Our subway baby

Gr 1--3--A Black baby boy was abandoned in a corner of the New York Subway and rescued by a worker returning home. The young man's call for police help and later call to the judge in charge of the little one's case asking about his welfare progressed to an inquiry about adoption. With digitally created, mixed media art, the book presents the miraculous events, from the news coverage to the emotions on the faces of the two young white gay men: excitement battling hesitation over small incomes, bringing a baby into a tiny apartment, or whether they are ready to be parents. As a unique family, the journey from simply Danny and Pete to "Daddy Danny and Papa Pete" evolves as little Kevin wraps his hand around Pete's fingers (and his heart). Welcoming family members are supported in preparing a home by new relatives--aunts, uncles, cousins, Grandma and Grandpa, and everything a new baby could need. VERDICT A sweet tribute to an enduring love that grew from happenstance, this suggested general purchase for all libraries praises the love of a diverse family and includes an authors' note on their continued life together, the marriage of Danny and Pete, and more recent photos of a grown-up Kevin with his two dads.--Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano I.S.D., TX

Families are formed everywhere--including large metropolitan mass-transit systems! Baby Kevin, initially known as "Danny ACE Doe," was found in the New York City's 14th Street subway station, which serves the A-C-E lines, by one of his future fathers, Danny. Kevin's other father, Pete (author Mercurio), serves as the narrator, explaining how the two men came to add the newborn to their family. Readers are given an abridged version of the story from Danny and Pete's point of view as they work to formally adopt Kevin and bring him home in time for Christmas. The story excels at highlighting the determination of loving fathers while still including realistic moments of hesitation, doubt, and fear that occur for new and soon-to-be parents. The language is mindful of its audience (for example using "piggy banks" instead of "bank accounts" to discuss finances) while never patronizing young readers. Espinosa's posterlike artwork--which presents the cleanest New York readers are ever likely to see--extends the text and makes use of unexpected angles to heighten emotional scenes and moments of urgency. The diversity of skin tones, ages, and faces (Danny and Pete both present white, and Kevin has light brown skin) befits the Big Apple. Family snapshots and a closing author's note emphasize that the most important thing in any family is love. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.3-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 43% of actual size.) A delightful story of love and hope. (Informational picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.