Just Like Me

True stories about talented, high achieving people who are also physically and neurologically diverse. This book not only helps with an understanding of different conditions but also shows the diverseness of our society and that we are all capable of great achievements, no matter what our situation.

When I shared this book with my Year 6 class they were surprised by some of the names in this book, which really makes the title so poignant: Just Like Me.

This book is truly beautiful and it is so rare in the society we live in to highlight and empower diverseness, but this book does that perfectly by celebrating these incredible people and who they truly are. Some of the people included are: Ludwig Van Beethoven, Stephen Hawking, Harriet Tubman, Denna Lambert, Sadako Sasaki and Helen Keller.

A great book for children and adults to feel more included in society, and a great way to explain that being different doesn't mean less capable of amazing achievements or a full and happy life.

A truly inspirational book and the kind of book we definitely need more of! We need a copy in every school and library. There are resources available from the author’s website here.

Title: Just Like Me

Author: Louise Gooding

Illustrator: Angel Chang, Caterina delli Carri, cathyhookey, Melissa Iwai

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 978-1-78741-848-6

RRP: $29.99

Format: Hardback

Publication: March 2021

Ages: 7+

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? No

Reviewer: Angela Thompson, Library Lead Teacher, Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown

How are you recommending this book? Extremely highly recommended. Every school and library needs a copy of this book!

Opening sentence: The world is full of people who are a little different, in one way or another. Our uniqueness is what makes us who we are.

You can buy this book here