“What's your family like?” I asked a number of wonderful children between the ages four and fourteen. And they had lots to say. They talked about what it’s like to live with brothers and sisters. They described life with just one parent. They discussed adoption, divorce, race, special needs, and more. They agreed, disagreed, squabbled, and made-up. For some children religion plays a major part in their lives. For others the customs and culture of their heritage take center stage.

The children decided what we should include and what we should leave out. Sometimes they chose to talk to me in private – no parents allowed. Other times, these same kids invited their parents to sit in. But no talking! This is THEIR book!

Not only did they decide the thoughts and words for FAMILIES, they had a clear view about how they wanted their home-life portrayed. They chose the settings and poses for the photographs. They decided what everyone – including the grownups – would wear. They brought along toys, dolls, real or stuffed pets, and musical instruments.

Jehangir and his family

JEHANGIR: My family's from India. People think we're Hindu because most of India is Hindu. I'm Muslim. The things I do are mostly Muslim. But the things I eat and wear are usually from Indian culture.

Lily and Jacob and their family

LILY: My moms teach at our school. One boy came up and asked, "Did you just call Lucy 'Mom'?" I said, "That's my mom." And he said, "I thought Jennie was your mom." I said, "I have two moms." And he said, "YOU ARE SO LUCKY!"

Eloise and her mom

ELOISE: One of the teachers asked me, "What do you think it is to be adopted?" I said, "Adoption means you get picked up and loved."

Noah, Megan, and Sage's family

NOAH: I have a lot of fun with my sisters, but sometimes they get on my nerves. Other times we just have fun and they don't get on my nerves at all.

Reviews:

School Library Journal's star review says, "The voices are natural, and the children come across as individuals, not just representative of a particular lifestyle or ethnic group.

Kirkus's star review: The text is enlightening and amusing. Perfect for the ever-popular family curriculum unit that can also be shared at home.

Awards:

American Library Associaton Notable book, 2007;Chicago Public Library, Best of the Best, 2006; CCBC, Choices, 2006.

FAMILIES is published by HYPERION BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.