Wirta-Leiker, Dr. Chaitra. Marie Discovers Her Superpowers. Illustrated by Penny Weber. 2022. 39p. Grow Beyond Words, $14.99 (9798986947105). Recommended for Grades 1-3.
Rating: Borrow it!
Identities Represented:
The main character is not racially identified in the text, but is illustrated as presenting Black/African American, adopted by a white parent
Review:
Marie had a negative experience at the park surrounding unwarranted questions about her adoption. After the experience leaves her feeling powerless, her mom takes her to see an adoptee therapist, Dr. Chaitra. Dr. Chaitra gives Marie tools to protect her boundaries and take ownership of her adoptee story by creating a book that includes an acrostic poem and responses to prying questions. Marie leaves Dr. Chaitra’s office feeling ready to return to the park. The illustrations align with the inclusive feelings of Dr. Chaitra’s office using watercolors, digital art, and acrylics.
Perspectives:
Marie’s experience is centered in the story, and the focus is on empowering the child. It is centered on how she feels, with prompts from Dr. Chaitra
Practice:
This is a therapy tool or a picture book for a caregiver to read to a child with the goal of developing strategies as Dr. Chaitra does with Marie. Additionally, if the child is an adoptee starting therapy, this may normalize the experience or prepare a child who is feeling nervous about their first time going to therapy. This is probably not the best book for a read-aloud to a group unless it is a therapy group.
The Adoptee Bookshelf 