Looking Like Me

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers is a great book which will promote self esteem and build respect for others. In this book, which is more poetry than prose, we learn about a young black boy, who is looking for his identity. The boy in this story finds that he is a son, a brother, a talker, a dancer, a city kid and more. Children will quickly catch on to the rhythm of the words which will help to grab their attention and keep them interested.

This book is especially appealing because it has something for 3 year olds and up. Younger children will learn about relationships and that they can have more than one identity, while older ones will begin to see than what is apparent at first impression. The story encourages children to find out more about themselves and others. Help each child create journal about themselves. Children can add to these as their identities and relationships change. You just may start a life long habit of appreciating themselves.