This is a sweet book about how adopted siblings realize that they are a real family because of not how they look, but how they connect. The illustrations are sweet and the other children's questions are realistic, making this book both approachable and accurate.

The question of whether children who come to families in their own ways are truly siblings seems to get a lot of attention. It is not a question that I like. It can feel intrusive and awkward when it is asked to children, as well as to the adults in their lives. The authors of this lovely kids book do a nice job of addressing this topic, especially in the relationship between the two siblings themselves. Hopefully after reading this book, kids will feel empowered and able to address their peers when the topic arises.

I liked this book very much. The only thing I would wish for is a little more. For example, I would have liked to see the dads address someone when asked the question. This could offer good role modeling for the adults who face this question with their kids.

This book should be part of preschool story hours. I hope that it will be found in both school and home libraries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the American Psychological Association-Magination Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

This lovey book tells the story of two adopted siblings that contemplate the true meaning of family. My own father is adopted, so this type of story strikes an emotional chord for me. The author expressed the love of the siblings in such a beautiful way and compassionately explored the thoughts and complicated emotions children have around being adopted. I think it's a great resource for adults that are trying to explain adoption and different family structures. 4 stars

As an adoptive parent, this book spoke to my soul! It really gets to the heart of the issue. “Real” family doesn’t have to share DNA. So many of the answers that Harper gives Wyatt as to why they *are* “real” siblings are the same ones that I’ve said to my kids when they have been asked if I’m their “real” mom. I think it’s a great message that helps to both validate adopted children’s experiences and also inform or help educate kids who may not understand.

As a sister to two adopted brothers, I really appreciated that this book was a great representation of how family is the people you love.

This is a beautiful text that helps the reader understand and appreciate a non-traditional family (comprised of two dads). The illustrations are energetic and gorgeous. As the title indicates, the question arises whether the sister and brother in the text are "real siblings." The author handles this very real topic with great sensitivity and care, allowing the readers to experience the very real emotions of the young brother (hurt, sorrow, confusion). Additionally, the readers get to see the older sister model assertiveness in confirming to her older brother that you don't require the same birth parents in order to be real siblings. Love, care, concern and connection are all characteristics that "real" siblings possess.

This is a real heartwarning story about adoptive siblings that struggle to understand relationship as a real siblings. Love, friendship, and family always a good theme to make an everlasting story from generation to generation. This is such a blessing for many families in the world.

A heartwarming story of a beautiful mixed family that includes LGBTQ families and adoption. The artwork is beautiful and so is the message the sister shares with her brother.

I absolutely adored this heartwarming story that reminds us all that family is not confined to those who share the same blood! Harper and Wyatt are brother and sister who go to the park one day with their dads. They meet a set of twins who ask them how they are related because they don't look alike. Harper explains that her and Wyatt are both adopted and a conversation ensues about whether or not they are "real" brother and sister. This would be a great book to have in a classroom library; it shows a family that looks different from the "typical" family, address adoption and what it means, and reminds all of us of the bond that siblings share whether or not they share the same blood. I loved the colorful illustrations and the text that was written in a kid-friendly way. I will definitely be recommending this book to my teacher friends!

As a School Counselor I love the message of this book. Many children are part of blended or non-traditional families and it is wonderful for them to see themselves in a book. I love the message of how a family takes care of and looks out for each other - all the things that make a family besides blook.

As a mom of four adopted children who DO NOT look like me, or their other three siblings, I loved this book. It should be noted that this story is about a same-sex couple - there are two dads. Probably would be something good to know before purchasing the book.

A very sweet picture book. It tackles adoption and same sex parents in a very approachable way, through the eyes of young kids. The illustrations were beautiful.

Read an ARC through Netgalley.

This picture book tackles a topic so complex that it befuddles even adults: Who is my family?

Harper and her little brother Wyatt were both adopted into their family. Are they “real siblings”? Harper really looks after little Wyatt, coming to the notice of twins Alex and Sam. Alex is puzzled that Harper and Wyatt don’t resemble each other, so Harper reveals that they’re adopted.

“’Oh, said Alex. ‘So he’s not your REAL brother.’” At which point, Wyatt burst into tears.

Are Harper and Wyatt “real siblings”? Of course, they are! And author Seamus Kirst has Harper explain it perfectly through her heart-warming words and the delightful illustrations by Karen Bunting.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Magination Press and American Psychological Association (APA) in exchange for an honest review.

In this picture book, adopted siblings who are playing at the playground deal with another child commenting on their visible differences and questioning if they're really siblings. The younger brother is shaken by this experience, and the older sister reassures her brother that they are "real siblings." She gives examples of their special bond, talking about ways that they support and care for each other, and mentioning some shared experiences. She also talks about her memory of their dads bringing him home for the first time.

This book is from Magination Press, the children's publishing arm of the American Psychological Association. Their books usually include notes for parents at the end, but this one doesn't. I thought that was a missed opportunity. The story shows how siblings can reassure each other, but I think that an author's note with information about how parents can support adopted kids would have been helpful.

Beautiful book to put something so common into words. I grew up with my brother by marriage since he was one. I always called him my brother then our parents divorced and people were confused like “so thats not your real brother”. This is the best book because i cant say why you are but we are in fact real siblings.

What a gorgeous story about what it truly means to be family. Perfect to read to children who are a part of families that maybe look different than traditional families.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful book that would be so helpful for anyone who has adopted children. And the pictures are very cute!

I think it was a cute story. I think they tried a little bit too hard by adding to dad’s and the story of adoption but I did like how the siblings showed how they loved each other.

A cute story exploring what it means to be "real" siblings with very pretty illustrations to go along with it.

I was excited to read "Real Siblings". We are a foster to adopt family and I thought it could be beautiful. But from the first three words, I knew it was not a title for our family. Dad and Daddy. Homosexual adoption book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this title.