Summary
This story takes us page by page introducing a new character, and explaining what makes their skin unique. The author uses comparison to foods to show how each skin tone is one of a kind. Skin Like Mine relays the message that what we look like on the outside can be special, but it is what’s on the inside that truly matters.
Theme(s):
Identity, Diversity, Self-Esteem
Personal Response
This book makes it easy for children to understand and appreciate the difference in skin tones by comparing it to something we all know and love: food! I think that the illustrations of the food comparisons are what really sold this book for me. It makes differences fun and easy to understand and accept! Teaching our littlest learners to love the skin they’re in should be top priority.
Teaching Ideas
To empower children’s sense of self-image and identity it would be great to follow up a read aloud of Skin Like Mine with a craft. Using multicultural construction paper and Crayola “Colors Around the world” markers, students can create a self portrait. To incorporate place and sensory, students can collect items from outside or home to add to their portrait. For example, they can use yarn as hair on their portrait. It may be helpful to provide hand mirrors for young learners to see themselves.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03
