Just Like Me

by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

An ode to the girl with scrapes on her knees and flowers in her hair, and every girl in between, this exquisite treasury will appeal to readers of Dear Girl and I Am Enough and have kids poring over it to find a poem that's just for them.

I am a canvas
Being painted on
By the words of my family
Friends
And community

From Vanessa Brantley-Newton, the author of Grandma's Purse, comes a collection of poetry filled with engaging mini-stories about girls of all kinds: girls who feel happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don't; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mother and girls who wish they had a father. With bright portraits in Vanessa's signature style of vibrant colors and unique patterns and fabrics, this book invites readers to find themselves and each other within its pages.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Cultural, African American, Feminism

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2020

About the author

Vanessa Brantley Newton attended both SVA and FIT of New York, where she studied fashion and children’s illustration. An artist swathed in retro chic, she loves all things vintage – especially books and clothes from the 40s through the 60’s – and it shines through in her designs, which run the gamut of fun and whimsical to stylish and sophisticated. She loves to add unique touches to her work, including mixed media accents, collage, and hand lettering.

Vanessa was born during the Civil Rights movement, and attended school in Newark, NJ. Being part of a diverse, tight-knit community during such turbulent times, Vanessa learned the importance of acceptance and empowerment in shaping a young person’s life. When she read Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, it was the first time she saw herself in a children’s book. It was a defining moment in her life, and has made her into the artist she is today. As an illustrator, she includes children of all ethnic backgrounds in her stories and artwork. She wants all children to see their unique experiences reflected in the books they read, so they can feel the same sense of empowerment and recognition she experienced as a young reader.

Vanessa celebrates self-love and acceptance of all cultures through her work, and hopes to inspire young readers to find their own voices. She first learned to express herself as a little girl through song. Growing up in a musical family, Vanessa’s parents taught her how to sing to help overcome her stuttering. Each night the family would gather to make music together, with her mom on piano, her dad on guitar, and Vanessa and her sister, Coy, singing the blues, gospel, spirituals, and jazz. Now whenever she illustrates, music fills the air and finds its way into her art. The children she draws can be seen dancing, wiggling, and moving freely across the page in an expression of happiness. Music is a constant celebration, no matter the occasion, and Vanessa hopes her illustrations bring joy to others, with the same magic of a beautiful melody.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are one page poems about feelings, appearance, being strong and resilient. It’s directed toward girls about growing up and dealing with the world. Sundress blues is funny about the wind playing havoc with your dress. Been there. One day, a draft took my dress up over my face, lord mercy. I had to fight to keep it down. In that situation, what can you do, so I laughed at myself.

I love the bright and hopeful artwork. A beautiful book. I enjoyed this so much.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been so long since I was a kid. I'm not sure if this is the sort of thing kids would like. I'm especially not sure if it's something today's kids would like. As an adult, I enjoyed it and probably got quite a bit out of it. I'm just not sure of the appeal of free-verse poetry for the younger set.

What I really like here, though, are the illustrations. I've read other books written and/or illustrated by Brantley-Newton, and I've usually been impressed. Here, we have a diverse cast of female characters set against lovely mixed-media backdrops that are exploding with colour and whimsy. While some of the poems left me feeling a bit indifferent, most of the illustrations had me eagerly poring over the pages and anticipating what I'd see when I'd turn to the next spread.

I think this might be more suitable for slightly older girls (there's a poem about pimples in here, after all) who are starting to think more about themselves and their place in the world. I'd recommend this one for the illustrations alone, but those who can get something out of the text will probably find this one to be a winner.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each year my family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books. Just Like Me, written and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, is book #9 (of 22) of 2020. Poems for girls.

Lyra (13): 3 stars. Kinda seems like cliched writing prompts that are trying to relate to girls of all ages. Some are sweet, though, and it tells young readers to embrace and love yourselves for everything that makes you you. Which is cool. Fun, beautiful art. [Okay, I’ll admit that I decided to move my family rating of this book from 2 stars to 3 stars mainly because of what Lyra says. And Hank gave it four stars.]

Hank (14): 4 stars. I like the poems and how they all kind of connect with each other.

Harry (15): 2 stars. I like the art and rhymes, but it feels like just random thoughts on every page.

Tara: 2 stars. IDK, just ok. Again, as with so many others this year, what age is it really for? One poem mentions pimples? Younger kids don’t want to hear about that.

Dave: 1.5 stars. I like the cover, but I like the art style just a little better than the poetry, for girls, which I really dislike. A mass of cliches and bad writing over all that many high school students could improve on.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Vanessa Brantley-Newton ever since I encountered her illustrations in Early Sunday Morning. I tracked down a copy of Grandma's Purse and loved that as well. Even though it has been decades since I was a child, I still find delight in many children's illustrated books.

Vanessa Brantley-Newton has not lost touch with the sensitivities, questions, and perceptions of children - little girls in particular - and her writing and illustrations reflect that. Just Like Me is comprised of 28 free verse poems reflective of a rich multiplicity of girl power. Girls with pimples, freckles, and dresses that blow in the wind. City girls and country girls, empowered girls and curious girls, shy girls, weird girls, and more. The illustrations are full of details, color, pattern, collage, and energy. All kinds of black girls, brown girls, asian girls, white girls, and even biracial girls will find themselves in these pages.

Here is a sampling from Just Like Me that I would loved to have encountered when I was a little girl:

"Weird" (by Vanessa Brantley-Newton)

I love me weird and strange
I love my peanut butter sandwiches with jelly beans
I love a good Coca-Cola with peanuts inside
I love to sit behind the living room drapes reading my books
and talking to invisible friends about wild adventures
I love the sound of double-Dutchers on street corners
the tap-tap-tapping of their feet
I love the smell of Mama's black coffee and the strong flavor when I steal a sip
I love the sound of creaky doors and squeaky floors
and I love a good scare
I love my friends
who are different from me
'cause that's what a friend is supposed to be
Some are funny
some are cute
All are brilliant
and sweet
But they are them
and I am me
And if you're weird
then you have a friend in me

[donna backshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the dedication says everything I would want to say about this fantastic book about empowering girls everywhere:

"For every little girl who is becoming a big girl.
I like you just the way you are.
Shine, girl, shine.
--VB-N"

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Uplifting”
“Empowering”

Ever see a word used so much that the meaning begins to blur after a while? If you lived your whole life buying books based on their reviews rather than seeing the books firsthand, you would be forgiven for just sort of meshing all the books that get tagged with those words together in the swampy fog of your mind. And normally I don’t look at the professional reviews all that closely when I have a book in hand. Still, in the case of Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton I found myself a bit tongue-tied. What were other reviewers saying that really promoted the wide array of artistic styles coupled with the adept poetry on display here? How were they conveying the tone of this book, and the way in which this book stands out from others that might follow similar lines of thought?

“Uplifting”
“Empowering”

Not untrue, but we can do better. We may have spent the better part of Poetry Month sheltering in place, but that doesn’t mean poetry went to sleep. Instead, books like this one have just been biding their time. Go out. Find it. Discover it. And discover why a book this good deserves some keener adjectives in its arsenal.

“I am a canvas / being painted on / by the words of my family / friends / and community.” A complicated concept that could lead to conversations about whether or not a person should mindlessly allow themselves to be defined by others, yes? But in Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s Just Like Me this is the poem that kicks off the entire book. Ostensibly this is a book that kids (according to the publisher) will use to find the poem that’s “just like them”. I can see that, but when I look at the 28 poems I see an amalgamation of different ways of looking at girls. I see poems that delve deeply into their subjects and others that just crest the surface. A book that is more than just the sum of its parts.

It’s always a bit of a treat to find out that a talented artist writes well too. Now I’d be the first person to admit that there are a lot of books that look like Just Like Me out there. We do not lack for strong girl picture books and works of poetry. But how many of those books stand out? I’d argue that this one does on a number of levels and it’s all because of the poems. From the wistful “A Wish for Daddy” that speaks to a deep private sadness, to the goofball positive “Weird”, to my personal favorite “Sundress Blues” where a girl complains that “My sundress and I are no longer friends” (but ends “the wind began blowing my dress here and there / and showing off my underwear / Well . . . / at least they were cute”). I just really dug the tone of this book. Were every poem in this book sunny/happy/cheery, etc. it would be a perfectly decent offering, but it’s that little jolt of sadness once in a while that keeps it going strong. Of course I found a couple poems suffer from what I have deemed the Hug-o-War Problem. These are poems that simplify big problems just a bit too much and a bit too easily. But overall I enjoyed what Brantley-Newton was putting down.

I was also quite keen on the fact that the artistic style employed changes a great deal from spread to spread (and sometimes from page to page). I like to think we all already knew that Brantley-Newton was capable of a wide array of different styles. The first book of hers I ever remember reading was the thoroughly charming Drum City by Thea Guidone. After that, I thought I’d know what to expect from her. Yet the woman keeps you on your toes, never quite settling for a single look. To the best of my knowledge she’s never collected all these styles into one book before. It took me a little while to put my finger on what was so different between some of these, and then it hit me: The whites of the eyes! There’s a world of difference between a character that has dots for eyes and one where you can see the whites. And after you notice that then you notice the collage, the charcoal, the pencils and pastels and acrylic paints and all the other methods the artist used to bring this work to life. This is a book that is working its tail off to keep your eyes from getting bored or used to anything. You are going to pay attention to what you see, whether you want to or not.

I get bored by picture books that do only one thing. And yes, I’m completely aware of how incredibly snobby that sounds. For crying out loud, picture books aren’t written for ME, right? They’re written for kids that don’t know any better. But kids aren’t these empty little vessels you pour words and pictures into. They have opinions and thoughts on what makes a book good or bad to them. Feed them a diet of really good books and that’s going to come out in other ways. So if you hand them Just Like Me and you read them Just Like Me and they take away from Just Like Me the fact that they are strong, and weird, and worthy, and loved, and that book is doing a ton of different things all at once, then isn't shaking things up is the best way to go with picture book poetry collections? Remember at the beginning of this review when I said that the words “uplifting” and “empowering” could be overused? Well, let me hand you some additional terms that sum this book up for me. “Fun”. “Insightful.” “Marvelously rendered.” “Piquant.” I could go on, but let’s let the book speak for itself. Or, even better, speak to our kids.

For ages 4-7.

[Mariah Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry, especially for children.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations aren't the only bright and colorful part of this book-- these poems shine just as much. In Just Like Me you will find positive, affirming (and a couple bittersweet) poems relatable to any young girl; but they aren't just for girls. Gorgeous mixed-media/collage style art accompanies each poem, be it sweet, clever, or bold. This is a wonderful poetry collection that must not be missed!

[This Kooky Wildflower Loves a Little Tea and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I wish this book had existed when I was younger. So much representation for little girls, a paper chain, as mentioned, from every color and walk of life, every joy or sorrow, every smile or frown.

This chain comes together in this book to share the magic of little girls.

Highly recommended for school and classroom libraries as well as personal bookshelves.

5/5

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bold collection of poems for strong girls everywhere.

"The day I decided to become sunshine
in my own world
everything changed
I decided to shine my little light
into the darkest corners
of my community..."

"Bullies
monsters
dragons
and goons

try to scare
me with gloom
and doom

But I just
pull out my dustpan
and broom
and sweep them
away
I'm brave today
Yay!"

A poem for every mood.
Every wish.
Every dream.

"Like a paper chain...
we link up to...
and aspire to go
higher and higher
pulling each other up
so that she can be
a powerful link in our paper chain
encouraging each other to be
gentle yet strong...."

You can't help feeling uplifted by this lovely book of poems.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first 2020-published picture book that I have read. It features charming collage-style illustrations and poems about diverse girls and their various interests, thoughts, and feelings. I thought that it was nice, but it didn't grip me. Some of the poems were better than others, and I preferred the playful and thoughtful ones to the ones about Creating Change or fighting for rights, simply because the moral messages of this book were better suited to a different format and seemed vague and forced here.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn...this was a timely book to read though it's not a picture book in the way I thought it was. Instead of being a storybook it's more of a poetry collection.

I'm just going to leave the lines from the last poem in the book right here:
...
encouraging each other to be
gentle yet strong
loving and kind
each one reaching out
until our link crosses this world
like the change
we long to see
We can't do it until everyone joins in...

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these poems are funny. Kids will enjoy "Pimples" and "Sundress Blues". "Girl Fight" will cath their attention and "A Wish for Daddy" will break their heart. And those with curly or wavy hair (like me) will identify with "My Crown".

[Abby Johnson]

I love Vanessa Brantley-Newton's vibrant illustrations. This empowering collection of poetry celebrates girl power and all the different kinds of girls that make up our wonderful country.

[Christina Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I adored every bit of this book! Vanessa Brantley-Newton's talent is a gift in every poetic line and in each beautifully detailed illustration. Just Like Me is just the right book for every little girl. It's for the dreamers, the doorbusters, the ones who raise their voice. It's for the soft-spoken and the chill girls, the warriors and the way-makers. It celebrates positive self-image, social and emotional well being, family and friendship, with a whole lot of heart.

Take the time to digest each poem. They are rich with encouragement, enveloped with honesty, and penned with care. Your reader is certain to find a reflection of themselves somewhere in and between the lines. I'm also confident that they will enjoy the bright colors and the variety of textures and patterns that Vanessa Brantley-Newton uses throughout. It is a sight to behold. I've been buying books for my nieces who range in age from 2 to 4 and Just Like Me is one that I will make sure to send them copies of. I will also be adding a copy to my K-5 library. It is recommended for ages 4-8.

Here is one of my favorite poems:

Explorer

I am an explorer
going places that I've never
even heard of
or seen with my eyes
But I feel in my heart
I am going places

And through daydreams
and night dreams
flying high in the sky
I am an explorer
exploring possibilities

- From Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

With painted illustrations and an optimistic rhyming scheme, Just Like Me offers the reflection of experiences and feelings that many girls may have about their lives growing up.  From living in the country to the city, with scrapes on their knees and flowers in their hair, there are moments in time which every girl shares the experience of wanting, embarrassment, and having all out fun.  

I honestly didn't expect this book to be a collection of poems, but it was a wonderful surprise!  The illustrations were vivid and colorful and totally fun to boot!  This is a great way to introduce your young one to poetry, and this book makes for a great time for comparing and relating to the experiences described within.  Great for grades 1-3.

Review cross-listed here!

[Annese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book! From the art, to the text, it was a wonderful read. I had the opportunity to hear Vanessa Brantley-Newton read some of her poems aloud, and it made the book even better - to hear her intended rhyme and phrasing throughout the book. Love!

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annual Goodreads Choice Awards reading project: Read all the Picture Book nominees! (16 of 20)

Nice and earnest in its sentiments, but it's poetry, and I'm rarely a lover of poetry (or even liker or endurer of poetry), especially the sort that puts random hard returns in the middle of sentences.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Positive, empowering, creative, and real. I loved the vibrancy of this book. Short and sassy and uplifting. Would love for girls everywhere to read this.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of enjoyable poetry for elementary age girls. Pleasant and entertaining and a book I’d love to read to my students.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a sweet collection that celebrates you for being you. The poems can apply to many types of girls, but there are some specific to Black girls that I'm glad were included.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book that illustrates stories about different types of girls, using beautiful words in the form of poems that tell a short story and vibrant illustrations!

[Carlton Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this book came in second for 2020 best picture book and I can see why. This was great! I think I’m biased to this because I really love poetry and this book had such a cute selection of poems. They gave self love and acceptance and I believe these are poems children should start reading.

[Chandler Sizemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at Barnes & Noble in a poetry book section and it was so cute, I just had to buy it! The book is composed of different poems written in the voice of several girls with different lifestyles or hobbies. The illustrations were BEAUTIFUL; I just loved the bright colors and abstract works and montages to make pictures. I do believe the author intended for this book to be only for girls, as that is the central theme of the story: for women to link together and embrace themselves and you probably would not be able to use this book in a typical classroom for that reason because boys would not be interested in the book. I do think it would be great to read in a girls club or something like that. The age group could range anywhere from child-adult. I really enjoyed reading this; it is very uplifting and encouraging. All women should give it a read!

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beautiful water color illustrations. I liked that this picture book was about girl empowerment, and showcased a diverse group of girls in different living situations. For example, both girls who live in the city and the rural countryside were portrayed. I did think it was a bit strange that there was a story about getting pimples in it as I would think the age group for this would be too young to be worrying about acne yet.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

This was such an amazing book. The illustrations are so dynamic and beautiful. I can just imagine reading this to a younger group of kids and they would be obsessed. These poems are very powerful and an anthem to girlhood. I love how inclusive they are of different personalities and backgrounds but have unifying themes of empowerment. I can't even pick a favorite poem, they are all that good.

[Lisa]

I loved the beautiful illustrations. The poems were variable but it was fun to pick out some that were relevant and shorter for my 5 year old. I also enjoyed reading a book that focused on girls to my son since the inverse happens all the time.

[deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful, positive, and empowering- what a great collection of freeform poems for young readers! Such a visual and uplifting treat of a book.

[Martha andrade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure that my little me would like this, or even if the new generations like it, but as an adult I like that a children's book has poems of inclusion and self-improvement.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great gift book to my daughter. Loved the message and bright illustrations.