Award-Winning Author|Consultant|Speaker|Thought Leader On Transracial Adoption
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Discover the transformative power of the Simon-Roorda trilogy, an extraordinary collection of books on Transracial Adoption. Immerse yourself in Rhonda Roorda’s marvelously captivating masterpiece, “In Their Voices: Black Americans on Transracial Adoption.” Don’t miss out on this revolutionary journey. Follow the link below to embrace these captivating works that will leave you forever touched and inspired.
This book’s suggestion that American families find it easier to adopt children from other countries than to adopt transracially within this country is saddening. This is particularly so when we see hundreds of black children moved from one foster home to another. Those of us who believe in transracial adoptions owe Ms. Simon and Ms. Roorda a continuing debt of gratitude.
Former Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum, author of the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994
In Their Own Voices sheds light on a very complex and controversial debate. The debate would be richer and wiser if those who seek to defend or condemn transracial adoption read this book first. It should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of adopting or has adopted a child from another race.
Barbara Davidson, civil rights advocate & adoptive mother to Comedian Tommy Davidson
No one has contributed more useful empirical research on interracial adoption than Professor Rita Simon and her associates. In Their Own Voices is an important supplement to that scholarly tradition that will further illuminate one of the most interesting corners of race relations in American life. The stories told in this collection are fascinating, poignant, enlightening, inspiring. They deserve a broad audience.
Randall Kennedy, Harvard Law School
In Their Parents’ Voices is a valuable contribution to the literature on transracial adoption. Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda present longitudinal research seldom attempted in this field. Their study shows that a decade after their initial interviews with transracial adoptees, most have flourished despite developmental struggles with their racial identity and indeed have blossomed into confident and productive members of society. Revealing interviews with adoptees’ parents offer rare glimpses into the vicissitudes and joys of raising these children. Overall, this book provides reassurance and hope that the transracially adopted child, with love support, and grounding in his or her racial heritage, can be as psychologically healthy as any other child.
Marguerite A. Wright, author of I’m Chocolate, You’re Vanilla: Raising Healthy Black and Biracial Children in a Race-Conscious Wor
In Their Parents’ Voices is a testament to the ‘first generation’ of parents who, despite a lack of guidance and support from agencies, were resourceful and got it mostly right for the children they adopted and loved across the color divide. It is an invaluable resource for parents today who have chosen to adopt transracially and provides indispensable ‘insider’ perspective and wisdom from those who have been there and survived the parenting trenches. All people–adopted or not–will appreciate the openness and honesty of these parents and will be inspired by their love and commitment to their kids.
Hollee McGinnis, policy and operations director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda are insightful students of transracial adoption to whom all that are interested in this complex subject are deeply indebted. In Their Parents’ Voices is an important, unique, and fascinating resource.
Randall Kennedy, Michael R. Klein Professor of Law, Harvard University
Refreshingly honest, compelling…the new best friend of the transracial adoption community.
Richard Fischer, publisher, Adoption TODAY and Fostering Families TODAY
This is a compelling book about our black and biracial men and women who were adopted by white parents. Its influence should move beyond racial and cultural boundaries and give more insight into the phenomenon of transracial adoption.
W. Wilson Goode Sr., former mayor of Philadelphia and director of the Amachi Program
In Their Siblings’Voices provides a gateway to understanding the emotional and social adjustments that siblings of transracially adopted children make in blended families. An indispensable resource for parents who are considering or have adopted transracially, for professionals who advise adoptive parents, and for teachers of children in families formed through transracial adoption.
Richard Fischer, publisher of Adoption TODAY and Fostering Families TODAY
This volume is the capstone in a landmark trilogy. There is no other work like it. It is historic, important, and provocative, with many findings that will be the primary source for scholars, as well as anyone interested in this complex subject, for generations to come.
Frank Wu, former dean, Wayne State University Law School
Simon and Roorda have done it again! They have captured the sly fox of adoption, exposing the many facets of an experience that so many have experienced yet so few understand. In Their Siblings’ Voices is yet another superb presentation of adoption that so few have rarely considered, much less examined in depth. As an adoptee and an adoption professional, I believe this entire trilogy should become a part of the adoption home-study requirement. I have never read a series that so eloquently and compassionately lifts the veil on a subject that many find difficult to broach.
B. Bryan Post, founder of the POST Institute for Family-Centered Therapy
Rhonda M. Roorda, MA 