lulu.com; 2008

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Written with compassion, and from the perspective of “been there, done that,” Brown Babies, Pink Parents is an amazing resource for transracial adoptive families. Amy Ford, a white adoptive mother of three black daughters, subtitles her book “A Practical Guide to Transracial Parenting.” But when I recommend this book (to every family I know who is thinking about or already involved in a transracial adoption), I describe it as “a girlfriend’s guide.”

Ford’s wisdom took her years to acquire, and she has packaged it into a heartfelt and humorous book. I easily read it in a day, all the while laughing and crying at the author’s adventures as a transracial parent.

Along with insightful anecdotes, Brown Babies, Pink Parents carries much practical information for white parents raising black kids. Ford gives us tips on skin care and hair care, and tells us why these are so important to the black child’s identity.

The topic of white privilege is also addressed, in a way that will make parents say, “Yes! I get that!” As an advocate for greater transracial adoption education and preparation, Ford walks the walk and talks the talk.

Reviewed by Robyn Gobbel, LCSW, a therapist and adoption homestudy specialist (gobbelcounseling.com/blog), based in Bastrop, Texas.