kindredbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
That's Not My Name is a picture book that I've been able to relate to and resonate with. The theme of names and identity has been something that has been really important to me, especially now as a teacher.
In this story, Mirha is excited to go to school but on her first day, she finds that others have trouble pronouncing her name properly. This makes her sad and also a little angry, as she doesn't understand why it's so hard for others. When she returns home, she asks her mother if she should change her name so that it may be easier to pronounce. Her mother shares with her how special her name is - the special meaning behind it - and that if others can learn to pronounce names like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, surely they can learn to also call Mirha by her given name. Mirha returns to school with passion and determination to teach others how to say her name.
As someone with a silent T at the start of their last name, I had my fair share of teachers and classmates mispronounce my last name as I was growing up. And I always felt so embarrassed by these incidents, not wanting to correct others, especially my teachers. Now as a teacher myself, I make a special note to ask my students how to properly pronounce their names and I practice to get the right pronunciation. I think that this is such a great story that will continue to connect and resonate with students today as we live in such a diverse city and society.
In this story, Mirha is excited to go to school but on her first day, she finds that others have trouble pronouncing her name properly. This makes her sad and also a little angry, as she doesn't understand why it's so hard for others. When she returns home, she asks her mother if she should change her name so that it may be easier to pronounce. Her mother shares with her how special her name is - the special meaning behind it - and that if others can learn to pronounce names like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, surely they can learn to also call Mirha by her given name. Mirha returns to school with passion and determination to teach others how to say her name.
As someone with a silent T at the start of their last name, I had my fair share of teachers and classmates mispronounce my last name as I was growing up. And I always felt so embarrassed by these incidents, not wanting to correct others, especially my teachers. Now as a teacher myself, I make a special note to ask my students how to properly pronounce their names and I practice to get the right pronunciation. I think that this is such a great story that will continue to connect and resonate with students today as we live in such a diverse city and society.
jlschless's review against another edition
5.0
Cute and colorful with a wonderful message that your name should be respected and pronounced correctly.
kayrb's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
xoey's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I had this book growing up! I eventually picked a name I loved that was easier to pronounce and now I cherish both names
hanna_konneback's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
eula's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
kitsunediary's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0