother on her toy phone. The call may be make believe, but the discussion they have together later about why the child's mother had to give her up is very real. And so is this special book."
Betty Jean Lifton, Adoption Expert
"Mommy Far, Mommy Near is a gentle book that gives children the truth about their extended family of adoption . Children have an easier time making sense of adoption when the truth is told with simplicity and ease. Carol's book does this."
Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, Adoption Expert
"Carol Peacock's deft writing convey(s) a tenderness that is heartwarming, even as Mommy Far, Mommy Near raises emotional and crucial issues around adoption, abandonment and differences. . .parents can use this book for discussion of adoption from other Asian countries. The issues and experiences are universal. This is a touching book- be prepared for tears in your eyes when you read it."
Alison Martin, www.comeunity.com
"This adoption story is told by Elizabeth, a little girl born in China and adopted by American parents. When she is old enough to learn that not all babies come from China, her mother explains gently that she and her adopted sister have two mommies, one far and one near. So much information for a little girl to process. The author does a superb job with difficult subject matter. The poignancy is felt on every page. . .The book is beautifully written, with soft illustrations."
Jeanne K. Pettenati, Children’s Literature
"One of the most beautiful books I’ve read to cover the issues of grief and confusion as a little girl adopted from China wrestles with the knowledge she has two mommies, one near and one far. A must for your shelf!"
Roberta Rosenberg, “Adopt Korea”
"In telling the story of her adoption and her two mommies, Elizabeth hits on many of the emotions that I have shared with my own daughter. When Lily and I read the book together, she kept saying, ‘that’s me, that’s me.’ Mommy Far, Mommy Near succeeds on two levels. As a piece of bedtime reading, it can be a springboard, a way for parent and child to cuddle up and talk. It’s also a primer, offering parents some excellent suggestions for reaching into a child’s heart."
Julie Michaels, "China Connection"
"Like a kiss that makes the scraped knee “feel better,” Mommy Far, Mommy Near is an emotionally soothing balm that is sweet and tender without ever becoming maudlin or emotionally manipulative and without any glossing over the painful facts...(It) is a wonderfully sensitive and intelligent book that explains adoption so that it cases to be just a word...If (children) are ready, the book is designed not only them come to grips with their adoptions, but also to serve as a guide for the parents who adopt them."
John Reiman, "Red Thread Magazine"
"Written though the perspective of Elizabeth, a young Chinese American girl, Mommy Far, Mommy Near creatively and honestly delves into a topic pertinent to all adoptive families...The dialogue Peacock utilizes is simple, yet rich...Mommy Far, Mommy Near is rare and I believe, a valuable children’s book for young adoptees and their families."
Whitney Tae-Jin Ning, Associate Editor, "Adoption Today Magazine"
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