My Name
What’s inside...
My Name is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and all the things that make them unique, especially their name. It tells the story of an Indian American boy who starts school in a new classroom and faces challenges when a classmate cannot pronounce his name properly. This leads to giggles amongst his classmates. Later at home, his parents remind him of how special he is and how his unique name reflects that. With lush illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat, award-winning author Supriya Kelkar writes a stunning tribute to the word that identifies each of us the very most -- our name, reminding readers of the beauty in celebrating difference, taking pride in uniqueness, and helping others to do the same.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to understand and respect each other's names?
What can we learn about our own culture and others from the book 'My Name'?
How would you help a friend who felt uncomfortable about their name being misunderstood or mispronounced?
If you could create a story about your name, what adventures or important messages would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a story about your own name or a relative's name, emphasizing any cultural significance or family history to create a personal connection with the book.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about their name and any experiences they’ve had with it, ensuring a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Discuss the diversity of names within your child's school or community and the stories behind them, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity.
After reading, co-create a drawing or collage that represents what your child feels their name represents or means, integrating art into the learning process.
Revisit the story periodically as your child grows, as their understanding and questions might evolve, maintaining an ongoing dialogue about identity and culture.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-confidence
Explanation: The protagonist of 'My Name' explores the meaning and significance behind their name, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's cultural heritage and identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take pride in their own names and backgrounds, boosting their self-esteem and confidence in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Respect
Explanation: As the protagonist shares the story and history of their name, it encourages understanding and respect for different cultures and traditions among peers.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to learn about and respect the diverse backgrounds of their friends and classmates, fostering a more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Storytelling and Communication Skills
Explanation: The narrative style of 'My Name' allows children to see how stories can be woven from personal experiences and heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children improve their storytelling and communication skills by encouraging them to share their own unique experiences and tales.
Example Lesson: Courage in Self-expression
Explanation: The main character shows bravery by sharing personal aspects of their life, which is often daunting.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of expressing themselves and their ideas, even if it feels challenging at first, contributing to their personal development and public speaking skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights the beauty and uniqueness in different names and the stories behind them, which are often tied to cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not only accept but also celebrate the differences and diverse cultures around them, enhancing social harmony.