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I'm Like You, You're Like Me: A Book about Understanding and Appreciating Each Other
In this colorful, inviting book, kids from preschool to lower elementary learn about diversity in terms they can understand: hair that s straight or curly, families with many people or few, bodies that are big or small.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 25, 2011
My Review:
Another great book published by free spirit publishing introducing diversity to young children. A book parents will appreciate reading to their children, educating them about how different people are but alike in many ways. This multicultural picture book for children feature various ethnicities or races characters illustrated by Sakamoto, showing kids with long, short and curly hair, dark and light skin, how they are alike by living on the same street, attending the same school and even having the same name and many more.
The author addresses the subject of diversity through six concepts: comparing, acceptance, listening, understanding self and others, kindness and co-operation at the end of the book which parents can talk with their children.
Don’t forget that it’s our differences that make each of us unique. I highly recommend this book for parents and for classroom teaching. When we teach our children that we may be different but we are alike. Then this world would be a better place.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from free spirit publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
Another great book published by free spirit publishing introducing diversity to young children. A book parents will appreciate reading to their children, educating them about how different people are but alike in many ways. This multicultural picture book for children feature various ethnicities or races characters illustrated by Sakamoto, showing kids with long, short and curly hair, dark and light skin, how they are alike by living on the same street, attending the same school and even having the same name and many more.
The author addresses the subject of diversity through six concepts: comparing, acceptance, listening, understanding self and others, kindness and co-operation at the end of the book which parents can talk with their children.
Don’t forget that it’s our differences that make each of us unique. I highly recommend this book for parents and for classroom teaching. When we teach our children that we may be different but we are alike. Then this world would be a better place.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from free spirit publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
May 30, 2012
Won this via First Reads. My boys (ages 4 & 6) & I read it the night it arrived. The illustrations are a joy to look at. Even when we had finished reading & discussing the book I found my boys enjoying them long afterward. The text is great too. Everything every parent is trying to teach their child about tolerance, etc is all in one great book. The book even comes with a very well done "talking with children" section in the back. I'm definitely going to be checking out some of Free Spirit Publishing's other titles.
November 8, 2019
I REALLY love this book's message, which is why I added it to my favorites tab. The plot is all designed around accepting yourself for who you are and embracing the differences of others. It is fiction, but it has a strong message that appeals to all human kind, which is very powerful and important for social skills and community/cultural involvement. The illustrations in this passage are very colorful and engaging, which is another reason I feel as if it would be great for all students to read.
For reading teachers/instruction, I would suggest that this book be introduced in the primary grades (K-3). This would be a great way to teach vocabulary in regards to fluency because there are a lot of high frequency words in this passage. I also think that this story would be great for classroom engagement tied to comprehension because all students can relate to the different characters throughout the story. There are several antonyms in this story as well that the teacher could introduce through our differences: some of us are bigger and some are smaller, some are older some are younger, some people have curly hair and some have straight hair. This book could be very beneficial when it comes to teaching language and social skills in the classroom.
For reading teachers/instruction, I would suggest that this book be introduced in the primary grades (K-3). This would be a great way to teach vocabulary in regards to fluency because there are a lot of high frequency words in this passage. I also think that this story would be great for classroom engagement tied to comprehension because all students can relate to the different characters throughout the story. There are several antonyms in this story as well that the teacher could introduce through our differences: some of us are bigger and some are smaller, some are older some are younger, some people have curly hair and some have straight hair. This book could be very beneficial when it comes to teaching language and social skills in the classroom.
October 7, 2019
The book just goes through the obvious and not so obvious similarities and differences between characters in the book, but they phrase it in a way that makes it seem like the reader is talking to the audience. They talk about understanding and appreciating each other.
The overall theme is acceptance of others and their differences.
I find the book to be easy to read for kids even though it is longer than the traditional children's book. It provides multiple examples of differences and similarities between people and end by saying that the people can be friends anyway.
At the back of the book they provide different ideas for the lessons that they teach students. I would recommend this book because it touches on all of the qualities of a good classroom: acceptance, listening, kindness, cooperation, and understanding of self and others. Which can be taught at the beginning of the school year to help create a list of classroom rules.
The overall theme is acceptance of others and their differences.
I find the book to be easy to read for kids even though it is longer than the traditional children's book. It provides multiple examples of differences and similarities between people and end by saying that the people can be friends anyway.
At the back of the book they provide different ideas for the lessons that they teach students. I would recommend this book because it touches on all of the qualities of a good classroom: acceptance, listening, kindness, cooperation, and understanding of self and others. Which can be taught at the beginning of the school year to help create a list of classroom rules.
February 5, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book and I could think of many situations where I would want to read this book in a classroom. I'm like you and you're like me It is a great book to teach kids about differences and similarities between us as humans. No matter our age, race, gender etc we are all similar in some way and we can all find ways to connect. This is so important for children to have this message. The book talks about everything from family, gender, disabilities, to even hair color. Teaching inclusion to children is always appropriate and can always be a beneficial learning experience. The book also talks about understanding each other and despite our differences. This is also a part i really enjoyed because the notion that no matter our differences we can always be understanding. This teaches children to simply be good people, which is so important in our society today.
October 31, 2016
This multicultural picturebook is for preschool to lower elementary-aged students to learn about diversity and understand it. It allows kids to know about our diverse world and how we are all equal.
This is a colorful and invicting book for children to learn more about diversity. There are several examples of children to look at and art that is fun and detailed. At the end of the book there is a page for parents to help teach about the lesson provided in this book. This is a great book for young readers to appreciate the diverse world we live in and to know that we are all alike.
This is a colorful and invicting book for children to learn more about diversity. There are several examples of children to look at and art that is fun and detailed. At the end of the book there is a page for parents to help teach about the lesson provided in this book. This is a great book for young readers to appreciate the diverse world we live in and to know that we are all alike.
April 15, 2023
I am an Assistant Teacher in an Afterschool Program. This was one of our newest books. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The pictures are lovely as well.
It is a fantastic book explaining to children that as humans we are all different, but we are also very similar by addressing the subjects of diversity through the six concepts: Comparing, Acceptance, Listening, Understanding of Self and Others, Kindness and Cooperation.
This story is a great teaching tool whether it's at home a parent reading to their children, a classroom setting or a child reading it themselves.
It is a fantastic book explaining to children that as humans we are all different, but we are also very similar by addressing the subjects of diversity through the six concepts: Comparing, Acceptance, Listening, Understanding of Self and Others, Kindness and Cooperation.
This story is a great teaching tool whether it's at home a parent reading to their children, a classroom setting or a child reading it themselves.
August 27, 2023
This is a good book about appreciating diversity. I like that it gives specific actions ("I listen to your stories, too:; "We take turns.", etc.) and not just platitudes and generalities. It is a bit long and I think that many of those messages will get lost. Better for a home situation with re-reading but still worth trying in our classroom.
March 3, 2023
This is one that is different from the others the others shows the differences that we have from those arounf us and this book goes to show the similarities within their peers. Being able to show the similarities can begin to create relationships that can last for years to come.
September 5, 2017
My second graders enjoyed this book. A good read for the beginning of the school year as we learn about our similarities and differences.
September 13, 2017
Great book for teaching your little one or classroom about diversity and accepting of others. My kids enjoy it because of the bright pictures with images that are fun and relatable.
October 27, 2017
Good introduction for younger kids about caring, understanding differences, and cooperation.
November 19, 2017
A great book about diversity but how everyone is also the same. Great for beginning of year, or if a lot of conflicts are going on in the classroom.
March 27, 2018
Good message, but gets too preachy for my taste.
February 15, 2019
An important message. 3/5 stars.
April 18, 2019
I like everybody in my family.
January 3, 2020
Great book for introducing children to the ideas of acceptance, tolerance, respectful listening, kindness and cooperation. We’ll be using it with our virtues project!
December 16, 2020
A thoughtful book teaching us to accept the similarities and dissimilarities in our lives as humans.
January 12, 2022
Great book on see the likes and differences among those around you. Understanding and accepting differences and being kind to others is taught in a fun way with colorful illustrations.
August 30, 2025
I liked this book, it talks about how people are alike in many different ways and it also shows that we are different in many ways as well.
March 17, 2017
Read this at our Social Justice Storytime. Good book with easy-to-understand concepts for the kiddos.
February 16, 2017
This book is one of my favorite books to read out loud. I enjoy this book because the word choice is very simple (excellent for children in Pre-K to Kindergarten) and it points out details such as hair, families, body shape, and holidays. I love the overall message this book gets through, the message that we are not all the same but that that's a good reason why we should like each other. The illustrations in this book are simply amazing! The book shows a variety of diversity in the illustrations as well. This book is a must for a diversity book set. However, this book doesn't have a plot nor a climax. In other words, it does not have an issue or resolution. It's more of a book about accepting and appreciating each other. Like I mentioned before, I highly recommend this book to everyone. Below is the checklist that applies to this book.
The story:
☑ is interesting to children.
☑ offers children a variety of things to think about, question, or consider.
☑is age-appropriate and children can understand what is represented.
includes a rich, thick plot.
includes a problem and resolution.
☑utilizes style and language that are appropriate for the children’s ages and interests.
includes realistic, convincing characters.
The illustrations:
☑are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.
☑correspond to the text.
☑hold the children’s interest while the text is read.
☑enhance and add to the story.
Cultural considerations:
☑ Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.
☑Children are exposed to multiple perspectives and values.
☑ There are no negative stereotypes of the represented groups.
The lifestyles of the characters are genuine and complex not oversimplified or generalized.
The characters use speech that accurately represents their culture and oral traditions.
The author and/or illustrator are a part of the group represented.
“Good” characters reflect a variety of backgrounds.
☑There is diversity represented within cultural groups.
The story:
☑ is interesting to children.
☑ offers children a variety of things to think about, question, or consider.
☑is age-appropriate and children can understand what is represented.
includes a rich, thick plot.
includes a problem and resolution.
☑utilizes style and language that are appropriate for the children’s ages and interests.
includes realistic, convincing characters.
The illustrations:
☑are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters.
☑correspond to the text.
☑hold the children’s interest while the text is read.
☑enhance and add to the story.
Cultural considerations:
☑ Characters represent a variety of cultural groups.
☑Children are exposed to multiple perspectives and values.
☑ There are no negative stereotypes of the represented groups.
The lifestyles of the characters are genuine and complex not oversimplified or generalized.
The characters use speech that accurately represents their culture and oral traditions.
The author and/or illustrator are a part of the group represented.
“Good” characters reflect a variety of backgrounds.
☑There is diversity represented within cultural groups.
October 14, 2014
The message of this purpose-driven text is loud and clear: Recognize similarities, accept differences and appreciate both.
In this newly illustrated edition of her 1998 text, Gainer looks at diversity through six concepts: comparing, acceptance, listening, understanding, kindness and cooperation. The text itself is a laundry list of observations: “One of us is bigger, and the other is smaller. // … Some families have many people. / Some families have few people. // … We can tell each other about things we like and things we don’t like. / We can try our best to understand each other.” Certainly didactic, and unapologetically so. But that doesn’t make the lesson any less important. The well-intentioned text plods along at a steady drone—perhaps for a few pages more than necessary—but simple and direct instruction can be influential in starting a foundation for learning life lessons. Sakamoto’s illustrations are bright and cheery, providing necessary leavening. They are filled with children of all ethnicities and abilities. Such diverse objects as ladybugs, toy dinosaurs and hopscotch boards dot the page borders, giving readers plenty to examine. Backmatter includes discussion questions and reading tips for parents and caregivers.
Neither enchanting nor exciting, but grounded and easy to relate to. A starting point for diversity discussions. (Picture book. 3-6)
[Review of I’m like you, you’re like me, by C. Gainer]. (2011, August 17). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
In this newly illustrated edition of her 1998 text, Gainer looks at diversity through six concepts: comparing, acceptance, listening, understanding, kindness and cooperation. The text itself is a laundry list of observations: “One of us is bigger, and the other is smaller. // … Some families have many people. / Some families have few people. // … We can tell each other about things we like and things we don’t like. / We can try our best to understand each other.” Certainly didactic, and unapologetically so. But that doesn’t make the lesson any less important. The well-intentioned text plods along at a steady drone—perhaps for a few pages more than necessary—but simple and direct instruction can be influential in starting a foundation for learning life lessons. Sakamoto’s illustrations are bright and cheery, providing necessary leavening. They are filled with children of all ethnicities and abilities. Such diverse objects as ladybugs, toy dinosaurs and hopscotch boards dot the page borders, giving readers plenty to examine. Backmatter includes discussion questions and reading tips for parents and caregivers.
Neither enchanting nor exciting, but grounded and easy to relate to. A starting point for diversity discussions. (Picture book. 3-6)
[Review of I’m like you, you’re like me, by C. Gainer]. (2011, August 17). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
October 31, 2016
I'm Like You, You're Like Me: A Book About Understanding and Appreciating Each Other is all about the uniqueness of every child. This book teaches children that they are all the same, yet they have differences as well, from their hair and eye color to their body shape. It celebrates that they all learn the same basic skills growing up like tying their shoes. Families can be different sizes and holidays may not be celebrated by everyone, and that's okay. The story then talks about acceptance and teaches the readers how they can show and respond in different situations.
This book is great for young children, especially ones that are about to begin school or daycare and will be meeting all types of children. Every page has illustrations of children from different races and backgrounds. The main illustrations that match the text show in the middle of a double page, but the text is always on the left and the illustration is on the right. The borders are wavy lines that break up the main illustration and the cute backgrounds that are double page illustrations. On the page about dress up, the border has different articles that could be played with like jewelry, feather boas, and hats. The picnic border has the picnic blanket with different foods on it. I gave this book a five out of five stars because it is a great book to teach children about the variety of people that we get to know. Every illustration has all kinds of different children doing different activities and being happy to be together. Great lesson, great book!
This book is great for young children, especially ones that are about to begin school or daycare and will be meeting all types of children. Every page has illustrations of children from different races and backgrounds. The main illustrations that match the text show in the middle of a double page, but the text is always on the left and the illustration is on the right. The borders are wavy lines that break up the main illustration and the cute backgrounds that are double page illustrations. On the page about dress up, the border has different articles that could be played with like jewelry, feather boas, and hats. The picnic border has the picnic blanket with different foods on it. I gave this book a five out of five stars because it is a great book to teach children about the variety of people that we get to know. Every illustration has all kinds of different children doing different activities and being happy to be together. Great lesson, great book!
November 2, 2016
I'm Like You, You're Like Me by Cindy Gainer is a story about how children are similar and different at the same time. The author gives examples of similarities like being able to ride a bike, having baby pictures, and celebrating holidays. She also gives examples of differences like eye color, hair color, or being bigger or smaller. Despite the differences they may have they can still accept each other and they feel accepted when they say that they are friends. The story goes through steps in how they can make their friendship work and what they should do if they have any differences and what being friends is like.
This multicultural picture book would be a great book to introduce to younger children. The books use of younger kids in settings like playgrounds and at school makes it more relatable to children today. The author phrased this book in such wording that I don't believe there are any hidden messages. I feel as if the author did a great job of getting the message across in a kid friendly way. I think the usage of images will assist a younger child in fully comprehending the message that the author is trying to convey. I would highly recommend reading this story to different levels of children to really help them understand that everyone is equal and it is good to be able to work through problems and be nice to everyone.
This multicultural picture book would be a great book to introduce to younger children. The books use of younger kids in settings like playgrounds and at school makes it more relatable to children today. The author phrased this book in such wording that I don't believe there are any hidden messages. I feel as if the author did a great job of getting the message across in a kid friendly way. I think the usage of images will assist a younger child in fully comprehending the message that the author is trying to convey. I would highly recommend reading this story to different levels of children to really help them understand that everyone is equal and it is good to be able to work through problems and be nice to everyone.
March 16, 2015
This book is great for elementary age children. I read this book to a kindergarten class and they got the message of the book, with out any assistance. The message is about diversity and even though we all look different, we may have many similarities. This book does a great job on the illustrations and a very good job on incorporating different races in the book.The setting of the book is in the house and school. It illustrates se similarities between the characters using various different activities. The author addresses the subject of diversity through six concepts: acceptance, listening, understanding self and others, comparing, kindness and cooperation. For teachers and parents, there is a section in the back of the book with questions and ways to talk about what was read with your students and/ or children. I would definitely recommend this book for teaching about diversity. I would introduce this book in the beginning of a school year, to set a tone for my classroom. Genre: diversity, fiction, and multicultural.
October 30, 2016
Reading this book to children can be beneficial in so many ways. The illustrations depict children of all different races and ethnicity playing together and helping each other. The text goes right along with that by pointing out similarities and differences (not negative ones) between different kinds of people and assures that we can still get along despite those things. I thought it was really interesting when the author said, "We can try our best to be kind to each other. Even when we don't agree with each other." I think that is a very important lesson for kids to learn, however, adults may to hear that lesson even more than the kids.
The layout of the book and illustrations were interesting as well. I liked the scheme they chose each page to have, with cleverly placed gutters and colorful, whimsical borders. The illustrations of the children were also capturing and entertaining. I highly recommend this book. Not only is it a fun read, it also has a lesson everybody needs to hear, particularly in this day and age.
The layout of the book and illustrations were interesting as well. I liked the scheme they chose each page to have, with cleverly placed gutters and colorful, whimsical borders. The illustrations of the children were also capturing and entertaining. I highly recommend this book. Not only is it a fun read, it also has a lesson everybody needs to hear, particularly in this day and age.
October 31, 2016
The characters in the story compare aspects about each other that are both similar and different. This leads them to realizing that being different from one another is a good thing. Everyone is made a certain way that is what makes them special, but not any better than anyone else. The characters learn how to understand one another and be excepting no matter what background they may come from. Each character learns about how everyone can come from all types of different places or look the total opposite of them, but it's okay because diversity is a great thing.
This multicultural picture book gives children the chance to understand that there are going to be people that are different than them, and we should all be excepting. It expresses different ideas and values that other people have, but also gives children the chance to learn about those who may not be just like them. This book shows children how diversity is all around them and how they shouldn't change a thing about themselves to make anyone else happy.
This multicultural picture book gives children the chance to understand that there are going to be people that are different than them, and we should all be excepting. It expresses different ideas and values that other people have, but also gives children the chance to learn about those who may not be just like them. This book shows children how diversity is all around them and how they shouldn't change a thing about themselves to make anyone else happy.
April 23, 2014
The book I'm Like You, You're Like Me by Cindy Gainer is a picture, information, and fiction book about kids who are different in many ways and they learn to enjoy each other even though they are different in some way. Some kids are wearing glasses, some kids are in wheelchairs, and some kids have different skin colors. In the end of the book the kids realize that they shouldn't judge other kids because there different, but realize that being different is what makes people interesting. I selected this book because it teaches kids that they can have fun with anybody no matter what the differences may be. This text can build knowledge on diversity because it shows that the differences in people is what makes them interesting. I thought this book was educational and enjoyable at the same time. This book teaches kids about diversity and stating that it's alright to be different. This can be a great book for the topic of diversity in any classroom. I recommend this book.
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October 31, 2016"I'm Like You, You're Like Me" is a picturebook written to teach children about acceptance. It talks about how everybody is different: looks different, celebrates different holidays, has different sized families, etc. This picture book talks about how it is okay to be different and how children can learn more about each other that way.
I loved the illustrations in this book because they were so inclusive. Most of the time, when I hear children being aight about acceptance and diversity, it is usually only taught in terms of race. However, this book mentioned so many other things that make people different from each other. A few examples include, people with disabilities, families of all sizes, and which different holidays we celebrate. I think this is a great book for all children to read to learn about acceptance. Reading this book with an adult would also be a great opportunity to open up a conversation about diversity.
I loved the illustrations in this book because they were so inclusive. Most of the time, when I hear children being aight about acceptance and diversity, it is usually only taught in terms of race. However, this book mentioned so many other things that make people different from each other. A few examples include, people with disabilities, families of all sizes, and which different holidays we celebrate. I think this is a great book for all children to read to learn about acceptance. Reading this book with an adult would also be a great opportunity to open up a conversation about diversity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews