How Are We the Same and Different?

by Bobbie Kalman

Discusses cultural similarities and differences around the world.

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2009

About the author

Bobbie Kalman is the award-winning author of more than 400 non-fiction books. She established herself as a leading author in children’s non-fiction in the 1980’s and 90’s with two acclaimed series about pioneer life, The Early Settler Life Series (15 titles) and The Historic Communities Series (31 titles), both published by Crabtree Publishing. She has created many of Crabtree’s most popular series, which also include The Native Nations of North America Series (19 titles), The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures Series (93 titles), and The Science of Living Things Series (32 titles), among others.

Born in Hungary in 1947, Bobbie and her family escaped to Austria during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. The family spent several weeks there as refugees before immigrating to North America. A former teacher, Bobbie Kalman taught at both the elementary and secondary levels. She also spent several years working as an educational consultant for several publishing companies. Bobbie holds degrees in English, Psychology, and Education. She is married and has four children and three grandchildren.

Although best known for her non-fiction, Bobbie’s newest book is autobiographical. Released in September, 2006, Refugee Child is the account of Bobbie and her family’s escape from Hungary when she was just nine years old. Written to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution in October of 2006, the book is told from the perspective of a young girl.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book begins by talking about how we are all connected to one another through our similarities, but goes on to show how we are each unique through our differences. This book is great for conversations in class about differences, which may range from talents, to beliefs, to purpose. These differences should be celebrated, because that is what makes the world an interesting place to live in. This book can be used as a starting point for discussions about tolerance and acceptance of varying backgrounds, beliefs, abilities, etc.