An Angel Just Like Me [Paperback]

Mary Hoffman (Author), Cornelius Van Wright (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2007 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

As Tyler and his family decorate the Christmas tree, he begins to wonder: Why are all the Christmas tree angels blonde-haired, pink-cheeked little girls? Aren’t there any black angels? No one can answer his question — not his mom, not his dad, not even Carl, the mall Santa. As Tyler combs the stores looking for a black angel, he discovers there are none to be found. But sometimes Santa has a surprise or two in his sleigh . . . Beautifully written and illustrated, this appealing story tackles the serious issues of race and gender in a way that all children can understand.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. As Tyler, an African-American boy, and his family decorate their Christmas tree, he asks why all the angels are girls with golden hair and pink skin and never black boys. His parents don't know. He decides to go out every day after school and look for an angel like himself but has no success. Frustrated, he asks the mall Santa, whom he recognizes as the young art student who sometimes baby-sits for Tyler's family, but Carl doesn't know the answer. Then, after the family looks at the Nativity scene at the Christmas Eve service, Tyler wants to know why baby Jesus doesn't look Jewish. His parents can't answer that question, either. On Christmas morning, however, he finds a package with a beautifully carved angel that looks just like him. When he goes to thank Carl for the gift, he asks for a special favor. His Asian, Hispanic, and other friends all want special angels, too. The story is skillfully and sweetly written, and its point is well taken. Radiant watercolors painted in an idealized realistic technique and arranged in double-page spreads show an attractive family in a comfortable home. A thoughtful holiday selection with a theme that can be appreciated all year round.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

...handsomely illustrated by the husband-and-wife team of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu; their luminous portraits of Tyler, his family and friends are immediately compelling. An Angel Just Like Me is a sensitive, charming and beautiful book, as well as a fine vehicle for concerned parents to confront the vexing issues of cultural identity. (Ages 4 to 8) -- The New York Times Book Review, Rosemary L. Bray --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (September 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845078748
• ISBN-13: 978-1845077334
• ASIN: 1845077334
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,437,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > Multiculturalism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for children and adults, December 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: An Angel Just Like Me (Hardcover)

This story provides real life thoughtful questions for adults through the eyes of children. It gives an appropriate sense for children's desire to see themselves reflected in the world around them. I read this story at our school to 3-5 year olds. It was well received by children AND their parents.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why ARE angels blonde girls? What do I want on MY tree?, November 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: An Angel Just Like Me (Hardcover)

If everyone you know is a blonde girl, maybe you won't relate to this book. But if you have a red-haired child, or a brunette, or a boy, or are Asian...and have wondered why all angels are blonde females...you will feel for this family as they deal with a child's very serious question. The warmth and beauty of the words and pictures will brighten your holiday season. You'll find yourself looking for angels that look a little more like the people in YOUR life. Merry Christmas!