A women travels many miles to adopt and abandoned child in China where the family can't have anymore girls. This story depicts a abandoned child finding a loving family to take her in a give her a good life. From having to be left on the street to being taken to a loving family and happy environment, most people will enjoy this story. I think this story will allow students to understand more about adoption and have insights to how some are less fortunate to just be born into a loving family. Family means a lot, and I feel students can gain something with reading this book or during a read aloud. ( )

When shu-li was born, her parents left her in a blanket. They had to left her because of the government's law. "Just one child per family". This book also supports personality because Shu-li's second family taked care her well. By this book, children can understand what is adoption and they can look the other lives from a different mirror.
Ages: 5-7
Sources: Pierce College Ft. Steilacoom

Coste, Marion. Finding Joy. Yong Chen, Illus., Boyds Mills Press (2006).
Baby Shu-li is wrapped in a red blanket, for luck, and left under a bridge by her family in China. She is adopted by a loving American family and renamed Joy. Her new family had decided they missed having a baby in their home so the mom flew to China to get Shu-li. There is a touching introduction between Shu-li and her new older brothers and sister, which depicts the deep commitment on the part of the family to provide a good
home to this deserted child.

I would recommend this book for children ages 6-7. Children this age continue to need warmth and security in family relationships and this story personifies a very loving family.

The illustrations are done in water color which gives a nostalgic tone, however, there is great detail in the faces. In one scene, the American mother is on the plane to China and is staring out the window. The reader can tell by her face she is full of anticipation and fear, which matches the text beautifully.