Reviews

Can I Build Another Me? by Shinsuke Yoshitake

worldlibraries's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a wildly creative picture book where a child reflects on what it means to be himself. Because it comes from a culture different than my own, he reflects in a slightly different way and imagines it slightly differently than I believe a Western child would. That's one of the most fun things about the book! This title should be in every school library around the world. There are so many lessons possible to extend the learning from this book. Students could define themselves in so many ways -- just as the child does in this book.

mat_tobin's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book but it took a second reading to want to read it. With this interesting transition occurring at the moment between picture books, non-fiction and graphic novels this fusion text was a surprise in terms of format but once I got used to it I understood that I had in my hands a really special book indeed.
Yoshitake's book is a wonderful reflection on what it is to be the only you in the world but not done in the painfully schmalzy way that some early reader books do.
The story begins with the child wanting to find a robot to take over his place in life, the endpapers hinting that he may be fed up and not having anyone that gets him.
In order to understand his role, the robot asks a series of questions about the boy in order to replicate.
In doing so, we get a wonderful, ingenious insight into how his mind works, the people and things that matter to him and the things that can get him down.
None of this is shoved down your throat and there is definitely some digging and duck questioning that could happen.
I love this book because it's original in its presentation and the message about the fact that we should embrace our individuality - warts and all, is a good thing indeed

bardicbramley's review against another edition

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3.0

A wonderful little book about individuality, how we are, how we grow, and the other people around us.

The book has plenty of opportunities for classroom discussion and different images that could be used in activities to talk about how children see themselves.

lupines's review against another edition

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4.0

A clever, creative, and humorous self-concept book. I thought kids would like this (my inner child was excited while reading this). Gonna read Yoshitake's other books (I've read 'What Happens Next' and it's great).

mila_7's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

mat_tobin's review

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5.0

I loved this book but it took a second reading to want to read it. With this interesting transition occurring at the moment between picture books, non-fiction and graphic novels this fusion text was a surprise in terms of format but once I got used to it I understood that I had in my hands a really special book indeed.
Yoshitake's book is a wonderful reflection on what it is to be the only you in the world but not done in the painfully schmalzy way that some early reader books do.
The story begins with the child wanting to find a robot to take over his place in life, the endpapers hinting that he may be fed up and not having anyone that gets him.
In order to understand his role, the robot asks a series of questions about the boy in order to replicate.
In doing so, we get a wonderful, ingenious insight into how his mind works, the people and things that matter to him and the things that can get him down.
None of this is shoved down your throat and there is definitely some digging and duck questioning that could happen.
I love this book because it's original in its presentation and the message about the fact that we should embrace our individuality - warts and all, is a good thing indeed
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