Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Not every child has the benefit of two loving parents and a home, a place in which to grow up, feel safe, learn things and have fun. Some children are abandoned or abused, or their parents die and they become wards of the state. These children are put in foster homes until an adoptive family can be found. But, even in a foster home, a child has the right to grow up feeling safe, to learn things and to have fun. There are so many things that all children deserve, but the most important is being part of a loving family.

Philip McAdoo’s colorful picture book story, Every Child Deserves, honors all children, but it is dedicated particularly to those children who are placed in foster homes, those children who never have the chance to ‘deserve’ more than food, shelter and education. This story is written by a young boy, Zaden, and his two Dads. It is written to speak out for those whose voices can’t be heard, for those children who deserve so much more, those children who deserve to live, have fun, learn, dream and feel loved each and every day of their lives. The author lists the very poignant simple things that many children (and adults, too) take for granted. Accompanied by vibrantly colorful illustrations, this story will appeal to young readers and adults alike. It addresses a very important issue: that placing a child in foster care is just not enough. Why? Because there is so much more to life and all children deserve the best. Well done!