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Just Like Me features the work and words of fourteen outstanding visual artists from African American, Asian American, Chicano, Native American, and Jewish communities in the United States and Mexico. In this anthology, unforgettable images and words illustrate the diverse paths the artists took from childhood to adulthood.
Each two-page spread presents a self-portrait, a statement by the artist, and photographs of the artist as a child and an adult. The stories accompanying each piece explore the artists' inspirations, communities, and visions of themselves and their work. Through their words and their art, the artists share their memories and their visions for the future. Enrique Chagoya writes, “Art for me is an act of freedom, an act of intuition, an act of trust in myself. Art is also a way for me to express my concerns, dreams, and hopes for the society in which we live.” And Michelle Wood helps us to understand her portrait with the words, “My character is a strong, fearless woman symbolizing the well-being of my people. I am free of fear, ready to forge ahead, hand in hand with my ancestors.”
Just Like Me is also a rich classroom resource for teachers wishing to inspire the future writers and artists in their own classrooms. The stories serve as models for the autobiographies the children themselves may write, encouraging them to reflect on their past and look toward their future. The diverse artistic styles illustrate the many different forms that outstanding art, and lives, can take. Because many of the artists emphasize the importance of their families and their communities, the book can be connected to a wide range of themes in social studies and language arts.
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Multicultural: Includes artists from the African American, Asian American, Native American, Jewish, and Latino/Chicano communities.
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Life stories:
Autobiography; Memoir; Life Paths
Visual Art:
Artistic Styles and Influences; Communicating through Images
Personal identity:
Ethnicity; Community; Family; Vocations and Occupations
Each of these fourteen award-winning artists has created the art for one or more of Children's Book Press's multicultural picture books. Dedicated to sharing their creative visions, many of the contributors also lead workshops for children and families through Children's Book Press Community Programs in schools and libraries. Harriet Rohmer, the founder of Children's Book Press, worked closely with all of the artists on the books they illustrated. These collaborations inspired her to create an anthology celebrating their lives and work.
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