A Child Like You - by Na'ima Robert (Hardcover)

About the Book

Inspired by individuals like Greta Thunberg and Yusra Mardini, children are encouraged to demonstrate courage, determination, and hope as they tackle global issues.

Book Synopsis

An empowering picture book that encourages children to feel that they can have a positive impact on the future in a troubled world, inspired by real-life activists and campaigners.

"Somewhere, out there, in the wide, wide world, a child like you is watching ..."

Four brave children watch, listen, search, and feel, as they experience the inequalities, dangers, and injustices of life in our world.

Inspired by real-life activists and campaigners Greta Thunberg, Yusra Mardini, Marley Dias, and Iqbal Masih, each of these children are filled with courage, determination and hope.

They will campaign to help save the planet, show that refugees can contribute, and show leadership in sport in their new land, they will build a library of 1,000 books depicting black girls, they will speak out against the outrage of child slavery.

Review Quotes

"This colorful picture book showcases four young people advocating for positive change ... readers learn that the characters are based on real-life Greta Thunberg, Yusra Mardini, Marley Dias, and Iqbal Masih, whose brief biographies provide some context for the main narrative's occasionally abstract visuals and text."----Booklist

"A meaningful call to action ... Encouragement for the future leaders and caretakers of our planet inspired by four real-life youth activists. As Robert points out, 'the world can be a scary place sometimes.' Climate change is wreaking havoc on our environment, refugees make perilous journeys in search of a better life, many children from marginalized backgrounds are unable to see themselves reflected in literature, and young people feel uncertain and afraid. Despite these painful realities, the book points out several reasons to be optimistic. Young people are protesting, participating, imagining, and fighting their way toward a better future ... Rather than brushing over harsh realities, Robert and Kaadan acknowledge children's very real fears while empowering them and offering hope."

"Encouragement for the future leaders and caretakers of our planet inspired by four real-life youth activists. As Robert points out, "the world can be a scary place sometimes." Climate change is wreaking havoc on our environment, refugees make perilous journeys in search of a better life, many children from marginalized backgrounds are unable to see themselves reflected in literature, and young people feel uncertain and afraid. Despite these painful realities, the book points out several reasons to be optimistic. Young people are protesting, participating, imagining, and fighting their way toward a better future. The book visually depicts environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Syrian refugee and Olympian Yusra Mardini, #1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias, and child labor activist Iqbal Masih, though they aren't named directly until an endnote. Throughout, verses start with the refrain "somewhere, out there, / in the wide, wide world, a child like you"--which will spur young readers to make a difference. With watercolorlike blurring, Kaadan's illustrations give the blues and grays of the opening pages a somber appearance. Paler, brilliant blues give way to more color as the children work together and the world starts looking a little brighter. Rather than brushing over harsh realities, Robert and Kaadan acknowledge children's very real fears while empowering them and offering hope. Background characters are racially diverse. A meaningful call to action. (Picture book. 5-8)"

About the Author

Na'ima B. Robert is a writer and campaigner. Celebrated for her memoir From My Sisters Lips (2005) she has written over twenty books for children and teens, and founded Sisters Magazine, of which she was editor-in-chief for ten years.

Nadine Kaadan is a Syrian illustrator, author and worker with refugee children. She is a dedicated champion of inclusivity in children's books, so that "every child can see themselves in a story". Her books include Tomorrow and The Jasmine Sneeze. She has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal, was winner of the Arab British Centre Award for Culture in 2019, and was selected as one of the BBC's '100 Most Influential and Inspiring Women' of 2020.