Dynamic and vibrant, My Block Looks Like is a fun ode to life in the big city.
My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper and illustrated by Frank Morrison. Viking Books for Young Readers, 2024. 40 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 0-8
- Recommended For: All ages
My block looks like
A collision of cultures
A melting pot of cool
A burst of life
My favorite groove
With art as bouncy and dynamic as its text, My Block Looks Like is an exuberant ode to life in the big city. Beginning with the front end papers, a young girl waltzes, dances, jumps, and sprints through her day and down her block. From chewing gum (one of my favorite illustrations!), to boarding a city bus, to dancing at the studio, this is one juicy slice-of-life.
Morrison’s oil illustrations are energetic and rich, as I would expect from such a talented illustrator. He shifts perspective, moving from an overhead shot to an up close and personal look, creating a fresh experience on each page. Many ethnicities and age groups are featured, as one would expect from a vibrant city block. Note how rich and full the final end papers are after having spent some time in this lively, rich community. City kids will delight in a book that mirrors their experience; country kids may want to visit after all. Look for it at your local library!
Bottom Line: Dynamic and vibrant, My Block Looks Like is a fun ode to life in the big city. I dare you to try to read it quietly and sedately.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Book Review: Hidden City looks for beauty amidst an urban landscape; see also Sidewalk Flowers
- Book Review: My City Speaks offers an interesting twist on the urban landscape: a blind girl navigates her way through the city.
- Book Reviews: Tim Ladwig’s versions of Psalm Twenty-Three and the Lord’s Prayer feature vibrant urban settings
We are participants in the Amazon LLC affiliate program; purchases you make through affiliate links like the one below may earn us a commission. Read more here.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.