Just Like Me
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Playing princesses with her twin daughters one day, Author J. Tillman noticed that her daughters chose dolls and images that did not reflect their features. Ms. Tillman felt that she needed to create a source of empowerment and acceptance for her children and other children of color because society and the media has established a standard of beauty that is not consistent with the growing diversity of the world. Just Like Me teaches young children to love their appearance from the inside out regardless of what they see on TV while respecting and embracing other forms of beauty.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-12
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the characters in the book show kindness to each other? Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you?
What makes each character special in their own way? What do you think makes you special?
How did the characters in the story help each other solve problems? Can we think of a problem we solved together?
What dreams do the characters have? What are some of your dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by mentioning a specific scene or character from 'Just Like Me' that your child showed interest in. This helps make the discussion personal and relatable. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, and share your own in return. This reciprocal exchange nurtures a deeper bond. Validate their feelings and thoughts to foster confidence and openness. Use examples from the book to connect themes to real-life situations, making the story more relevant and impactful for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the diverse characters and their stories, 'Just Like Me' teaches empathy by showcasing a variety of life experiences allowing children to see the world through others' eyes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by understanding and respecting differences among peers at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The book highlights individuality, encouraging children to embrace their unique qualities.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by fostering a positive self-image and confidence, helping them appreciate themselves as they are.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The narrative displays how characters from different backgrounds come together, emphasizing the importance of forming meaningful connections.
Real-World Application: Children learn to build and nurture friendships, understanding the importance of companionship and support in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Community Cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to solve problems, highlighting the benefits of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of participating in group activities and contributing to their community, fostering teamwork skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book showcases characters overcoming challenges, teaching children about perseverance and the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing a positive mindset in approaching challenges in schoolwork or personal growth.