Say My Name
Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho, known for her book 'Eyes That Kiss in the Corners', presents a compelling picture book that delves into the significance of names and their cultural identities. The story features six children - Hé Xiao-Guang, Ofa Kivaha Tupoumalohi, Bijan Hosseini, Nizhoni Yazzie, Xóchitl Luna, and Akosua Acheampong - each representing diverse backgrounds such as Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent. Through beautiful prose and illustrations by Khoa Le, the book emphasizes the importance of embracing and honoring one’s name, as well as learning and respecting the names and cultures of others. Reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and ALA Booklist praise the book for its lyrical storytelling, celebration of cultural identity, and encouragement for readers to feel confident in their names and heritage.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you feel when the characters in the story embraced their names?
How do you think a name can affect a person's identity?
If you could choose a name for yourself, what would it be and why?
How would you help someone who is struggling with embracing their identity, just like in the book?
Can you think of a time when someone didn’t say your name right? How did that make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about their own name or if they know the meanings of the names of their friends.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about each character’s journey with their names.
As you go through the book, pause on pages where characters feel strong emotions and ask your child to describe what they might be feeling.
After reading the story, relate it to real-life by discussing with your child times when they felt their identity was challenged.
Create a supportive environment for the discussion, affirming your child’s feelings and thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural identity
Explanation: The story emphasizes embracing and celebrating one’s cultural roots and heritage through the protagonist's journey to accept and take pride in their unique name.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and honor their own cultural names and backgrounds, enhancing their sense of self-worth and belonging in diverse settings.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: By understanding the significance of the protagonist's name and its cultural relevance, children are taught to respect and value the diversity in names and cultures among their peers.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages respectful interactions and open-mindedness in multicultural environments such as schools or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage in self-expression
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey to owning their name showcases the courage required to express oneself authentically, despite external pressures or misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by confidently sharing their own stories, names, and experiences with others, fostering a supportive community where everyone feels heard and valued.
Example Lesson: The power of understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between the protagonist and their peers, the story highlights how understanding and empathy can bridge cultural gaps.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop interpersonal skills and empathize with others’ feelings and backgrounds, leading to more harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Building self-esteem
Explanation: As the protagonist grows to love their name, their self-esteem improves significantly.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to embrace their individuality and build confidence in their unique attributes, contributing positively to their emotional and psychological development.