Hair Like Mine

Kids Like Mine #1

by LaTashia M. Perry, Bea Jackson (Illustrator)

Hair Like Mine is a fun and easy read following a little girl who doesn't like that her naturally curly hair looks different from the other kids around her. On her quest to find someone with hair like hers, she soon realizes we are all unique and special in our own way.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural, African American, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

25 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

LaTashia Perry is the Founder and CEO of Kids Like Mine and the author of the 'Like Mine' children's picture book series.

LaTashia is committed to enriching and empowering the lives of children through positive affirmations and self-imagery. Kids Like Mine inspires children of color to embrace and love their true selves through the brand's products, which feature black and brown characters.

​LaTashia is a native of Flint, MI and a product of Flint Community Schools. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Virgil Perry and they share 5 children together.

Reviews

[nitya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but really powerful book about self love and appreciating (physical) differences! The artwork is so warm and lovely too. I only read one but will definitely check out the other books in this series.

[Tallon Dorough]

Text to text connection

Hair like mine is about a little girl that is on a search to find someone else that has the same hair as her. Soon after looking at all of her friends and distinguished the differences and realizes that not a single person is the same. This book reminds me of I Love My Hair by Natasha Tarpley. This book is about a little girl whos mother is doing her hair and it goes through all of the different types of hair styles that one could have.

[Karla Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally when looking at the title, I assumed this book would be all about hair, however, that wasn't necessarily the case. The main character expresses how no one around her has hair like hers (curly) and her mother points out that no one is the same. I liked this book because it didn't just talk about different hair, but different skin tones, features, and even toes. It really highlights that everyone is unique, no one is the same, even twins!

[Inna Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hair Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry is a contemporary/realistic fiction book about a little girl who doesn't like that her hair is different from other kids around her but soon comes to realization that she loves being one of a kind. This story is positive and uplifting because it can possibly relate to many kids today who may be struggling with accepting being different from others. Also, I love the illustrations throughout the book because they're beautiful with lots of detail which shows that the illustrator put lots of thought into making the pictures look realistic.
I would recommend this book to many young children that's starting school for the first time to read. This story not only promotes diversity but encourage children to embrace being different in every way. Most importantly, it encourages children to be confident in what makes them who they are and love everything about themselves. It shows the appreciation for diversity which highly supported throughout schools today. However, I think every teacher should have a book that promotes diversity in their classroom. Even if it's not this exact book, then a book that relates to embracing diversity.

[Brianna Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is centered around a little girl's experience having African American hair, I think this is a great read for children of all races, because it also shows children with various skin tones and textures of hair, both boys and girls. I also think it shows the human desire to be accepted as we are, and it shows appreciation for the diversity among humanity. It's realistic and relatable as it goes through her whole transformation as far as rejecting her hair and then coming to love it. Lastly, the illustrations are beautiful and you tell the artist put a lot of care into the details of the characters. It;s a great read that I would recommend at any age, so that children of color can begin to develop positive self images of themselves and be confident in their uniqueness. In fact, the fact that the author's race is reflective of the characters let's me know she understand how the girl really might feel as she comes to embrace her natural hair.

[Aleigha Ramkalawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hair Like Mine” by LaTashia M. Perry is one of my favorite contemporary realistic fiction books to read to my niece. Though it is focused on a specific young African American girl who is having a hard time accepting her different features, especially her hair, the message of is very important to all children and people. This award-winning book for children ages 4-8 is great book for the times we live in today. There are so many racial issues going on in school, even in elementary ages. There are many young children who are “programmed” into thinking that because they don’t look like their other friends, they are viewed in a negative light; a lot of children have a hard time of accepting themselves. I think this book does a great job of showing how being “different” from others is a good thing. The young girl struggles with accepting her hair texture and her mother helps her to point out that no two people are the same; that even though her friends have different hair, that doesn’t make her any less than extraordinary. I love this book because the illustrator does a great job of creating different children from diverse backgrounds, getting along together in the same school. There is a set of twins pictured in the book and the girl can point out the differences between them. The author was able to create a realistic story that young children can relate to, no matter their race or ethnicity. Though this is a fiction book, it’s something that can really happen. Children can read this book and feel uplifted in the fact that though they are different than their friends, they are still amazing people and it’s okay to be different because no two people are alike.

[Erin Engebreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows a young girl who struggles with the fact that she has never seen someone with hair like her own. Her mother explains to her that everyone has different features, and how beautiful her individual features are. Once she starts thinking and looking out for other’s individual features, she starts to realize that her mother was right, she does have beautiful features. In the end, she learns to love her hair, and that no one else has hair like her. In turn, she learns the importance of self love.
In the classroom, I would have students break off into partners and read the story together. Once they’ve had a chance to read the story, I would ask the partners to record traits they notice in their partner. Once they’ve had a chance to come up with some differences, I would call the class together and have them talk about the differences they see. I thought this would be a great tool to help students better understand their own individuality, and how we all have different features, which makes us unique and beautiful.

[Brianna N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This girl does not like her hair. She always complained about her hair. Her mother had to prove to her that everyone looks different. She finally realized that no one was like her. She kept comparing herself to everyone around her when she should have just liked what she was.

Analysis: This book definitely showed diversity which I think needs to be shown now a days. People are all different and we need to all embrace that we are different. God makes us all different and we need to not take that for granted. We need to keep others up and not down people for looking different. People are all great in their own ways no matter, their hair, their skin, or even their eye color.

Use in the classroom: I would use this book to show the kids that no one is alike and we need to embrace that we are all different. God gave us these unique looks. Also I can get them to make their own pictures for this book.

[Brandi Balzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hair Like Mine is a book about a little girl who does not like her natural curls. Throughout the book she searches for any two people who look alike, or at least someone who has the same hair as her. To no avail she quickly realizes no to people were created just alike, were all uniquely different and that is what makes each and every person special. This book is illustrated using watercolors and almost look as if they have a graphic design type of feel to them. The illustrations are extremely simple, however they do serve as a visual aid to keep the reader engaged.
I rated this book a two. Although I love the concept of the book I felt that the read was quite dry and it lacked a captivating story line. Also the illustrations were very simple and did not add any captivating element to the already basic story line.

[Allie Vaccaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This enchanting story is about a little girl who is frustrated by her naturally curly hair. On a mission to find someone with hair like hers, she discovers that everyone is unique in their own way. One little girl's journey to self-acceptance and appreciating diversity serves as an inspirational anthem to children across the world who may not feel as though their appearance is reflected by the community in which they live. There are lessons to be gained from this book by people of all ages, and it is a classic opportunity to share a book with children that may be either a window into the life of someone they don't relate to, or a mirror which reflects a familiar or relatable experience. Either way, this book serves as a mouthpiece for self-love and encouragement to accept yourself and others exactly as is.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hair Like Mine” by LaTashia Perry is a short illustrated book written in prose about a girl learning to love and accept her uniqueness though she looks different than her peers. The illustrations by Bea Jackson are watercolor-esque depictions of the variety between black children while Daughter (the main characters are unnamed) is struggling to find self-love because no one has “hair like mine.” This book is recommended for ages 3-9.

Both the author and illustrator are African American women from Michigan with a mission to empower young black girls to realize that their unique traits make them special, not other than. Perry followed up this book with “Skin Like Mine” as well as a line of African American dolls with curly hair for children to see themselves represented in a positive way.

[Adria Council · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is intended for ages 1-12. It is about a young girl that us curious about the type of hair she has and looks around for someone with hair like hers. Her mom tries to remind her that uniqueness is okay as well as being different than others is a gift. The illustrations in the book correlate to the feelings and emotions that were depicted within the book. The message presents a controversial topic that is prevalent in today's society and many African American women and children feel indifferent because of their hair. This book addresses these issues, especially for a younger audience. This book is great for children that feel like they don't fit in, as well as am insightful reading for adults that may need to enlighten children on being themselves and accepting differences. Review Date: 08/06

[Mari Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming book. A little girl is feeling sad because she can not find anyone that looks like her. She doesn't like feeling different, but her mother tells her that no two people are exactly alike. So she goes on a journey comparing her friend's differences and notices that everyone is a little different, even twins! She comes back home feeling defeated, but her mother encourages her and tells her some of her beautiful characteristics and how, even though she is her daughter, they are different too. She goes to sleep confident that her differences are what make her unique. I love everything about this book, the rhymes, the plot, the examples of differences, the sweet mother, and the illustrations! The illustrations look like they are done digitally and look so smooth, but at the same time textured. I want to have this book in my classroom one day.

[Kortney Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hair like mine is a realistic fiction story about a little girl that is on a search to find someone with hair like hers. The age level for this story ranges from 6-8 years old. This story is about a little girl who is African American starting to notice the differences each of her classmates has from each other. I rated this story a five star because I think this story can help children of all races know that even though we are the same we all have unique differences. The theme of this story is about the little girl realizing that we are all unique and our own special way. I love the illustrations throughout this story and I like how they used her in a school setting to find unique things between her and her classmates. I think this is a good read for teachers to read because it allows children to accept who they are as a person and that everyone has a purpose on this earth.

[Ashley Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with a young girl who is "searching" for someone with hair like hers! Her mom tells her that everyone is different! She responds that her friends look the same, but have different hair! So her mom is right. Then she says her other two friends look alike, but one is tall and one is small! So, her mother is right again! The story continues like this, and the young lady tries to find someone just like her, but God makes no one person the same!

This book is good for someone who thinks that they are not unique or not their own person. It helps show that everyone is different, no matter their skin color, height, weight or face shape! God made us just how He wanted us to be. Five stars.

[Laura De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awards: N/A

Grade Levels: Kindergarten-6th

Original Summary: This book was about a girl with very curly hair who was very upset by the fact that she could not find anyone with hair like hers. She searched all around and could not find anyone who did, or any two people who looked exactly alike. In the end she realized that it was actually very cool to know that no two people looked the exact same.

Original Review: This book is a wonderful lesson to all children. It shows them that it is perfectly fine to be different, and that being unique is very special. It is a perfect example for children to accept themselves for who they are.

In-Class Uses: Teachers can have children share what makes them unique, they could also have children draw pictures of themselves.

[Ayanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fiction picture book is about a little girl who has amazing curly hair but she doesn’t find her appearance to be amazing because she can’t find anyone who has hair like hers. She feels different from every one else. I rated this book with 4 stars because the message is very personal to me. I have hair that can’t be tamed and it gets frizzy in any kind of weather. I also always felt different when I was around other people. I believe “Hair Like Mine” would be appealing to younger readers because it teaches them that it is okay to be different and that different is beautiful. Another thing I liked about this book is that the characters were of color, so that was a plus because I never read a book with only African American people in it.

[Natalie Mathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hair Like Mine is a fun and easy read following a little girl who doesn't like that her naturally curly hair looks different from the other kids around her. On her quest to find someone with hair like hers, she soon realizes we are all unique and special in our own way. Similar to Skin Like Mine, this book tries to teach children that not everyone looks the same, and that is okay. It is what is on the inside that matters the most. I would rate this book a ⅘, as it does a very good job of teaching children not to worry about how they look. It also does a very good job of being relatable to many young children, as many children struggle with the idea that not everyone looks the same as them.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is quirky and fun for every child who is learning to accept the many differences that make them who they are! I loved this story because of the main character, a little girl who is struggling with accepting her curly fro due to what society deems okay. The thing that really pulled me in had to be the bright and colorful pictures, also how the overall story is to make not just black girls with curly hair but all kids to realize that they are unique and created in their own way. This story promotes the diversity that we continuously see on a daily basis around us. Overall, very positive and uplifting piece.

[Karissa Dingess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. I think that a book like this is something that many women should give a read. As a girl who often is too hard on herself, I too needed a good reminder that being different is okay. I think that this story helps us to understand that we aren't all the same. We all have different skin color, eye color, hair types, face shape and so much more. In times where society sets beauty standards for women I think this book reassures us that we are all beautifully and uniquely made in our own different ways. This book made me feel good about myself! :)

[Donovan Albert]

This book is perfect for encouraging students to accept themselves and each other for who they are. It explains how no two people are the same and how even if nobody looks like you, you are amazing the way you are. This book is diverse. The story follows an African American girl who is discouraged about why nobody has hair like her until she accepts that everybody is different and that’s what makes the world interesting. I would read this out loud if I thought the subject needed to be touched on in my future classroom. Look for similar books made for students with all different hair types.

[Bezawit Woldeyohannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a little girl that is learning about being different. This little girl did not like her naturally curly hair and did not like the way she looked different from the other kids around her. In the book she finds someone with hair like hers, she then realizes it is ok to be different. After all, we are all unique and special in our way, and little kids need to know is different means unique and amazing. I think this book can help kids to understand that they are beautiful in their own way.

[Veronika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book about a little girl who decides she doesn't like the way that she looks and doesn't like her hair (because it is too curly, too frizzy, and shrinks up). She also goes on a search for two people who look alike after her mother says that God makes everyone different and unique and that no two people are exactly the same. After she proves her mother right, she learns to love herself and accept her differences from everyone else.

Artwork was cute and I liked the little bit of rhyming that was involved.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love! As a curly girl who grew up in a time were straight hair was all the rage I would have adored this book. I love that the author incorporates that God made everyone different, and different is unique and beautiful to each child. Very gentle and kind in observations of others.

The illustrations are gorgeous too! I love the style and balance between illustrations and white space.

The only thing I didn't love was the slight rhyming scheme. To me, it felt a little disjointed. But that's my only criticism.

I'd love to add this book to my personal library.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really cute and that the illustrations were beautiful! This story is about a girl who wants to find someone with hair like hers. Her mom tells her that no two people are the same. She then goes looking for two people that look the same, but realizes that no two people look the same, not even twins. At the end of story she accepts that everyone is different and appreciates her differences.

[Ayrriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: The main character in this story is the little girl. The setting takes place in the main character home. A young little girl doesn't like her natural curly hair. She doesn't like how she looks different than the other kids around her. She finds that someone with naturally curly hair just like hers. The little girl realize that everyone is unique in their own way and special in their own way.

Rating: 5

Explanation: I love that a young girl realize that she should love and accept herself just for who she is. She understand that it's okay to be different than the other kids around her. She learn that not everyone can have the same hair.

[Catrina McKittrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super cute, and can be a fun way to diversify a book collection. I like the morals behind it, and the illustrations add a really genuine touch. Telling the story of a young girl who did not understand why her hair was different from everyone else, and later growing into the point that everyone was different, and her hair made her unique. The message behind this book is perfect and a good read for younger kids!

[Daizy Monagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a girl who feels like she can't relate to anyone because her hair is different. Her mom tells her that everyone is different and looks different. She realizes that everyone has different hair and different features. She sees that she is unique and that it's a good thing. This would be a great book for a classroom because it shows people that everyone is different and unique and that it's okay.

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hair Like Mine" is a heartwarming celebration of individuality and self-acceptance that every young Black child needs to experience. Perry beautifully captures the essence of Black hair, showcasing its diversity and uniqueness through stunning illustrations and a relatable narrative. I recommend it for children and families looking to promote diversity and confidence in young readers especially at home.

[Alicia Tavernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about acceptance and many children can relate to the feelings that the little girl is feeling. This book can help to reassure children that everyone is different in their own way and there's nothing wrong. This book has bright illustrations that fill up the pages. I gave this book 5 stars out of 5 stars because of the positive message it gives to children.