Looking Like Me

This always-inventive father and son team ("Jazz") offers up an I am jam, celebrating how every individual is really a collection of identities. The rap-like verse is voiced by a young narrator named Jeremy, who notices that every person he encounters sees him in a different light: to his sister, hes a little brother; to his teacher (whose real life counterparts may find inspiration in these pages for a memorable classroom activity), hes a writer; to a cute passerby, hes a dancer; to his mother, hes a dreamer. Each new identity is hailed with an exuberant fist bump: The mailman lifted his fist./ I gave it a bam!/ It is kind of amazing all the people I am. Jeremy clearly enjoys the dizzying possibilities that emerge from his conversations, musing at one point, Im walking tall and Im walking proud./ Looked in a mirrorI look like a crowd. Christopher Myers seconds that emotion with fluorescent and occasionally psychedelic collages that combine digital human figures (reminiscent of early iPod ads) with photographs. He conjures up a funky, visually fluid funhouse that proves pigeonholes are strictly for pigeons. Ages 59. "(Oct.)" Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 1-5 The dynamic father-son duo returns with another high-energy poetry book. "Looking Like Me" is a song of oneself, and of all of the elements that make up and define an individual. On first looking in the mirror, Jeremy sees "a real handsome dude/looking just like me." When friends and family see him, he discovers that he is also a brother, a son, a writer, a city childa whole world in one self. The poetry sings with Walter Dean Myers's trademark urban verve. Jeremy punctuates his encounters by fist-bumping his family members and associates and exclaiming "I gave it [the fist] a BAM!" This now-familiar gesture powerfully expresses the solidarity Jeremy feels with the others in his community. Moreover, these encounters underline how his relationships shape his perceptions of himself. The rhyme and repetition flow naturally, capturing the rhythms of everyday conversation and the hip-hop beats many children hear daily. Christopher Myers's bold, vivid illustrations fuel the energy of his father's verse. Bright paper cutouts of the characters stand before photo collages that capture lively occasions in a variety of cultures. These paper figures are blue, green, and other colors that do not correspond to natural skin tones. Children of any ethnic background thus can project themselves onto the silhouettes. This book is an excellent introduction to verse, for it vividly demonstrates how poetry is a vital part of daily life.

"Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The sassy rhythm and empowering message of this poem in picture book format will appeal to both students and teachers alike. As Jeremy goes about his day, he contemplates everything that makes him unique. He walks around his urban neighborhood and discovers that he is a son, brother, artist, dreamer, runner, and much more. Throughout the book, his strong connections with his community and his family are emphasized. The reader can feel Jeremy's energy and hear his exuberant voice. This joyful, confident, well-adjusted, and well-rounded character is a nice change from typical minority stereotypes. The vibrant and bold collage art adds to the energy of the book. This book can be used in a poetry unity and can kick off a writing assignment where students discover what makes them unique. It can be used in art class as an example of using collage and photographs in art. Counselors can use it with self-esteem units. Students will enjoy the jazzy rhythm and upbeat message of the poem. The possibilities for this book are endless. Highly Recommended." —starred review, Library Media Connection