Have you ever thought about having a different name? Why is your name just right for you? I really liked the way the character in this book took time to think about his name.
Summary from the publisher:
Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal
name...one that's all his own. Dad is known as big Thunder, but little thunder
doesn't want to share a name. He wants a name that celebrates something cool
he's done like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of
Wonder.
But just when Little Thunder
thinks all hope is lost, dad picks the best name...Lightning! Their love will
be loud and bright, and together they will light up the sky.
Thunder Boy Jr. was written by Sherman Alexie and
illustrated by Yuyi Morales. It was published in 2016 by Little, Brown and
Company.
Opening:
“Hello, my
name is Thunder Boy. Thunder Boy Smith. That’s my real name.”
My Thoughts as a Writer:
There is a
strong voice in this book, since it’s written as though the main character is
talking to the reader. I really loved all the fun possibilities the main
character comes up with for choosing a new name. This is another good example
of a story with different layers and an important message about being yourself.
My Thoughts as a Teacher:
This book
would a great addition to a classroom and school library collection. Not only
does it reflect the perspective from a native American culture, it also shows a
strong relationship between a son and his father. I would be so great to read early
in the school year when students are getting to know each other and learning
about each other’s names. I love the line: “I want a name that sounds like me.”
Discussing all the possibilities for a new name would provide lots of
opportunities for students to talk about some of their accomplishments and
experiences.
Ages: 4 - 8
Grades: K - 3
Themes: family, names, sense of self
Activities:
List at
least five experiences you are proud of. What names could you make up for
yourself?
Choose an
important adult in your life. What things do you love about him or her? In what
ways do you want to be different?
Here’s the
book trailer:
Sherman Alexie
discusses the book:
I really have a soft spot for Native American books. This book really empowers! Many children from other cultures struggle with how people pronounce their names. This book would certainly help kids with a better sense of themselves. Great choice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea to imagine a new name based on experiences I'm proud of. I'll have to think about this for a while. I'm looking forward to reading this book and learning more about Native American culture. I also noticed a strong resemblance of the author to the father on the front cover of the book. Thank you for a great book review.
ReplyDeleteI love this book and have read it several times. Yuyi Morales is one of my favorite illustrators. Her work is so deeply layered. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteSherman Alexie is a compelling writer. I didn't know he had written a book for such a young audience. I'll be looking out for it.
ReplyDelete