The Name Jar

by Yangsook Choi

On the bus heading to her first day in an American school, Korean Unhei tells her... read more

On the bus heading to her first day in an American school, Korean Unhei tells her name to a fellow passenger. After he mispronounces it and thoughtlessly teases Unhei, she becomes reluctant to tell her new classmates her name, stating that she hasn’t chosen one yet. Brimming with suggestions, the other students fill a jar with offerings of Daisy, Tamela, and Miranda. As she contemplates her choices, Unhei realizes that her own name is special, and worth keeping. Her classmates agree, and with a little coaching they master the correct pronunciation. Many children share Unhei’s fears of not fitting in with her peers. Her ability to overcome her worries and remain true to herself offers a realistic solution to her problem. The illustrations feature a diverse classroom of young school-age children. (Ages 4–6)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2002

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