The Name Jar

Author: Yangsook Choi

Illustrator: Yangsook Choi

Publisher: Dragonfly Books, 2001

Publisher’s recommended age: 3+

The Name Jar explores questions about difference, identity, and cultural assimilation, through the story of Unhei, who has just moved to America from Korea. After kids on the bus make fun of her name, Unhei decides that she wants to give herself an American name, but can’t decide which name to choose. Her classmates join in, helping to fill her “name jar” with their favorite names. Unhei finally decides that she likes her name (which means grace) best of all and teaches the class about her name and how to pronounce it. This anti-bias book is so important. Names are a big part of a person’s identity and we serve children well by valuing them.

Available Languages: English, Korean