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Parents' Guide to

Children Just Like Me

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Introduces kids to variety of cultures and places.

Book Anabel Kindersley Anthropology 1995
Children Just Like Me Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 2 parent reviews

karinajohnson
karinajohnson Parent of 5 and 8-year-old
November 27, 2011
age 5+

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.
beach3290
beach3290 Adult
February 8, 2010
age 7+

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.
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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