Unique Like Me
Beautiful Like the Congo Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Unique Like Me is the third book in the Beautiful Like the Congo series by Pamela L. Wilson. It aims to be a teaching tool for children, promoting awareness and acceptance of their uniqueness. The book is inspired by the author's child, who has faced learning challenges, and is intended to help children feel confident in their individuality.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways that the main character is unique? How do you think being unique helps them?
How did the character feel when they were accepted for who they are? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some qualities you like about yourself that make you different from others?
Can you think of a time when someone celebrated something unique about you? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to be accepted for who they are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing something unique about yourself to create a comfortable space for your child to open up. Use positive reinforcement to celebrate your child's responses, showing genuine interest and excitement in their thoughts. Connect their experiences to those of the character in 'Unique Like Me' to deepen their understanding of acceptance and self-love. Encourage your child to think of real-life situations where they can apply the lessons learned from the story. Lastly, keep the conversation light and enjoyable to foster a love of discussions like these.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'Unique Like Me,' the story follows a young girl who realizes that everyone has something unique about themselves, and these differences make each person special.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate the differences in people they meet daily, fostering a sense of inclusivity and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist of the book learns to love her unique traits, overcoming feelings of insecurity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be confident in their own skin and to cherish their individuality, which is vital for their self-esteem and mental health.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: As the characters interact, the story portrays acts of kindness and understanding toward each other's differences, teaching the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice empathy and kindness in their interactions, which can improve their relationships and contribute to a positive classroom environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to Overcome Challenges
Explanation: The main character faces challenges due to her differences but learns to tackle them bravely, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage and resilience, promoting problem-solving skills and determination.