"On Sunday, they went to visit Ada's
little sister, Mia, who was only three.
Mia wasn't much interested in the
family tree project, though she was
interested in Ada.
"That's a nice tree," said Mia's mama,
Claudia.
"But I can see why you wanted more
than the tree," said Mia's mutti, Gerta."
A commonly-given assignment concerning the family tree is the catalyst for a lot of questions and learning in this book. The image of the tree that Ada brings home from school has been drawn by her teacher and resembles a large oak with roots and bare branches. Ada is immediately concerned with how it looks, but says nothing until the next day. It is then her adoptive parents realize why she is upset, and suggest visiting Rosie, an upstairs neighbor.
Rosie and her mother remember the same assignment from a year ago. Their dilemma at the time was that there were just the two of them; Rosie, being an IVF baby, explains to Ada how she completed her project. Each new visit to people in Ada's circle adds information to her story and images to her ever-changing family tree. In the end, it is a compilation of the love felt for Ada by those who represent the many ways that determine what makes a family. As an adopted child, Ada's connections are many and varied, both biologically and socially. Her finished family tree, while anchored by the tree given in the assignment, is much, much more than that.
The author's own experience with his daughter was the impetus for writing this meaningful story. There are numerous ways to create a family; this book thoughtfully explores some of them. Ada's extended family is one of diversity, acceptance, and shared love.
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