The Name Jar

          Bibliography: Choi, Y., Tyo, S., & Choi, Y. (2023). The Name Jar. Library Ideas, LLC. ISBN: 9780375806131

          Plot Summary: Unhei just moved to the U.S. from Korea. When she left, her grandmother gave her a jar with her a name stamp on it.  Her new classmates cannot say her name, so she decides she wants an American name that's easier to pronounce. But she can't decide, so her classmates fill a jar with suggestions. But she doesn't like any of the suggestions. A curly-haired boy from class discovers her birth name and learns how to pronounce it.  This helps Unhei decide that she likes her name, and she teaches the class how to say it so they can now all pronounce it.

         Critical Analysis: Choi uses vocabulary appropriate to a younger audience to share Unhei's story. The story shows how Unhei struggles with feeling different from her classmates as her name is hard for them to pronounce. Choi addresses the issue of cultural assimilation with care as Unhei thinks about using an American name to fit in with her classmates, but we see eventually she chooses to maintain her cultural heritage and use her Korean name. The illustrations are bright and engaging and serve to bring the story to life. A great story about embracing one's own identity and accepting our differences.

          Reviews:

           Kirkus Reviews: "Choi draws from her own experience, interweaving several issues into this touching                                    account and delicately addressing the challenges of assimilation.:

           Wordpress.com: "...a thoughtfully crafted piece of children's literature that addresses an important        issue in a way that is relatable to young learners."

            Awards:

            Notable Books for a Global Society, 2002

            

           Connections:

s           Use in an elementary class as a read-aloud. For homework, have students talk to their parents/guardians about why they chose their name and what it means.  On the second day, have students share what they learned about their names.

            Use in an elementary or middle school classroom.  Read the book together as a read-aloud and discuss as a class what it means to feel like you belong. Have students write a short narrative about their own experiences in relation, either about a time they felt they did belong, or a time where they felt they didn't. (Also used for  Tea with Milk).

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