Book Review: For When I'm Famous

For When I'm Famous begins with a letter to the teen addressing the fact that they might not understand the importance of completing a lifebook, but that it could be worth money one day! Author, Beth O'Malley, an adoptee and an adoptive parent, adds a spot at the end of the letter for the teen's autograph and then lists several famous adoptees. The lifebook may not mean much now, but in a few years it may be invaluable in helping the child have a deeper understanding of his/her life.

Pros

Cons

For When I'm Famous is a very easy way for a teenaged foster child to complete a first lifebook. Many times the older children in care are reluctant to create a lifebook. For When I'm Famous may help the project to become more fun and manageable for the older foster child.

For When I'm Famous offers a wide variety of pages for the foster child to explore, including ideas to help the child find the missing information and links to web sites to explore. It also offers reality and truth with easy to read and understand explanations of why children are in care. This book offers a check list for the child to check off the reasons why he/she is in care and a space for the social worker, therapist, or foster parent to list out the reasons they believe the child is in care. This is all great stuff to help the child open up lines of communication with trusted adults and to begin the healing process.

I always recommend O'Malley's books to new foster parents.

More Information

For When I'm Famous is recommended for pre-teens and teens.

(Published by Adoption-Works, Winthrop, Massachusetts, 2006
ISBN 0970183291)