This is one of the best picture books I have read. It takes such heavy subject matter and eloquently makes it age appropriate without diluting the truth. I think the mention to talk about the death of George Floyd with an adult was an important inclusion, to ensure that the way information is presented to kids accounts for what they are able to understand.

I loved the verse about why the statues were not heroes, and the simple demonstration of how kids can be heroes through small actions - like attending a protest with their family. Even if children do not have the means to attend a protest themselves, the story inspires them to be heroes in their own communities. Would HIGHLY recommend.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this title to read and review. I found this to be a really well-done story that contextualizes difficult and heavy topics like protests and historical wrongs in a very child-friendly way: through examining what it means to be a hero. It will encourage kids to think about traits they find heroic, how they look for those traits in themselves and others, and how the same standards can be applied to critically examining history.

This is a powerful book. The text is lyrical and engaging. The illustrations are gorgeous! It’s a bit advanced for my son, but I used it an opportunity to teach him about rallies, protests, and standing for what is right. Highly recommend reading this book.

“Every day,
On our way,
We see him:
An old stone man…”

'A Hero Like Me' is a powerful children's book inspired by real-life events, specifically the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in Bristol, England.

It uses lyricism to tell the story about the removal of a statue of a slave trader and questions the need for statues and heroes.

The narrator is on a search for heroes who hold peace, justice, courage, and kindness in high regard until she finds one. '

A Hero Like Me' is a must-read. The perfect tool for starting important conversations with children. It comes with additional information for adults (parents & teachers) to discuss, what could be viewed as complex topics, with young people.

It's perfect for primary schools.

Thanks #NetGalley for the opportunity to discover such wonderful work.

#AHeroLikeMe #NetGalley

There are statues of dead white men all over this country as well as others that were colonized by the British. In this picture book, based on Jen Reid’s real life protest in Bristol, UK. In real-life, the people at the protest, which was done for George Flyod, came across the slave trader Edward Colston’s statue, and just had enough, and toppled it and threw it in the Bristol Harbor. Then Jen climbed up on the plinth, and raised her fist.
Later, Marc Quinn made a statue of her, that was up for 24 hours, before the authorities removed it.

But in this picture book, based on that, the people not only topple on statue, they take down a bunch of them, and put up ones of local people, people that were more important to them.

It is an affirming book, letting kids know that they don’t have to support the old ways, but there are more important people out there to honor than old dead white men who profited from the slave trade.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 6th of June 2023.

What a powerful kids book! This is a must have! The story and illustrations are beautiful. Thank you so much to netgalley and the author/publisher for letting me experience this greatness!

This book is a must have for all home libraries! The art is gorgeous and helps tell a moving and powerful story of what we should look up to and immortalize in our monuments.

Inspired by Jen Reid, an activist in England, this story uses lyrical verse to tell of the dismantling of a statue of a slave merchant and the hopeful replacement of Jen herself.

This story inspired me to look into Jen’s journey. I loved sharing it with my daughter and hearing her questions about the statues as we read.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I admit I chose to read this book solely based on the cover/title and no additional information. This book encapsulates some very profound and painful truths, giving kids a starting point for very important conversations to be had.

This book is centered around the 2020 BLM protests in response to police killing George Floyd. Specifically, those in Bristol, England, where protesters removed a statue of a slave trader.

This book is written like poetry and with beautiful illustrations. I think it's uncomfortable in a way that promotes introspection and invites curiosity and growth.

I like that at the end, there is additional information about the events written and there's questions and encouragement for kiddos and an adult to discuss.

This books brings to question the concept of heroes and shines light in the history of how society has defined such. Inviting young readers to question within themselves their definition of hero. It has potential to be inspiring and to empower.

I've yet to see a book inspired by the 2020 protests; until now. This beautiful, well-written, inspirational story belongs in schools. As an aunt to two incredible black babies, I want them to read books like this and understand that it's okay to stand up for your beliefs and stand firm in your power. The art in this book is beautiful, colorful, and incredibly detailed. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to empower minority children.

An important book for children to read. It fosters critical thinking with their adult guardians, helps them think "what is the definition of a hero? Are heroes of yesterdays still worthy of admiration today?". It guides children to think about values, and not to blindly accept everything they are told. This book definitely needs to be read with an adult guiding. The issues are deep and potentially painful.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a story with heavy topics dealt with in a beautiful manner that did not sugar coat it but helped the young reader know the story. I really enjoyed the discussion about heroes and where we can find them. It tells us how important it is to think of who are heroes and why we feel they are our heroes.

It talks about the qualities of Justice, Kindness and peace as being the true qualities of a hero.

I would use this in my classroom to open up discussions with age appropriate questions about qualities we look for in the people we admire. This book would help facilitate the discussion on how to find true Heroes in our lives and what qualities to look for. It can help us to think of why it is so important to look for justice and equality for everyone.

I truly think as an educator the greatest gift we can give apart from educating our young is to give them a voice and help them see themselves in the world around them and I feel this book would help me do this in my classroom. It would help people feel seen and heard! I will use this in my classroom.

A Hero Like Me is a powerful read inspired by true events. I like the illustrations as well as the message implied in this book, which empowers children to know and defend their rights while also making us all aware of the true meaning of a hero. I loved it!

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
This book covers the June 7th, 2020 anti-racism protest in Bristol, England. The writing is in the style of a poem. It makes the point of who is a hero and who deserves a statue. This is a good book for anyone who wants to learn about this point in history or who wants to see an expanded view of heroism.

The first thing that caught my eye was the strong illustrations! I loved the art style of the book! Such a great message! It is so important for children to learn that we have a spotted past, we need to accept it and learn how to change and how to see people for how they really are. Kindness, courage, justice, peace... we could all use more of it and share it with others. This has been one of the best messages of a kid's book I have read in a long time. My kids all sat through the whole book and asked questions throughout. I love that the book sparked discussion and showed my kids what it truly means to be a hero and to care for those around you. The more information and questions in the back of the book were very good and something I shared with my kids as well.

Kids ages (2,4,6)

I thought this was a fantastic book for children about an extremely important issue. I really appreciate the note in the book stating that it should be read and discussed with an adult, and I really like the discussion questions and history presented. I thought the illustrations were a fantastic mix and were diverse and representative of a diverse population.

I loved reading this book. Artistically, it displays a wonderful movement and color various from past to present. It has fantastic representation of differences and creates a moving story. What I love most about this book is it's ability to keep the reader captive through each scene and idea about the book.