The Books of Rhonda M. Roorda
Five Books. One Continuing Voice.
Twenty-six years of listening, learning, documenting, and elevating the lived experiences of transracial adoptees, families, and communities.
From research and scholarship to personal memoir, Rhonda M. Roorda's books trace an evolving conversation about race, identity, adoption, family, belonging, and the importance of hearing voices that have too often been left outside the conversation.
Featured Book · 2026
Torn from the Root
A Memoir of a Black Transracial Adoptee
After more than two decades of research and writing about transracial adoption, Rhonda M. Roorda turns inward. Torn from the Root brings the conversation home—to memory, identity, family, race, belonging, and the complicated terrain of becoming oneself.
It is a deeply personal work, rooted in lived experience and shaped by the questions that have followed Roorda throughout her life and work.
Published by Temple University Press
Explore the Memoir →The Collection
A Body of Work
Built Around Voice.
Across five books and more than two decades, Rhonda M. Roorda has explored transracial adoption from multiple perspectives—first by listening to adoptees, then to parents and siblings, then to Black Americans, and ultimately by telling her own story.
Five Books · Five Perspectives
The Collection
Four research-based books published by Columbia University Press established Roorda's scholarly contribution to the conversation around transracial adoption. In 2026, Torn from the Root extends that conversation into memoir, published by Temple University Press.
2000
In Their Own Voices
Black adoptees speak about transracial adoption.
2007
In Their Parents' Voices
The experiences and perspectives of adoptive parents.
2009
In Their Siblings' Voices
Family, identity, and the sibling experience.
2015
In Their Voices
Black Americans on transracial adoption.
2026
Torn from the Root
A Memoir of a Black Transracial Adoptee.
Research & Scholarship
Columbia University Press · Four books spanning 2000–2015.
Memoir
Temple University Press · Torn from the Root · 2026.
An Evolving Conversation
From Their Voices
to My Own.
2000
Adoptees
Listening to Black adoptees describe their lived experiences.
2007
Parents
Exploring the perspectives of adoptive parents.
2009
Siblings
Expanding the conversation to family relationships.
2015
Black Americans
Examining transracial adoption through a broader Black perspective.
2026
Rhonda's Memoir
Turning the lens inward and telling her own story.
Recognition
In Their Voices
Black Americans on Transracial Adoption
Published by Columbia University Press in 2015, In Their Voices brought the perspectives of Black Americans into a national conversation about transracial adoption. The book was recognized as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title.
Explore the Book →The Continuing Conversation
From Their Voices
to My Own.
These books are connected by a single commitment: to listen carefully, to tell the truth as it is lived, and to make room for voices that deserve to be heard.
The conversation continues.
Rhonda M. Roorda