Product Description: Published in honor of David Kirk's 70th birthday, this collection of many of his path-breaking essays serves as a record of a long journey of courageous exploration. Few social scientists have so persistently investigated a single facet of human life. Even fewer have presented complex ideas and important findings in so clear, engaging and readily understandable a language. Topics include: adoption of minority children, a preference for girls, adoption and child development, adopted children and stress, and the legal application of the "best interest of the child." Kirk's original research instruments for the Shared Fate studies are included for the use of students and researchers.