"Things Will Never be the Same" is a simple autobiography by the children's illustrator, Tomie dePaola. Tomie, as a young boy, keeps a diary. The book chronicles his time as a first and second grader. He enjoys art and dance. He records his secrets he does not want to share with family. He writes about his adventures visiting family, sledding, and at school. His family then hears tragedy strike on the US.

This is a simple book, a light and good introduction into the world of biographies and autobiographies. dePaola is a young boy to whom many students can relate. I am on the fence about liking the book. I think it is a nice, basic story catered more to the child reader, and less of the adult (which is good. I liked his simple writing style. By utilizing parts of his diary from his childhood, his language is well gauged for children. His pictures he includes makes the story more enjoyable, and well suited for young readers. The general theme of the book is to express what daily life was like in the late 1930's and early 1940's. ( )