How Do You Look Like You?: A Book About Genetics

91eoh5m520L
Author(s)
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Age Range
8+
Release Date
September 17, 2024
ISBN
978-1486729944
Buy This Book
     
Have you ever wondered how and why you look the way you do?
Delve into this introduction to genetics including information about genes, DNA, traits, mutations, and so much more through diagrams, illustrations, and informative and engaging text. Each of the six questions examined in the book are given a silly answer before the true answer is revealed making this an approachable way to learn nonfiction. Back matter includes a glossary and activities to further learning.

Questions answered in the book:
• How do you look the way you do? Learn about genes and what they do. 

• How do you get your genes? Discover where your genes come from and where they are in your body. 

• How do you get your hair color? Explore dominant and recessive traits.

• How do some people get freckles? Learn about different mutations in genes and what they can do. 

• How do you get to be as tall as you are? Dive into the differences between acquired and inherited traits. 

• How do my genes make me look different than my brother or sister? Take a look at how genes can be passed down. 

About the How Do series: These fully illustrated nonfiction picture books are a great introduction to various STEM topics. Each title includes facts and figures, simple diagrams and hilarious illustrations and is written in a question-and-answer format to encourage readers to ask questions and guess the answers before exploring the science behind the correct answers.

Editor review

1 review
Identity and Appearance in Thoughtful Way
(Updated: June 15, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Learning Value
 
5.0
This book tackles such an important topic - the complexity of identity and appearance. Rea handles these themes with sensitivity and age-appropriate depth that really impressed me as both a parent and former educator.
The story follows a young girl navigating questions about her appearance, which reflects experiences many children have. I know when my preschooler has asked questions about appearances I have struggled to find resources about genetics and DNA that he found accessible. I was very glad to find this book which allowed us to explore the topic together in a way he could understand.
From a child development perspective, this book addresses identity formation in such a thoughtful way. The preschool years are when children really start noticing physical differences and asking questions about family structures, heritage, and belonging. Rea provides a framework for these conversations that feels natural and supportive.
What really makes this book special is how it validates children's questions and feelings while providing positive messaging about identity and self-acceptance. It doesn't oversimplify complex topics but makes them accessible for young minds. This has become an important part of our social-emotional learning library, and I can see it remaining relevant as my children grow and their understanding of identity becomes more sophisticated.
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