I Look Like A Girl, by Sheila Hamanaka was one of my favorite books to read so far. It was a short book, and had very few words; but the message that the book conveys is what makes it so inspiring for young readers, especially young girls. As you turn the pages of this book you begin to realize a trend, each page begins with the same sentence, "I look like a girl," and continues on with something such as, "but I'm really a tiger, with a rumble, a roar, and a leap!" The book reflects the way girls are viewed based on society, but also how girls view themselves. The book uses similes and metaphors to convey how the characters in the book view themselves. One may think in society's eyes a girl is some fragile, "little girl," but the books characters show the Independence and drive girls have to achieve their goals. The diversity in the story is based on the illustrations that show girls from many different parts of the world. I feel this book is a great read for children of young ages, especially girls because it shows them that girls are able to do whatever they want, and being a girl shouldn't stop them from doing anything. A simple book, with a strong message. ( )

In my opinion, this story is very enjoyable to read and celebrates the independence of women. The language is extremely descriptive and exciting. Metaphors and similes are used to describe the attitudes and feelings of this girl. For example, the book reads, “For I’m really a mustang, wild horse on the mesa. Wind across the canyon floor. As I sore with condors, the Earth spins below me. I know how it feels to be free.” The writing is very engaging due to the use of figurative language and detailed descriptions of the animals’ energies. These exciting words evoke emotional responses of freedom, confidence, and self-assurance. The main character is expressing her independence when she states, “With the moon, I’ll be howling. With the wolves, I’ll be racing. Through a forest that never ends.” This character is telling the reader that she has a wild heart and is free to do whatever she wants. Gender stereotypes are challenged in this story when the book reads, “throw out those old myths about boys and girls and what you expect me to be.” The character does not want anyone telling her that she can’t be something because she’s a girl. I also love the beautifully drawn illustrations. The detailed drawings of animals and the colorful background images perfectly set the mood of the story. The book pushes readers to think about what it means to be independent. The big idea of the story is that girls should have just as much freedom and independence as boys. ( )

This is an example of fantasy because it’s about a girl who says she looks like a girl on the out side but inside she is all these wild animals.
Media oil paints ( )

GREAT-girl self esteem