Waiting for May

by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Hearing the good news that he will be getting a new sister from China, a young boy eagerly anticipates her arrival with his American family and gets the joy of his life when he finally gets to hold her in his arms for the first time in her new home.

Genres: Adoption, Picture Books, Family, Childrens

Hardcover

First published April 21, 2005

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
From School Library Journal
"Based on the author's personal experiences, this story portrays a family's long wait to travel to China to meet their new baby girl. A loving older-brother-to-be describes his anticipation and impatience as he yearns for his sister, emotions that are akin to the longing many families feel when awaiting an infant. However, the smoothly flowing text also imparts a surprising amount of information about requirements unique to international adoptions, mentioning the documents, interviews, and fingerprints necessary to "make sure that she is going to a good family" and even referring to China's one-child policy. Stoeke deftly handles a sensitive topic when Mom says, "I think it must be awfully hard for those mothers," and the boy thinks, "I think it must be hardest for the babies." When they finally meet May, he is dismayed that his new sister clings to her caretaker and cries continually despite his family's attempts to comfort her. In the satisfying ending, the child becomes intrigued by one of her new brother's turtle buttons and relaxes into a hug with him.

Theme: Adoption

Curricular Use: Read Aloud, Independent Reading

Level: K-4

Illustrations: Simple and colorful, capture characters' emotions

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. Based on the author's experiences with her family when they were adopting a little girl from China. Interesting to see the various things required for the adoption. I found it interesting for my own reasons of always keeping the adoption possibilities open to include at least one from China. I believe the book is way to long and not an attention-grabber for any kind of story time. It would work well for families who are in similar situations and would like a book to help their children understand and such.

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features a family with one birth son, and it is through the son that the reader learns about the process of adopting a child through China. These two children look a lot like mine and this book was a valuable resource for my son while we were "in process."

[Megan Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about adoption and the process told from the big brother's perspective. The big brother is so excited for his new sister, and cannot wait for her to be at their house. This is a fun story for anyone who is going to be a big brother or sister.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book best for children who have or will have an adopted sibling.

[ReadingWench · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy sees the seasons pass as he awaits his sister coming from China.

However it is quite long for a young child.

AR 3.4