A Family Like Ours
Book Summary:
A Family Like Ours explores the diversity of families in contemporary society, showing that families can look very different yet still share love, care, and support. The book includes families with two parents, single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, and blended families, adopted families thus highlighting that what makes a family strong is the relationships and commitment among its members. It encourages young readers to recognize and respect differences while appreciating common values of belonging and care.
Recommended Questions:
The story includes many, but not all, types of families. What family structure or dynamic would you add to the storyline, and why?
Which family depicted in the book surprised you the most, and why are you glad to include it in your definition of family?
List some of the ways families support one another in the book. Then use your list to create your own definition of what a family is.
Why is it important to respect families that look different from your own?
How might families around the world look different from the families shown in this book?
If you could add a picture of your family to one of the illustrations, which page would you choose and why?
The author’s note invites you to choose someone in your family and ask them to share stories you may not already know. Make a plan for how you would ask someone in your family to learn more about them.
What responsibilities do schools and communities have to ensure all families feel welcome and respected?
What assumptions do people sometimes make about families, and why can those assumptions be harmful?
NCSS Theme 1: Culture
This book shows that families are shaped by cultural beliefs, traditions, values, and lived experiences. The book highlights that different cultures express family life in many ways, while still sharing common ideas of care, love, and belonging. Students learn to recognize, respect, and value diversity within families and communities.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 6: Valuing Diversity
The book supports students in recognizing that families come in many forms and that every family deserves respect and dignity. It helps learners confront biases and assumptions about “normal” family structures. By celebrating diversity, the story fosters empathy, acceptance, and social awareness among young readers.
WA History 3: Understands that there are multiple perspectives and interpretations of historical events
A Family Like Ours shows that family structures and experiences vary widely, and that people may have different perspectives on what a “family” looks like. By examining different family structures, students can analyze how changes in society, policy, and culture have influenced who is recognized as a family. This encourages learners to see that contemporary family diversity is connected to historical events and social progress.
