Gibney, Shannon. The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption. 2024. 256 p. Dutton Books for Young Readers, $18.99 (9780593111994) Recommended Grade Level(s) 9-12
Shannon Gibney draws on her experience as a mixed-Black transracial adoptee, including documents and photos from her adoption story, telling her story as an adoptee. Part memoir, part speculative fiction she writes a parallel timeline of Erin Powers, a fictional version of herself had she not been adopted. Both characters are forever connected and, at times, are made aware of their connection through wormholes. A Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book, Shannon has written into the pages a powerful format for telling her story that will resonate with any adoptee who has asked themselves, “What if?” Additionally, Gibney’s story lays out hard truths about racism and microaggressions that transracial adoptees experience even at home.
Perspectives: Part memoir, this book challenges traditional narratives of adoption without sugarcoating. This book is written by adoptee author Shannon Gibney who is a leader and advocate for adoptees in the adoptee community.
Practice: I recommend this book for young adult and adult readers this is not a “quick read”. This is a read that is meant to be processed and revisited again and again. I have never read a book like this one. I can see this being a book used in a memoir or creative writing class.
Buy it!! This book is an essential read for the adoptee bookshelf.
Reviewed by María Valiente
The Adoptee Bookshelf 