The examples below are real narratives of waiting children and youth, with minor modifications. These narratives are positive, strengths-based, and descriptive.
Read more about writing children’s narrative in our guide Creating Effective Narratives for Children Waiting to Be Adopted.
Max
Great Scott! There’s a new superhero flying around the planet! It’s Marvelous Max! This caped crusader wants to save the world one day, and if he had his way, he would also strap a giant piggy bank to his back and drop money off to charities. Of course, that’s when he’s an adult. As a kid, Max just wants to tackle the heavens from the ground through a love of science. “Sometimes,” he says, “when it’s windy, I like to fly some kites. And sometimes I just like to relax, lay in the sun and look at the clouds.… Sometimes at night I like to look at the stars” … and perhaps wish upon one because Max wants a telescope one day, not to mention a forever family. “I would like to have a forever family who will provide me with a new home to live in and take me to Cosi!” Yes, this superhero/scientist might seem ordinary on the outside. After all, he likes listening to music and playing basketball and video games. But since when is saving the world “ordinary”?
What makes it great?
In addition to painting an entertaining picture, this narrative is effective because it includes:
- Quotes from the child
- Positive personality traits
- Interests, hobbies, and favorite pastimes
- School interests
- Dreams for the future
- How a family might be part of their life
Antonio, Juan, and Ignacio
Antonio, Juan, and Ignacio are active and fun-loving children with charisma and hearts full of hopes. Their sibling bond is strong, and they consider each other teammates. They look forward to being with each other and having a family who will support their dreams and passions. All three love sports, riding their bicycles, and listening to Tejano music. Antonio and Juan are the oldest and are protective of each other and their younger brother, Ignacio. Juan and Ignacio are quite outgoing—Juan likes to make jokes and Ignacio loves to chat with others. More reserved Antonio takes a little time to open up. These brothers are uniquely talented and are looking forward to sharing their love with their forever family.
What makes it great?
This is an effective because it includes:
- Description of the siblings’ relationship
- Cultural connections
- Positive personality traits
- Interests, hobbies, and favorite pastimes
Rogelio
“My name is Rogelio and I am 19 years old. I am in high school, and have plans to go to a local college upon graduation. My focus will be graphic design and I hope to one day work for a gaming company in some capacity. I have varied interests, including woodworking, metalworking, art, history and writing—that could also one day turn into a career. I am currently writing short stories with a goal of turning them into novels. I primarily write fantasy fiction, similar to Lord of the Rings or futuristic dystopian novels. In woodworking classes, I have made a keepsake box, a skateboard, and model houses.
“On top of all of my possible career interests, I also have several hobbies. I love reading and re-reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. My favorite books to read are in the same genre I like to write—futuristic dystopian societies. I love being around and caring for animals, and even worked at a pet store. I especially enjoyed working with injured and disabled dogs and was amazed by their abilities despite their challenges.
“I enjoy tinkering with technology by taking things apart, putting them back together, and attempting to repair them. I am also a big fan of video games and sleeping in occasionally. Growing up, I participated in Boy Scouts and especially enjoyed camping, hiking, and learning survival skills.
“I would describe myself as very curious and often ask a lot of questions as a way to connect with people. I like to cook and would love to help make meals. My favorite thing to make is stir fry. I would love to have any kind of pet and would be happy to help take care of them. I am looking for a family who would support my creativity and desire to try and learn new things. In the last year, I have reconnected with my birth father and other family members, and would like to remain in contact with them. I am looking for a family who can help me gain the skills I need to become a successful adult.”
What makes it great?
This is an outstanding example because it includes:
- The youth’s voice
- How a family might be part of his life
- Important family connections
- Dreams for the future
- Interests, hobbies, and favorite pastimes, with details
- Strengths and positive personality traits
Note: It is better to include a child’s birth year, rather than age. Because this narrative is written in the youth’s voice, it made sense to reference his age.
For a child with significant medical needs: Lexi
Meet Lexi (born in 2005)! If you want every day to start with a smile, there’s no doubt Lexi will bring one to your face. She greets everyone with a big smile and has been described as one of the happiest children you will ever meet. Her spirit is like no other, and the rewards of her love and smiles will be endless. A very social girl, Lexi loves to interact with children and adults. Lexi loves to be talked to! Lexi likes playing with soft baby toys and chewing on them and rolls around on the floor to get to what she wants. She can amuse herself by playing with toys attached to her chair tray (her favorites are toys with music and lights). Watching TV and animated movies are also fun for Lexi.
Lexi likes going to school and being part of everyday life. She enjoys outings and going to church with her foster family. Lexi has overcome many obstacles in her life, and the special family for Lexi must be willing to learn how to meet her needs and be willing to accept a lifetime commitment. If you are that family, please don’t miss out on another minute without this wonderful girl! Lexi is the kind of child that will enrich your life forever.
What makes it great?
It doesn’t focus on what Lexi can’t do but instead focuses on her strengths and includes:
- Interests, hobbies, and favorite pastimes
- Positive information about how she interacts with others
- Strengths and positive personality traits
- Things that are important to her
- Accomplishments
- Appeal to family
For a child with significant needs: Alexandria
A ray of sunshine is how her worker describes Alexandria, who was born in 2009. “This special girl really lights up when she has visitors and it just makes my day to see her smile!” She loves to listen when others read, and her foster brothers have started reading their books aloud to keep Alexandria entertained. When one of her brothers had to prepare for a speech at school, Alexandria was his practice audience. Her smiling face and congratulatory hugs gave him the confidence to continue.
The park and the zoo make Alexandria so happy! She looks at everything and points at her favorite animals. The giraffes get her most excited of all! At home, she really enjoys her stuffed animals and toys. You can often find her grinning ear to ear as she pushes buttons on her favorite toy, which plays music and has colorful lights. When she goes to bed, she snuggles with her Blues Clues stuffed dog. She does well at home and in school.
Her foster mother explains what a wonderful girl Alexandria is: “Her smile and happy personality make it easy to love and care for Alexandria! She’s a joy to be around.” Would you like to be the recipient of Alexandria’s love and smiles?
What makes it great?
It focuses on her strengths and includes:
- Positive information about how she interacts with others
- Strengths and positive personality traits
- Things that are important to her
- Appeal to family
Find an example of Alexandria’s private narrative in our article about what to include in a private narrative.
For a youth who is parenting: Travis
Travis is an amazing artist who can paint portraits, landscapes, and beautiful abstracts. His use of color and light is impressive! At a recent art show, he thrilled the crowd with his work and with his ability to talk about what inspires him. He’s currently learning to take photographs and has a great eye for a compelling image. He loves his music and art classes at school and is doing well in all subjects.
When Travis isn’t pursuing his artistic side, he loves to play and watch sports. Baseball is his favorite, and he plays second base on the varsity team. When the Nationals were in the World Series last year, Travis watched every game, humming Baby Shark to will the team into winning. Ken Burns’ documentary Baseball made a big impression on Travis and really got him interested in other documentaries.
In the future, Travis would love to have a career that involves the arts, and one option he’s considering is graphic design. Travis is the parent to a two-year-old daughter (who is one of his favorite art subjects), and he is committed to being the best father he can be. He’s looking for an adoptive family that can take care of him and help him grow as a parent.
What makes it great?
It is focused on Travis’s accomplishments and positive traits rather than his toddler:
- Mention of young child is brief and non-specific
- Offers a reminder that this young parent still needs a parent himself
- Talks about how a family might be part of his life
