The Power of a Name: Proud to Be...

Proud to Be... is a children's picture book written by Natalie McDonald-Perkins and is illustrated by Mary Ibeh.  The heart of the story is an elementary-aged child from Nigeria named Ifunanya. She is starting at a new school and is already nervous for the typical reasons any child would be.  On her first day she is greeted by a substitute teacher who mispronounces her name. As the day goes on more classmates make fun of her name so much that she starts to question why she even has such name that is so problematic.

Disappointed in her unwelcoming class, Ifunanya shares her feelings about her name with her parents. They listen then tell her about the origin of her name and the meaning behind it.  The advice they give her is to be patient as people learn to say her name correctly.   

Ifunanya decides to give school another chance the next day. Thankfully, her permanent teacher is back and she takes the time to make sure she is pronouncing her name correctly.  She sympathizes with Ifunanya's situation because her name is also commonly mispronounced. The classmates who made fun of her name apologize for their behavior and they start to share the meaning behind their names.  

As a teacher, librarian, parent, and an immigrant whose name is often mispronounced, I liked this book's message and delivery of the point that a person should be proud of their name and be patient as others learn it.  There have been many books published about children with difficult names to pronounce, but this is the first story I have seen with a main character from Nigeria.  The illustrations are also vibrant, show a range of characters and capture the mood of the story well.  

This story could lead to discussions with young people about many topics.  For example, what are ways that you can ask how to pronounce a person's name?  What if your name is difficult to say? How can you help others learn your name?  People can also share experiences they have had with other people's names who were new to them.  What did they learn from those experiences?  It could also be a time to invite readers to share the origin of their own names.  The author also includes a Teacher Tips section at the end of the book for what to do if a student has a name that is difficult to pronounce.  She also includes a list of unique names with their language of origin and meanings.  Children can try to say them out loud for practice.  

I'd definitely add this to my school library collection and include it in my daughter's reading collection, too!

Another book that this author and illustrator duo have created is Best In Me. I reviewed it last year and it had similar themes of looking inward to point out your unique traits.  

 

Best in Me: nurturing self-confidence & community

This is the first year that I joined the Multicultural Children's Book Day as a reviewer. I was gifted a copy of the book, Best in Me, written by Natalie McDonald-Perkins and illustrated by Mary Ibeh.  This beautiful picture book is intended for young people to listen to and engage with on many levels.  

Everyone has differences that can make them feel insecure.  Rather than sitting in that feeling of self-doubt, Best in Me encourages the reader to turn those feelings into confidence instead.  But how can a person do that? Let alone a child?  This is where the author, McDonald-Perkins, seamlessly weaves together the origin of a person's strength.  

This story takes place in a classroom where the counselor leading the lesson has created a safe place for her students.  One by one, they come to the front of the class to share a poem they have written about what makes them special.  Prior to each student reading their poem, they think about what in their life gives them comfort--a pet, family member or friend who sticks by their side. These special touchstones remind the reader that everyone is vulnerable, so leaning on these people and pets will help you through.

As a teacher, librarian and parent, I would read this book with children and ask them what they notice about the characters.  Who do they lean on in times of need?  How do they support one another in the classroom?  I would even ask them to consider who in their life supports them and what special quality do they have?

The author is a seasoned educator so the story feels quite authentic.  The illustrator adds vibrant and realistic pictures that radiate in diversity.  This book encourages readers to empathize and self-monitor their own identities in order to build a safer community.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.

Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission and History here: https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/about/mission/