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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Just as Loved as You by J.J. Carter begins with a young girl who starts to notice how all the memories and stories, especially those of her two sisters, seem to be only from “before she came along.” The family laughs over inside jokes, shared experiences, and special moments that she wasn’t there for. These observations make her quietly wonder how she fits into her family and, of course, make her feel sad. As her worries grow, she finally opens up to her mom, wondering if she’s loved as much as everyone else. Will her mother be honest with her? Will she confirm her daughter’s feelings or assure her they’re false?
Just as Loved as You by J.J. Carter tugged at my heart from the very beginning. As an educator, I think the writing, while simple and honest, is perfectly geared to its intended age group. I especially appreciated how the story puts quiet, often unspoken feelings into words, giving kids permission to ask, “Do I really belong?” without any shame. It also allows for discussions on family structure, jealousy, and feeling included. This story can be extended with activities such as drawing a family portrait, answering “I belong because…”, and possibly sibling role-playing during dramatic play. The artwork by Alena Karabach is warm and cozy, with gentle colors and expressive faces that help children read the emotions even if they can’t read all the words yet. Fans of picture books that tackle big feelings—like stories about new siblings, blended families, or changing roles at home—will love this tender but very approachable story. This is a heartfelt, classroom-friendly read that I truly enjoyed.
