WISH, MIRACLE, ME!

A girl depicts her experiences as a donor-conceived child in this picture book.

Harvey, a White, red-haired child, was conceived with the help of a donor father. Her mother approached parenthood “Solo / With gusto” and was ecstatic when her daughter was born. Harvey and mom have a wonderful relationship, but the girl often thinks about her donor. She notices that she inherited his hair but that she has her “mama’s nose” and unique traits like “that special twinkle? / It’s all mine / I sparkle and shine.” Harvey explains that her donor “helped…/ more parents… / More wishes came true,” and she communicates with her “donor siblings / Genetic strings.” Now that she is older, Harvey thinks about meeting the donor in person. She wonders: “Would he be proud of me?” Ultimately, Harvey acknowledges that she has her mom’s support and love, no matter what: “Precious, whole, free / Forever her chickpea.” Bolstered by Coad’s experiences, this lyrical book will be relatable to children in the donor-conception community. Harvey is an honest, thoughtful narrator. Youngsters with similar family backgrounds will appreciate her openness and curiosity. MacPherson’s colorful illustrations add whimsy. They offer scenes of Harvey’s life, from conception to young adulthood. Lovely backgrounds include starry skies in deep hues. The images of Harvey’s family tree are particularly creative. They feature snapshots, question marks, and puzzle pieces, providing peeks into Harvey’s world.

A personal, insightful look at a child’s exploration of family and identity.