“Jacob Wheeler has written a rare masterpiece of heartbreak, discovery, and adventure, in that Between Light and Shadow is a rare work of compassion, clarity, truth-telling, and above all, humanity. This is the human drama writ large: Who am I? What am I? asked by children whose imploring voices Wheeler captures pitch-perfectly. I can’t imagine a more searing and dramatically told account of youth and parenthood. This is a wonderful, emotionally satisfying book, told masterfully.”—Doug Stanton, author of New York Times bestsellers In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers
“Jacob Wheeler brings some desperately needed clarity to the socially complex, morally and legally confusing issue of U.S. adoptions from Guatemala. He has done the legwork, shown commitment and courage, and the reporting in this book is diligent, heartfelt, and thoughtful.”—Francisco Goldman, author of New York Times Notable The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the Bishop? and The Long Night of White Chickens.
"An enlightening and balanced account of the complicated Guatemalan adoption story." —Deborah Donovan, Booklist
"Jacob Wheeler has written a book that should be an eye-opener for any American couple seeking to adopt in that country."—Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli, Northern Express
"Wheeler's research on Guatemalan adoption in general and Ellie's situation in particular is both fascinating and prodigious. . . . [Between Light and Shadow is] a can't-it-put-down book for any family touched by international adoption."—Lynette Lamb, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Jacob Wheeler's choices as a writer make this book both an important document and a suspenseful tale of two families. His choices as a human being make this a story with a soul."—Anne-Marie Oomen, Glen Arbor Sun