September 19, 2016
More than 20 years after Children Just Like Me, this updated version of the book introduces 44 new children who live in countries that include Ethiopia, France, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam. As the book moves continent by continent, readers receive a geographic overview of each region followed by profiles of each child that fill a full page or spread. Photographs of the children and the peoples, places, and things in their lives are joined by concise descriptions of their homes, schools, interests, and cuisines: Shigo, a Maasai girl from Tanzania, enjoys porridge-like ugali and making beaded jewelry, while seven-year-old Shaowei from Beijing declares, "I want to create a robot that can solve everyone's problems." Rich with cultural detail, it's a vibrant resource that celebrates global diversity while underscoring commonalities that bridge nation, faith, and upbringing. Ages 7â10.
July 15, 2016
A new edition of a 1995 favorite, this volume will draw in today's children with the immediacy of its photos of 44 international children.Six sections feature, in turn, North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Southeast Asia and Australasia. Each begins with a generalized two-page spread of information including a "fact file," a large map, headshots of each region's children, a famous place (the usual suspects, such as the Grand Canyon and the pyramids), one animal, and a food item. Profiled children are presented in large active photos (set on white backgrounds in familiar DK style) with smaller images of family and home, favorite activities, typical foods, toys, and, often, pets. Each child's signature (in appropriate writing systems), the word(s) for "hello" (with pronunciation), small maps (difficult to make out), and facts about their localities are also included. Text is limited to short paragraphs and photo captions. It is the engaging photos that pop, showing children in both contemporary, Western-style dress and traditional clothes still worn for special occasions. There are nuclear, extended, single-parent, and divorced families; Alonso from Mexico has a sister who has a wife; Morgan from France is the son of a mixed-race couple (living separately); Andre, of Australian Aboriginal descent, lives with his grandparents; New Zealander Jamie has a Maori mother and white father. More important than ever to combat intolerance and encourage interest in readers' young peers, this highly visual overview is well worth the update. (Nonfiction. 8-11)
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September 1, 2016
Grades 1-4 Readers will meet 44 boys and girls from every continent in this photographic introduction to world cultures. The book opens with a map of the world dotted with images of diverse youngsters, followed by an important global question: What can you do to help? Five featured children then share their concerns about the environment, poverty, health care, education, and animal welfare. The book is organized by continent, and each section starts with a two-page spread highlighting salient features such as geography and ancient heritage sites. Pages about the children themselves include photographs and information relating to family, hobbies, languages, interests, and local customs. The information is succinct, the photographs bold and friendly, and the children span a wide range of races and cultures, making this a modern, multicultural book that represents without tokenizing. Additionally, the authors make a point to include pictures of traditional or ceremonial dress as well as everyday clothing. An informative and enjoyable read for the home, library, or classroom.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)