The Coffee Can Kid

Written by Jan M. Czech / Illustrated by Maurie J. Manning

Guide Rating -

6-years-old and very curious, little Annie climbs into the closet to retrieve the special coffee can that contains elements of her adoption story. Her adoptive father, who is Caucasian, answers her questions and retells her adoption story as she looks through the can's contents; a letter written by her birth mother, in Chinese and a baby picture of Annie. The adoptive father uses Annie's birth name (Dong Hee) while retelling the story.

"The Coffee Can Kid" demonstrates in a heartfelt manner how open communication can create stronger ties within an adoptive family. It is clear that Annie knows her adoption story and feels free to ask questions. The story line brings out the obvious respect that the adoptive family has for Annie's birth mother with the knowledge of Annie's birth name, baby picture, and birth mother letter. All items within Annie's physical and mental reach.

The illustrations depict a loving birth mother who, unable to care for her child due to poverty, makes an adoption plan for her infant daughter. The pictures bounce back and forth between images of infant Annie in China and images of 6-year-old Annie within her adoptive home.