Children Just Like Me

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Introduces kids to variety of cultures and places.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the writing is simple and straightforward, but it highlights high-interest areas for kids. Crisp photographs feature portraits of smiling children in their favorite outfits or traditional garb.

  • Some of the children's stories are upsetting.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

From a Bedouin village in Jordan to the heart of Hollywood, children are introduced to a wide variety of cultures and places. Although the text is beyond the abilities of many in the target audience, stunning photographs, moving testimonies, and intricate details highlight the lives and dreams of ordinary children.

 


Is it any good?

 

This inspiring work, produced in conjunction with UNICEF, urges readers to focus on the interests they have in common with other kids. Some of these compelling stories are sorrowful: Seven-year-old Meena, for example, lives on a construction site in New Delhi with her transplanted family, and longs to return to her rural village. Other tales are uplifting, and all are absorbing to read. The book strikes a delicate balance between providing vital information about the culture and region and presenting anecdotal tidbits on topics of interest to children: a child's favorite food, toy, friend, or school subject.

Children the same age as most of the subjects will find the reading too advanced, but the book is an excellent resource for middle-grade children. Each page overflows with information, both textual and visual. Barnabas Kindersley's cheerful photographs document everyday details, including each child's abode and schoolwork. Readers will be challenged and touched by this remarkable work.


Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

Families can talk about the children featured in the book. Kids: What similarities do you find among them? What are some of their differences?


This review was written by Ann Marie Sammataro
Adult
February 8, 2010
 
I would recommend this book to all ages!
I got this book for christmas when I was about six years old, now I am 20 and I still have this book at home, I read it all the time. It is what inspired me to want to travel and learn about people all around the world. I would also recommend the other Children Just Like Me book, as well as other books sponsered by UNICEF! This book will open your eyes to so many different lives and experiences.

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 5 and 8 year old
November 27, 2011
 
Good for all ages
This is very good for teaching kids what life is like in different places. Some stories were upsetting or sad, but that is the way it is and kids deserve to know.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 13 years old
July 28, 2010
 
This book speaks volumes about all the children of the world.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Ann Marie Sammataro
Author:Anabel Kindersley
Illustrator:Barnabas Kindersley
Book type:Non-Fiction
Genre:Anthropology
Publisher:DK Publishing Inc.
Publication date:January 1, 1995
Number of pages:79
Hardcover price:$19.95
Publisher's recommended age(s):9 - 12

This review was written by Ann Marie Sammataro
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.

Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!


About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

 

vote now

Will you read Children Just Like Me?


Already read it? What do you think?

 

Been There? Tell us about it