Say My Name

July 1, 2023

Gr 1-3-Many children understand the frustration and pain that comes with having a name that their teachers, doctors, and other adults outside of their families cannot seem to correctly pronounce. The book takes that experience very seriously, offering its readers an opportunity to take pride in the beautiful origins of their names. Children from several underrepresented cultures, from Tongan to Persian, can be found in this title and each celebrates their names and the meanings behind them. The text is gorgeously lyrical, as lovingly constructed as the illustrations that accompany it, depicting the characters in their native landscapes, surrounded by patterns inspired by the art of their people. Readers and educators alike will be delighted to see the back matter that includes how to correctly pronounce these names they've learned so much about. Ho, acknowledging that she is writing outside of her own culture and experiences, credits the different people that helped bring life to this book. She has quickly become a go-to source for affirming children's literature, and her adoration for her growing audience of young readers is etched into every page. VERDICT A moving title that honors its readers and encourages them to feel confident in their cultural identities.-Alexandra Quay

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 1, 2023
Behind each name is a story that spans generations. Six children of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Din�, Nahuatl, or Akan descent share the meaning and history of their names. In moving, lyrical prose, the book celebrates the beauty and sounds of each name alongside their culture of origin: "Each syllable, / each sound, / is a building block / in an architecture / constructed over oceans / and across generations." Every name is laden with meaning and a sense of identity, carrying the hopes and dreams of those who came before. Ho emphasizes that it is therefore monumentally important to pronounce names correctly, for "Anything less / is not / me." The author builds a strong case that everyone should embrace their names and honor and learn those with which they may not be familiar. Le's richly colored and textured illustrations perfectly complement the compelling text. Ripe with symbolism, each page features intricate patterns referencing significant motifs from the cultures portrayed, seamlessly weaving together images of the past with the present. The backmatter features a pronunciation guide with additional context for each name and culture. Given its focus on the importance of tones and cadences, the title could have benefited from an audio guide. Still, many will find the phonetic spellings of the names helpful. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A beautifully empowering declaration. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 1, 2023
Grades 1-3 This colorful picture book celebrates the names, languages, and cultures of six different kids who are of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Din�, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent. Through vivid, lyrical prose, the children share the meaning and history of their names, which reflect their diverse backgrounds and identities. Each child confidently urges the reader to "say my name" and to do so correctly, for "anything less is not me." For anyone reading the story for the first time unsure of just how to correctly pronounce any name, back matter includes a pronunciation guide along with additional cultural context. Still, an audio companion with a full pronunciation guide including intonation, syllable stress, and more would be very helpful, especially for young readers. Digital illustrations incorporate rich colors and colorful patterns, many of which are full two-page spreads. The striking artwork enhances the beauty of each world that is captured. The result is a celebratory story that embraces identities and the beautiful origins behind one's name.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from October 9, 2023
In a picture book that weaves ancestral and cultural identity into a fluid, rhythmic narrative, six children—of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Diné, Nahua, and Ghanaian Akan descent—share the origins of their given names. “Each syllable,/ each sound,/ is a building block/ in an architecture/ constructed over oceans/ and across generations. Say my name,” Ho begins. On each page, one child introduces their name alongside their forbears’ legacy (“My family flows through me,/ pulling power from heaven/ with promises of peace/ and prosperity”). Le’s velvety, intricately rendered images, meanwhile, use burgundy and teal tones to delineate expansive landscapes and patterned motifs. Together, they create an affirming, uplifting work focused on how correct pronunciation honors and respects: “Say my name./ Anything less/ is not/ me.” A pronunciation guide concludes. Ages 4–8.