When You Look Like Us

By: Pamela N. Harris

Narrated by: Preston Butler III

“A high-speed story that will draw teens in and keep them turning pages until they reach the unpredictable and thrilling ending. A must for YA collections.” (School Library Journal)

A 2022 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work nominee and a 2022 Edgar Award nominee, this timely, gripping teen novel is about a boy who must take up the search for his sister when she goes missing from a neighborhood where Black girls’ disappearances are too often overlooked, from debut author Pamela Harris. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Tiffany D. Jackson.

When you look like us—brown skin, brown eyes, black braids or fades—everyone else thinks you’re trouble. No one even blinks twice over a missing Black girl from public housing because she must’ve brought whatever happened to her upon herself. I, Jay Murphy, can admit that, for a minute, I thought my sister Nicole just got caught up with her boyfriend—a drug dealer—and his friends. But she’s been gone too long. Nic, where are you?

If I hadn’t hung up on her that night, she would be at our house, spending time with Grandma.

If I was a better brother, she’d be finishing senior year instead of being another name on a missing persons list.

It’s time to step up, to do what the Newport News police department won’t.

Bring her home.

Also a 2022 ALA Notable Book for a Global Society Award winner!

Excellent Writing, Storytelling and Great Narration

The setting came to life and the voice was so relatable. I felt everything Jay felt and wanted to be his friend and help him make decisions. It was all so realistic. Also, no wonder this won an Odyssey award! Great narration & storytelling.

BLACK PEOPLW READ THIS??

Most amazing book I’ve ever read. He read it so good. It so relatable. I only recommend to black people. Most white people wouldn’t get it.

Review

This books is pretty good, I had to read it for class and audible was very helpful. The voice actor did a very good job and his voice fit very well with the story.

good story

Narrator did great job with voices of the different characters. I like when narrator changes their voice or changes the way they speak to indicate the different characters. Makes story easier to follow and more entertaining for me. This book kept me interested and has a happy which I prefer. Even though characters are young I still enjoyed it. Good read for young people and its very clean story

Good read

This book had so many twist and turns. I enjoyed the suspense and the narrator wasn’t bad. Nice coming of age book.