Why Me?" -- Issue and Question Always the Same for Adopted Kids

Children of adoption haunted by wondering why they were given up.

(PRWEB) October 21, 2004 -- Child advocate and author Patti Bongiorno, who gained national attention with a series of books she wrote for children profoundly affected by the 9/11 tragedy, has a new focus and a new book.

TANGLED HEARTS (ISBN 0971581916, 256 pages, original trade paperback, $12.95) launches November 1, kicking off National Adoption Month. The poignant story of a pregnant teenager who must face a very serious decision, this is Bongiornos first young adult novel. Written from the perspective of Jess, a teenage college student, the story chronicles her challenging path as she responds to an unplanned pregnancy. TANGLED HEARTS also shares the perspective of Grace, the baby girl Jess places for adoption, and offers an answer to the most persistent question asked by adopted children, Why did she give me away?".

TANGLED HEARTS (the book) is a major element of The Tangled Hearts Project (http://www.TangledHearts.com), a multi-faceted initiative created to increase awareness of adoption and improve the lives of children in foster care. An adoptive mom herself, Bongiornos ultimate mission is to transform the foster care system.

TANGLED HEARTS foreword is written by Rhonda Nabors, birth child of Greg Evans (creator of the comic strip Luann), who gave her up for adoption 34 years ago. Bongiornos works are endorsed by The Salvation Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Children enter the foster care system due to the inability or unwillingness of their family to care for them. Some stay in foster care for years, and once they reach the 'age of emancipation, typically 18, they are no longer the responsibility of the system or a family. There is no family home for the holidays and no emotional or financial support to go to college or pursue any other dream. These children have no one in their corner," explains Bongiorno.

Bongiorno begins a nationwide tour in New York with a book launch party November 6 at the Long Island Adoption Annex that will culminate in May 2005 (National Foster Care Month) with an expected visit in Washington, D.C. to meet with political leaders to discuss adoption and foster care issues.

For interviews or appearances, for more information about Patti Bongiorno, or for a review copy of TANGLED HEARTS, please contact Marcia Schutte at 913.254.7266 (tel), 913.636.9625 (cell), 913.393.3245 (fax), e-mail mschutte@nonethelesspress.com. Additionally, we can provide spokespeople from the National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Association and The Orphan Foundation of America for interviews.

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