Find a Stranger Say Goodbye

Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye was written by Lois Lowry

Ages: 16-up

Synopsis

This story is about reunion for a recent high school graduate. Written in the 70s a young adult, Natalie, loves her family, her friends, and home town but feels a need to understand her past and where she came from. Everyone opposes her desire to have a reunion with her birth mom when she has such a wonderful life. Her parents allow her to go on a journey of discovery, confused feelings, and understanding. Through support Natalie learns her true desires, and who she is and wants to be.

Review

This book as a lot of self discovery and acceptance for an adopted child. This story shows the struggle that one could have in a closed adoption even if the child is loved and cared for by their adoptive parents. This is an older book, published in 1978, when closed adoptions were still taking place. Lois Lowry captures the feelings of all who are touched by adoption. Though this may be an “older” and a little “old-fashioned” the struggles of a teenager searching for himself/herself is still timely to all those who are growing up and taking new steps.

Kids Section

Discussion Questions

Here are some discussion questions you can discuss with your teen as they read this book.

What are your interests after high school?

Is there anything you want to know about your adoption?

How can others earn your trust?

How can we support you in your decisions?

References

For more information on raising teens visit the Adoption Parenting: Teenage Years.

For more information on raising young adults visit the Adoption Parenting: Young Adults page. [[1]]