Common Sense Media Review
Native girl finds inspiring role model in artistic grandma.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Opening with a tender scene with a granddaughter and grandma beading together on the front porch, JUST LIKE GRANDMA tells the story of a Native girl named Becca who lives with her loving, active grandparents. Becca's curiosity in her grandma's artistic interests and accomplishments is met with encouragement to try new things for herself. Portraits of intimate family activities show cultural traditions and meals together. Becca's sports interest is met with the same curiosity by her grandma, and she is encouraged to try out for the school basketball team. The story concludes with a joyful celebration of family and mutual admiration.
Is It Any Good?
Kim Rogers has written a tender tale that is quietly brimming with the mutual admiration that can happen between older and younger generations, as well as the joy and wisdom elders can model for children. Pay attention to the details in Just Like Grandma - Grandma dancing for no reason but her own happiness, the smudges on Grandma and Becca's shared painting, the light parental touch during a nervous school tryout. Close study of the Julie Flett's illustrations reveal a deeply thoughtful, complex beauty -- joyful expressions, the symbolism of the butterfly, the warmth of the sun on their backs. A beautiful portrait of grandparents raising a grandchild and a true winner for the family library.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different types of art and activities -- beading, dancing, painting, basketball -- Becca was curious to try in Just Like Grandma. What new type of art or activity might you be curious about?
In the Dear Reader note, Grandma is a good role model for Becca because she shows her "what's possible" for herself. Do you have a role model -- a grandparent, parent, relative, teacher, neighbor, or friend? What do they show you that's possible for you?
Becca and her grandparents enjoyed eating together. Do you have a favorite food or restaurant where you like to eat with your family or friends? Is eating together about more than just the food? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Julie Flett
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Arts , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Heartdrum
- Publication date : January 24, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : April 19, 2026
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