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A Heart That Holds It All:
A Story of Adoption
For adoptees, by an adoptee.​
A Heart That Holds It All is a love letter to every child navigating the complexities of adoption.
A Heart That Holds It All is a heartfelt children’s book written by Lauren Haas, an adoptee, advocate, and counselor. This empowering story was created to amplify adoptee voices and provide young adoptees with the representation and validation they deserve.
Unlike many adoption books that focus solely on joy and gratitude, this book acknowledges the full spectrum of emotions adoptees may experience—love, curiosity, sadness, grief, and even anger. Adoption is complex, and society often overlooks the uncomfortable truths that come with it. Lauren wrote this book for her younger self—the book she needed as a child—to assure adoptees that their feelings are valid and their hearts are big enough to hold it all.
Through gentle rhymes and vibrant illustrations, A Heart That Holds It All invites children to embrace their unique journeys while fostering connection and understanding within families. This book is not only for adoptees but also for families, educators, and allies who want to nurture empathy and create spaces where every child feels seen and valued.
For adoptees, by an adoptee—A Heart That Holds It All is a love letter to every child navigating the complexities of adoption.
Angie C,
Amazon Reviewer
"Absolutely amazing book. Lauren’s book addresses a significant gap in children’s literature by centering the voices and experiences of adoptees—perspectives that are often missing from adoption narratives. Drawing on her personal journey as an adoptee and her education in counseling, Lauren has created a resource that validates the complex emotions young adoptees may experience, from joy and gratitude to grief and longing."
Brad Boren,
Amazon Reviewer
"A Heart That Holds It All offers a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be adopted. With honesty and courage, Lauren Haas shares her own experiences and complex emotions of an adoptee in a very approachable way, particularly (but not exclusively) to young readers."
Julanda Shannon,
Amazon Reviewer
"A Heart That Holds It All opened my eyes and heart in the most beautiful way. It’s tender, honest, and so thoughtfully written. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s been touched by adoption - especially young adoptees and of course their adoptive parents. There’s so much wisdom here, and so much heart, and it offers the kind of perspective that can truly deepen empathy, connection, and understanding within adoptive families."
A Heart That Holds It All:
The Workbook
Dive deeper into the journey of adoption, healing, and self-discovery with "A Heart That Holds It All: The Workbook".
Designed as a thoughtful companion to my book, this workbook offers practical exercises, reflection prompts, and creative activities to help adoptees and their families explore their stories, build connection, and foster emotional well-being.
A Heart That Holds It All: The Workbook is a creative and therapeutic resource designed specifically for young adoptees and their families. Developed by an adoptee, elementary school counselor, and children’s author with a master’s degree in counseling, this 66-page workbook gently guides children as they explore the complex feelings, questions, and experiences that are part of their adoption journey.
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Rooted in the Adoptee Consciousness Model (Branco et al., 2022), this workbook uses developmentally appropriate, art-based interventions to address the complexities of adoption in a culturally responsive way. Each activity and prompt is thoughtfully designed to honor diverse family experiences and to help children make sense of their unique stories.
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Designed to be paired with the picture book A Heart That Holds It All, this workbook features:
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Playful, Therapeutic Prompts:
Drawing, writing, and collage activities that help children express and understand their emotions. -
Adoptee Consciousness Model Framework:
Interventions and exercises that gently guide children through the five touchstones of adoptee awareness—status quo, rupture, dissonance, expansiveness, and forgiveness & activism—making big ideas accessible for young minds (Branco et al., 2022). -
Culturally Responsive, Inclusive Activities:
Creative exercises that honor each child’s background, family constellation, and lived experience. -
Identity and Resilience Building:
Pages that encourage children to explore all parts of their identity, build confidence, and practice self-acceptance. -
Family and Community Connection:
Activities designed to foster connection with caring adults and supportive communities, nurturing empathy and belonging.
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Perfect for use at home, in counseling, or alongside the picture book A Heart That Holds It All, this workbook provides a safe, supportive space for every child’s journey. Filled with warmth, validation, and professional expertise, it’s a resource for families, educators, and counselors who want to nurture empathy, belonging, and hope in every adoptee’s heart.
