Half a World Away - Cynthia Kadohata

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⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Magdalene)

Jaden was adopted four years ago at the age of eight from Romania, and he still feels like he doesn't love his parents and gets in trouble constantly. Now his parents want to adopt another child from Kazakhstan, and he's sure it's because he was a failure as a son. In Kazakhstan they work to bond with their new baby, but Jaden becomes fond of another boy with a developmental disability.

This is a serious book for a middle grade reader, concerning adoption, behavioural issues, and abuse. But I think it was just as good for adult readers. It shows the difficulties and realities of adoption, especially of older children. Jaden has a lot of issues, but it helps us to understand what kids like him must feel. It's also a fascinating setting with some great side characters. The ending is maybe a bit unrealistically happy, but I'll never complain about that.

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