Half a World Away

It is difficult to write a review on this book because of the sensitive subject matter. Not that the book is about adoptions, but that this book, for this age level, actually showcases the seedy practices in many international adoptions. I, as an adoptee, never knew my biological parents. Jaden knew, and sort of remembers his biological mother. What he feels is what every adopted child feels at some point in their lives; "Why did my biological parent(s) not love me enough to keep me?" As he comes to terms with his own feelings, he then accompanies his parents as they embark on a trip to adopt another child, which all children who are older probably feel, "Am I not good enough? Is that why they need another one?" So his inner thoughts are real and very poignant. As long as the focus of this book is not on the fact that international adoptions can be horrendous (which the ones in this book, while not the worst I've encountered, are still shady), then I would recommend this book as one to read in an elementary school classroom as a way to showcase how a child (adopted or not) feels when a new family member is brought into the mix.

This book is such an amazing price of work! I can relate to jaden in so many ways. The author did a great job of describing how jaden Felt.

This is an outstanding book. My sons (ages 8 and 5) are adopted, and my older one is starting to wonder about his story. He's known he was adopted since birth, but now that it's become an interesting topic for him, he loved this book and it really helped us open up some important conversations. I would suggest the parent read the book first (I didn't) so he or she is prepared for the discussions this book makes possible. However, it's the first book about adoption that my son had ever shown an interest in, and it gave us a chance to talk about some things that had clearly been plaguing him. If you're an adoptive parent, by all means, buy this book, read it, and decide when is the right time to have your child read it.

It's hard finding books for boys that touch their emotions as well as their sense of adventure, but this one succeeds. "Half a World Away" is a compelling story and an insightful look into the adoption of older children.The main character was adopted from Romania four years earlier, when he was eight, and he is a problem child. He thinks the child his parents are in the process of adopting from Kazakhstan is a replacement, and he doesn't blame them for wanting to get rid of him. After all, he doesn't love them--or does he? This book shows the difficulties that come with foreign adoptions, but it also highlights the joys.

This book is well-written and gives an excellent perspective of adopted children in a way that is both approachable and easy to understand/relate to. This would be a great book for a class reading project, for any perspective-adoptive parent (which was my original intent in reading), or just to add to your adult or adolescent library. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with this family. Pick up a copy, you won't be disappointed!

This book has so many storylines that just keep you reading! I read this book for 2 days and am sadly done! If you a looking for a 6th grade level book than this is the one!Natalie 10 grade 5

It wasn't the idea of the ending I didn't like, just that the author needed to continue on and tie up the loose ends!

An excellently written book. I felt the compassion of the main character and enjoyed his antics a I can understand his reasoning. I find he is very intelligent. I would love to read more books of this nature.