Same Here! - by Susan Hughes

About the Book

"Children around the world have vastly different lives - different cultures, different geography, socio-economic realities, differing access to health and education. They speak different languages and eat different foods. But despite these differences, they all share common needs: the need to communicate, to feel loved and protected, the need to have a place to live, the need to learn, to eat, to play, and to dream for the future. Using careful and extensive research, Susan Hughes, the author of the best-selling Off To Class, presents readers with a variety of characters from around the world who share how they live their lives. Each section starts with a close-up of a child talking about their experiences, and then moves on to two additional spreads exploring the experiences of children from other parts of the world. Her hope: that young readers will connects with these characters and join with them in saying 'Same here!' Our world has seen many big changes recently--changes that have affected each one of us, old and young, in every country around the world. Difficult changes such as climate warming, food insecurity, pandemics, and other health concerns. These are--and continue to be--difficult challenges. However, by challenging us, they can also inspire us. The children shown in this book are strong evidence that despite our many and important differences, we are indeed citizens of a global village who share needs and goals. And we have a responsibility and the ability to join together to create positive change for all. To not only cope with, but find solutions to, global problems."--

Book Synopsis

Explore how kids around the world live and the common needs that unite them

Children around the world live different lives from one another--different cultures, different geographic and socio-economic realities, differing access to health and education. Despite these differences, they all share common needs: the need to feel loved and protected, the need to have a place to live, the need to learn, to eat, to play, to share, and to dream for the future.

Grounded in careful and extensive research, this book by best-selling author Susan Hughes introduces readers to kids from around the world and the lives they lead. The child-centered narrative and playful illustrations explore how education, family, free time, and other aspects of daily life look different depending on who you are and where you live.

Perfect for fostering a global worldview, Same Here! encourages kids to draw connections to their own lives while learning about the experiences of others.

Review Quotes

"Ideal for middle grade readers (and younger readers, too!) interested in accessible informational text that provides snapshots about customs and cultures around the world."-- "ReaderKidz"

"In this valuable and celebratory book, [Hughes] takes a careful look at those differences in a child's life as well as the needs that make them the same as all children around the world."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"The format combines effective elements of nonfiction picture books built on a narrative voice and the cleanly distilled details of early reference books."

"A wonderful opportunity for children, youth, and adults to learn about each other, the community, and the world."

"This thoughtful volume will appeal to older readers seeking a snapshot of childhood across the globe."


"Topics are presented using nonjudgmental language that emphasizes the positives of each child's situation ... An uplifting look at childhood around the world."-- "Booklist"