Rate this book

Looking Like Me (2009)

by Walter Dean Myers(Favorite Author)

3.96 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1606840010 (ISBN13: 9781606840016)

languge

English

genre

Poetry

publisher

EgmontUSA

review 1: As Jeremy adds to his long list of words that describe him (whether a little brother, a son, a writer, runner, dreamer or dancer") and fist bumps his family, teachers, and friends with a "BAM," it's hard not to smile at this empowering manifesto of a young boy who is celebrating all that he is and all that he does. From the title, I thought that race would be brought in explicitly, as "looking" suggests defining oneself by his or her appearance, but Jeremy's (nor the author or illustrator's) race is not mentioned at all - the closest definition we get is him defining himself by the region where he lives (Harlem). This omission does not keep this lovely book from being wise and a good choice for children of all backgrounds. Christopher Myers' collages are bold and unusual (... moreas usual). In placing rainbow colored silhouettes against a background of personal photographs, Eastern art, and artwork inspired by the natural world, Myers provides a dizzying array of images that fit the vibe of the text. This work is not my favorite in terms of artwork, but it does fit well and I can appreciate his technique. The book ends by challenging the reader to define his or her self worth as well: "Why don't you find a mirror and some friends along the way? Think of all the things you do and all the things they say. Make a long list if you want to - have yourself an "I am" jam. Then give yourself a great big smile and your fist a great big BAM!" What a wonderful way for child (and adult) readers to celebrate their lives.
review 2: This was a really fun read-along. I enjoyed the content and the book's aims to provide POCs with ways to find themselves in literature, as well as to—if I may borrow a term from John Green—imagine people, and one's self, complexly. The art is engaging, combining very unique papercraft-like styles with photographs. The read-along tape did well to provide background noises to match the art without being too loud or distracting. Additionally, the book was read by African-American actors, which added to the representation, and the narrators read at an appropriate pace, giving the reader enough time to view the complex art. The only part I did not enjoy was the stiff way the About the Authors page was read, but this was likely due to the juxtaposition with the fun way the previous pages were read. less

Download links for: Looking Like Me

Advertising