Same Here! The Differences We Share, written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Sophie Casson. Owlkids, 2022. $21.95 ages 8 and up

"Boozhoo! I speak Ojibwe and English. 
My first word in Ojibwe was nookomis.
That's "grandmother" 
What was YOUR first word? (Canada)"

No matter where children live in the world, they share the same needs: communicate, feel loved and protected, shelter, learn, eat, help our families, community, play, and dream. Of course, there are many differences, but needs are the same. In this valuable and celebratory book, Ms. Hughes takes a careful look at those differences in a child's life as well as the needs that make them the same as all children around the world. 

In six-page sections that focus on those needs one at a time, the author very successfully shows her readers that children from different backgrounds can voice their stories in first-person text that is both fascinating and accessible. The children talk about their first words in a variety of languages and across oceans in the opening section concerning communication. They live in the United States, Uganda, Colombia, New Caledonia, Egypt, Malaysia and Canada.  

The dialogue shared and conversational tone is very appealing for the target audience, and assures that many connections are made and much learning happens. Sophie Carson adds striking color to each page, while also providing focus on the variety in culture, community, and lifestyle. She certainly did the research needed for an authentic look at children and the lives they lead. There is so much to learn about the children of the world, and this team makes it seem easy. 

Sharing this book section by section in a group at school or with children at home will expand their view of the world itself and the people who live here. 

"Same here! For almost every meal, Mom cooks 
with maize flour. Most often, she cooks it into a
thick porridge called nshima. My favorite is when
she makes it like bread, to dip into ifisashi - peanut
stew. (Zambia)

We eat a lot of fish and seafood. But my favorite is a 
big square of gooey macaroni pie.  (Bahamas)

My family is vegetarian. We buy fresh vegetables
at the market every day. Sometimes we buy spices, 
too. Mom uses them to make the tastiest dishes - 
like my favorite, saag paneer! (India)"