When You Look Like Us
on Goodreads (1,669)
What’s inside...
When you look like us—brown skin, brown eyes, black braids or fades—people think you’re trouble. No one looks twice at a missing black girl from the projects because she must’ve brought whatever happened to her upon herself. I, Jay Murphy, can admit that, for a minute, I thought my sister, Nicole, got too caught up with her boyfriend—a drug dealer—and his friends. But she’s been gone too long now. If I hadn’t hung up on her that night, she’d be spending time with our grandma. If I was a better brother, she’d be finishing senior year instead of being another name on a missing persons list. It’s time to step up and do what the Newport News police department won’t. Nic, I’m bringing you home. A high-speed story that will draw teens in and keep them turning pages until they reach the unpredictable and thrilling ending. A must for YA collections.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Jay’s feelings towards his responsibilities and family evolve throughout the story?
What do you think motivated Nicole to make the choices she did?
How do the themes of community and belonging show up in the story? Can you relate to those feelings?
What could you learn from Jay's bravery and determination?
How might this story be different if it was set in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the stage by discussing the main themes of identity and social justice before diving into the book.
Use the key questions to guide a discussion, pausing at pivotal moments in the story to explore your child’s thoughts and feelings.
Relate the story’s setting and conflicts to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation relevant and engaging.
Encourage empathy by discussing how different characters might feel in various situations within the book.
Highlight Jay’s character development and decision-making process to help your child understand the complexity of his choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: The protagonist, Jay, learns to take responsibility for his actions and the impact they have on others, including his sister Nicole and his community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of being responsible for their actions and the effects these actions can have on those around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Jay’s journey, readers see the importance of understanding and empathizing with others’ experiences, especially in marginalized communities.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to foster empathy by actively listening to and trying to understand the perspectives and feelings of their peers and community members.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community Support
Explanation: The story highlights how critical family and community support is in overcoming challenges and hardships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of maintaining strong connections with family and community members and seeking their support during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Courage to Confront Injustice
Explanation: Jay shows courage in the face of injustice as he searches for his sister and stands up to societal challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be brave and stand up against unfairness, whether it’s in their immediate environment or broader society.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates Jay’s resilience as he navigates through difficult situations while maintaining hope and determination.
Real-World Application: It shows children the importance of resilience, teaching them to remain hopeful and persistent despite facing challenges or setbacks.