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kristenremenar's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful and necessary in classrooms and homes. A little girl is upset because her teacher and classmates not only can't pronounce her name, they seem to think it isn't important to say it correctly. It is important to say names correctly. Everyone's name.
It also gives a nod to why some names are "made-up". For hundreds of years in our country, many African names were taken away. So people created their own. They are songs they choose for themselves.
I looooove the pronunciation key that comes with every name. We learn how to pronounce Ta'jae (TAH-jay) as well as Bob (BAWB). And if we can't pronounce it correctly on the first try, we learn it - even sing it! - until we get it right.
Superb.
It also gives a nod to why some names are "made-up". For hundreds of years in our country, many African names were taken away. So people created their own. They are songs they choose for themselves.
I looooove the pronunciation key that comes with every name. We learn how to pronounce Ta'jae (TAH-jay) as well as Bob (BAWB). And if we can't pronounce it correctly on the first try, we learn it - even sing it! - until we get it right.
Superb.
erinbeever's review against another edition
5.0
I really love this book! Such a good way for parents and kids to learn the beauty of names and think about learning new names in a fun and joyous way. This is one I'd check out or buy even if I didn't have children.
constant_reader's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book that is a reminder to everyone, teachers especially, that names are sacred and we must respect them enough to learn how to pronounce them.
mwbuell's review against another edition
5.0
Love this book!! Could connect to a lot of fun activities about the significance of a name. Could pair with The Name Jar
mnboyer's review against another edition
4.0
A young girl has a horrible first day at her new school because no one, not even the teacher, can say her name properly. She quickly tells her mother she’s never going back. The mother explains that names are songs, and gives several examples of traditional African, Arabic, Vietnamese, etc., names (which, admittedly, would be hard to say if you were new to these names and the mom didn’t give you pronunciation hints). The next day she goes to school, starts singing names, and then everyone knows that her name is Kora (Ko-rah) Jalimuso.
One of the names used in this book was Trayvon – and my heart broke a little bit when I saw this. At first, I thought because this was an African family, only African names would be featured in the story. It was nice to see that the mother gives examples of “tough” names from lots of cultures (shows more diversity) and explains that we can all learn other names (just have to work on the pronunciation!).
One of the names used in this book was Trayvon – and my heart broke a little bit when I saw this. At first, I thought because this was an African family, only African names would be featured in the story. It was nice to see that the mother gives examples of “tough” names from lots of cultures (shows more diversity) and explains that we can all learn other names (just have to work on the pronunciation!).
jennifermreads's review against another edition
5.0
Following her first day of school, a little girl tells her mother she is never going back. On the walk home, after discovering that the young girl’s name was mispronounced and made fun of, the mother teaches the girl about names being songs, with meaning, feeling, lyrics, and history.
First day of school teasing. *Sigh* How many of us experienced it? Probably for a variety of reasons. With how diverse and culturally-rich our communities are, special attention should be made to learning names and how to pronounce them … BY ALL OF US! Our names are our identities, first point-of-contact, first thing that says “this is who they are.”
Mispronouncing a name happens. So many languages, so many countries of origin. Just like with not remembering a name, one should not hesitate to ask! It drives me up-a-wall when people assume I will remember their name. Oh goodness, you have no idea how horrible my recall is. When I approach someone I may have met once or twice, I always say “Hi. I’m Jennifer. We met at …” Oh, they may say “Oh I remember you! You don’t have to introduce yourself!” But more often, I can see hints of relief reflected in their eyes.
When I meet someone knew with a name not familiar to me, I quickly say “I want to say your name correctly. It is important to me. Will you help me?” I have not yet had someone sigh, roll their eyes, or groan. All are quick to help. In fact, I’m the one who gets frustrated when they say “Well…that’s close enough.” Darn it! I want to get it right!
So, now, I will sing the names. What a beautiful image to put with a name.
First day of school teasing. *Sigh* How many of us experienced it? Probably for a variety of reasons. With how diverse and culturally-rich our communities are, special attention should be made to learning names and how to pronounce them … BY ALL OF US! Our names are our identities, first point-of-contact, first thing that says “this is who they are.”
Mispronouncing a name happens. So many languages, so many countries of origin. Just like with not remembering a name, one should not hesitate to ask! It drives me up-a-wall when people assume I will remember their name. Oh goodness, you have no idea how horrible my recall is. When I approach someone I may have met once or twice, I always say “Hi. I’m Jennifer. We met at …” Oh, they may say “Oh I remember you! You don’t have to introduce yourself!” But more often, I can see hints of relief reflected in their eyes.
When I meet someone knew with a name not familiar to me, I quickly say “I want to say your name correctly. It is important to me. Will you help me?” I have not yet had someone sigh, roll their eyes, or groan. All are quick to help. In fact, I’m the one who gets frustrated when they say “Well…that’s close enough.” Darn it! I want to get it right!
So, now, I will sing the names. What a beautiful image to put with a name.