Looking Like Me: 07/13/11

I'm took a materials for children ages 5 to 8. The class required a lot of reading and analysis of children's books. One of the books I chose to use for homework was Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers. I chose the book because I appreciate Walter Dean Myer's poetry and Christopher Myer's collages caught my eye when the book was on display at the library.

The book opens with a boy looking at himself in the mirror and admitting that he sees a handsome dude looking back. From there he builds his identity by how his family, friends and neighbors see him. He's a son, a brother, a grandson, a friend, a musician, an artist and so forth.

The story uses the repetition of "BAM" and the meter to rhythmically build on the theme of self identity and community. Christopher Myers collages blend colorful silhouettes with images of the street and nature to counterpoint the poetry with eye catching compositions.

Christopher Myers is Walter Dean Myers's son. To learn more about both of their careers, I recommend Pass it Down by Leonard S. Marcus.

Three stars

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