Alma and How She Got Her Name

Written and Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

    Alma and How She Got Her Name is a story of a little girl who feels too small for her long name.  She goes to her father and complains, hoping for some sympathy.  He pulls her in close and tells her about each part of her name and why it is so special.  Alma soon realizes that her name was carefully chosen to connect her to special family members whose lives are marked by inspiring character qualities that Alma, joyfully, begins to see in herself.  

    This is a short, sweet story that offers an opportunity to get to know someone better by hearing the story of their name.  It's a perfect way to start the year with students.  This book provides comfort to students who may not have a common, popular name because it shows how beauty can be found in the meaning of a name, rather than the name itself.  Younger students will love the beautiful illustrations and the opportunity to connect with the special people in the book as they reflect on the special people in their lives.  Older students will love having an opportunity to reflect on how their own name connects them with others and how their lives can reflect the meaning found in their name.  

    I would recommend this book to EL teachers or just teachers with a diverse student population because this book provides an opportunity for students to have a window into someone else's life and culture by learning about their name.  Really though, it can be used in any classroom setting to facilitate community building through learning about each other.

Book trailer