Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen searches for missing sister in thrilling novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE US begins, 16-year-old Jay has realized his sister hasn't run away -- she's gone missing. Jay and Nic live in the projects with their grandma MiMi since their father died of cancer and their mother is serving time in prison after a drunk driving conviction. Jay has maintained the positive things in his life, like keeping up in school. Nic started dating a local drug dealer, and she's become a heavy user of "bliss," high-potency cannabis. Getting the police to take him seriously is a challenge. They don't seem to care that a Black girl from the projects has run away. So, Jay leads the effort to find Nic.
Is It Any Good?
In this thrilling and heartwarming novel, readers will root for all of the main characters, even those who start out unlikeable. First-time author Pamela N. Harris explores how important it is for people to challenge their perceptions and stereotypes. Though there are a few villainous characters in When You Look Like Us whose evil action defy belief, the primary characters are nuanced. Harris does a fine job revealing the good in the people who don't seem trustworthy at first, and at presenting the character flaws of the characters who mostly stay on the side of moral good. Written in the first person, this novel is reminiscent of Catcher in the Rye, but with a far more sympathetic protagonist.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of past and future in When You Look Like Us. How can a difficult past affect people's behavior? How can dreams for the future shape a person's actions?
Who's the adult closest to you, outside of your immediate family? How does that person help you?
What's it like to form a friendship with someone very different from you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Quill Tree Books
- Publication date : January 6, 2021
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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