- “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi: This story follows a young Korean girl who moves to America and struggles with the decision to change her name or keep it.
- “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes: Chrysanthemum loves her unique name until she goes to school and faces teasing from classmates. This book teaches the importance of embracing one’s own name.
- “The Hello, Goodbye Window” by Norton Juster: The protagonist shares her experiences visiting her grandparents and their special tradition of greeting each other through a window.
- “Fiona’s Lace” by Patricia Polacco: This heartwarming tale highlights the significance of a special family heirloom and the story behind it.
- “Thunder Boy Jr.” by Sherman Alexie: Thunder Boy Jr. wants a name that is all his own, not a name passed down from his father. Through this story, children explore the value of individuality.
- “My Name Is Not Isabella” by Jennifer Fosberry: Isabella tries on different names inspired by influential women throughout history, ultimately embracing her own uniqueness.
- “A Name for Baby” by Mary-Louise Fitzpatrick: A family awaits the birth of a baby and discusses names, encouraging children to think about the significance of their own names.
- “Emma Kate” by Patricia Polacco: Emma Kate’s classmates struggle to pronounce her name correctly, but with the help of her grandmother, Emma Kate discovers the beauty of her name’s origin.
- “King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub” by Audrey Wood: This imaginative tale showcases the many names assigned to the king throughout the story, inviting children to think about the different meanings names can hold.
- “The Boy Who Loved Words” by Roni Schotter: A young boy eagerly collects words, learning their meanings and discovering the power of language and personal expression.
- “Nana in the City” by Lauren Castillo: A young boy spends the night at his Nana’s house in the city and is initially overwhelmed by the noises and unfamiliar surroundings. Through Nana’s loving presence, he learns to appreciate the vibrant energy of the city.
- “Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal: Alma explores the origins of her long name, discovering the unique history and family connections it holds.
- “The Name of this Book Is Secret” by Pseudonymous Bosch: A thrilling mystery centered around a secret named a book, engaging children with a captivating storyline.
- “The Family Book” by Todd Parr: This book celebrates different types of families, including those with unique names, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and belonging.
- “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney: This story encourages children to consider how they can make the world a better place, inspired by the life of Miss Rumphius and her quest to spread beauty.
- “My Name Is María Isabel” by Alma Flor Ada: María Isabel struggles with her name being changed at school, prompting discussions about cultural identity and the significance of one’s name.
- “What’s Your Name? A Guide to First Names and What They Mean” by B.B./R.I.C. Publications: This book provides a comprehensive resource on names, their meanings, and their cultural significance.
- “Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman: Grace loves stories and imaginative play, proving that she can be anything she wants to be, regardless of her name or gender.
- “The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles” by Michelle Cuevas: This enchanting tale follows the Uncorker as he searches for the rightful owners of messages found in ocean bottles, highlighting the importance of names and connections.
- “Amina’s Voice” by Hena Khan: Amina discovers her voice through music and poetry, learning to appreciate her name and cultural heritage along the way.
These books will help teach kids about the importance of names, embracing diversity, and the significance of personal identity.