Looking Like Me

Shaun Steiner’s Blog

Look Like Me
By Walter Dean Myers
Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Looking in the mirror, an African American boy sees himself—Jeremy. “That’s who I am.” Many aspects of who Jeremy is reveal themselves in this rhyming, rhythmic first-person rap: little brother, son, writer, city child, artist, dancer, runner, dreamer. “I look like a crowd.” The people in Jeremy’s life help define him in ways that lift his spirit and sense of self. Walter Dean Myers’s energetic narrative is illustrated with vibrant collage images by Christopher Myers. The author (“boy, son, brother, reader, friend, poet,” and much more) and illustrator (“dancer, painter, sculptor, collagist”) define themselves and invite readers and listeners to do the same by thinking about the many dimensions of who they are.

The Genre of this short story is Narrative..

Motivational Activities

1. I would have the children write 2 or 3 sentences telling me what makes them unique..
2. Discussion Questions:

• How was Jeremy different from his peers?
• Where did Jeremy come from? Why did Jeremy see himself as a rhymer?
• How would you react if you met Jeremy on the street? What would you say to him?

• Personal Comment:
1. I really enjoyed reading this book because it shows the diversity of each child. The children will see that everyone is different. Each child has his unique qualities and talents.

2. The book is good for children who are not exposed to many other cultures.

• About Walter Dean Meyers:
• Walter Dean Myers was an American writer of children's books best known for young adult literature. He wrote more than one hundred books including picture books and nonfiction.

• Other books by Walter Dean Meyers.
1. Monster. 1999
2. Hoops. 1981

References

Myers, W. D., & Myers, C. (2009). Looking like me. New York: Egmont USA.