Different Just Like Me

Rating:
Summary: A great discussion starter for difficult topics
Review: When I first read Different Just Like Me I thought to myself, "What a wonderful book and what a great way to begin discussions in my classroom about respecting each others' differences". Never did I dream that this book would have the impact it had on my third grade class.The converstaions that were stimulated by this book were phenomenal! I was so impressed by how the book was able to open the door to the difficult topic of differences and acceptance. Children began to share their own experiences of times they felt left out or different. Children spoke about times when they felt uncomfortable around someone who was different then they were and they were unsure of how to handle that. I learned that my students had so many questions. They had finally found a safe opportunity to begin asking these questions. The children continued to refer to the book and make textual connectionns with this book throughout the year. It was obvious that the story had made a big impact on the children. Besides teaching a third grade class I also teach the Mainstreaming class for teachers at San Diego State University. I have reccommended this book to many teachers in the class as an avenue to begin the discussion about diversity in the classroom. I have heard such positive results from many of the teachers about how helpful it was to start the discussion with this book.

Rating:
Summary: Different Just Like Me celebrates our specialness
Review: When my daughter's classmates starting enquiring about her mommy's skin disorder, this children's book came to my rescue! How often do you find a book that celebrates the differences that make us unique. Every parent & teacher should own a copy of this book! I plan to donate copies to my daughter's preschool and (future) elementary school libraries!