Rooted in Adoption is a collection of 48 short, real life narratives of those with a history of domestic and international adoption and foster care. Adoptees from various ages, ethnicities, and experiences discuss the joys of adoption as well as the challenges of living a lifetime of secrecy and lost identity. Contrary to belief, adoption is a life-long journey. It begins at birth and continues as various life milestones trigger memories of grief, loss, and abandonment. The reality is the only thing most people know about adoption is what they see on television or hear from adoptive parents. Adoptees are the true leading experts in adoption. Adoption is a myriad of complex emotions on what many adoptees describe as an "emotional rollercoaster." Licensed professional counselor and trauma specialist, Jules Alvarado provides the foreword. Rooted in Adoption is a great resource for educators, mental health professionals, adoptive families, prospective adoptive families, and birth families in reunion.
This journal consists of over 50 writing prompts specially created for adoptees. The journal is divided into seven sections: Love and Relationships, Childhood Memories, Difficult Emotions, Listen to Adoptees, Adoption and the Media, Search and Reunion, and Personal Growth. Writing is a powerful way to process trauma, regulate emotions, and increase resilience. After every section, you will find a resting point reminding you to breathe and be gentle to yourself. These journal prompts are not indicative of every adoptee's experience, but they do represent the voices of many. As you navigate through the Rooted in Adoption Journal, do allow yourself to be concerned with grammar or punctuation. Just write from your heart, and most important, write unapologetically and write free.