“Fearless, creative and widely read… [Jean Paton] was notable for her unfailing effort to empower adoptees and birth mothers by creating the space for them to take responsibility for themselves… [Her biography] is fascinating to read on many levels, as a study of a movement, of grassroots organizing, and of adoption.” —American Historical Review "A re-writing of the history of adoption in the twentieth century [and the] enormously poignant, moving story of a difficult human being who, like a earthquake, succeeded in shifting the cultural landscape. And more than that, it's an inside account of a social movement, complete with all the infighting, backbiting, and profiteering that such movements contain. One of the best books ever written on a reform movement." —Steven Mintz, University of Texas “Heroes in U.S. history emerge as patriots from a variety of challenges. Many never wear uniforms, but wage battles to alter social conditions to help ensure civil rights. [Jean Paton] devoted her life to fighting for adoptees so they might learn about their biological parents . . . Family historians will find this volume a must.” —Choice "Jean Paton and the Struggle to Reform American Adoption is fascinating to read on many levels, as a study of a movement, of grassroots organizing, and of adoption."
American Historical Review
American Historical Review
Carp is the consummate researcher—methodologically rigorous and historiographically savvy. Biographies require balancing subject empathy with objectivity and Carp navigates this well."
Rachel R. Winslow, H-Childhood
H-Childhood
"In Jean Paton and the Struggle to Reform American Adoption, E. Wayne Carp has crafted a biographical homage to a largely forgotten and important reformer, a history of the origins of adoption reform in the United States, and a book that adds critically to our understanding of postwar family history. With exacting attention to historical detail and accuracy, supported by his extensive knowledge of adoption policy and reform, Carp successfully places Paton's life story into its broader context. Carp's book is required reading for anyone interested in the ways the American family was politically and culturally contested reshaped in the last half of the twentieth century."
Journal of the History of Childhood and Youth
Journal of the Society of Childhood and Youth
"A compelling read...a useful and moving portrait of an understudied leader of an understudied movement."
Journal of American History
Journal of American History