Written By: Frank Murphy & Carla Murphy
Illustrated by: Kayla Harren
For Ages: 4-8 years
Language: English
Topics Covered: Feminism, Kindness, Self-Esteem, Empowerment, Growing Up, Friendship, Acceptance.
Summary:
Wow, where to start describing this book. It is beautiful, emotional, and powerful. Like it’s predecessor A Boy Like You it takes a turn for the unexpected and empowers children to be exactly who they are, and to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.
Our main character is encouraged to be bold, hardworking, and brave. She (as well as the reader) are told to find passions, try new things, and persevere while being a kind and good friend. You are enough, and choose friends that treat you that way. One key line in this book struck me so hard upon reading it, and that was “don’t make a habit of saying sorry for no reason”. YES. YES THIS. Being cultured and raised female in this world teaches us to shrink, to apologize, and to put others’ needs before ours. Empathy is a quality that all humans should strive to have, but the habit we women have all seemingly picked up of apologizing for things that aren’t our fault needs to come to an end. This is the first time I have seen this naming of the habit in a picture book, and it’s a crucial lesson to learn young. The diversity of the characters shown within the book is beautiful, as well as a note in the back of the book from Frank and Carla that also names that there are different gender identities not covered in the book. But, this book is a truly beautiful showing of how to be a confident, kind, person that is unafraid to work hard and make the world a better place. Brilliantly done, A Girl Like You needs to find its way into the hands of children ready to take action and celebrate themselves and each other.
This book was generously sent to us by Sleeping Bear Press, but all opinions are our own. It’s being released tomorrow, July 15th!


Frank Murphy
Frank Murphy has taught a wide variety of grades at the elementary and middle school level. A popular speaker, Murphy is the author of many fun historical fiction books for young readers. He lives in Holland, PA and still teaches full-time!
Carla Murphy
Carla has been a pediatric nurse for 15 years, helping kids get better and feel healthier! This is her first picture book.

Kayla Harren
Kayla Harren graduated from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City with a BFA in illustration. Books she has illustrated include A BOY LIKE YOU (winner of the 2019 EUREKA gold award) and THE BOY WHO GREW A FOREST (winner of the EUREKA silver award.) Kayla’s work has been featured in the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Communication Arts, 3×3 Magazine, and she’s won the Highlights for Children Pewter Plate Award.
Kayla loves animals, playing volleyball, hiking, and eating cookies with frosting. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Peter Harren, and their adorable dogs.