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.