Picture Books that Validate Names by Maya from MaiStoryBook

As the new school year begins and we meet new students and littles meet new friends, this collection of picture books serves as a reminder of the importance of Names ~ of pronouncing them, respecting them, using them, and being proud of them. 

Remember, if you aren’t sure of how to pronounce someone’s name, ask them! It’s better than guessing, and people always appreciate when someone takes the time to learn to say their name the right way.

And if you or a little learner has ever had their name mispronounced and felt embarrassed or ashamed, these stories help to affirm every name and encourage readers to take pride in their name. 

Featured here in this collection are 10 picture books that validate all names. Share these stories to help you create a learning environment where all children feel welcome, respected, and seen.

My Name is as Long as a River by Suma Subramaniam // Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan has a very long name, and prefers to be called “Kav.” But when Paati reminds Kaveri that her name was inspired by her family’s heritage, where she was born, and the powerful river they journey across for the Pushkaram Festival, Kaveri beings to embrace the beauty and magic of her whole name.

Sora’s Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee //  Every summer, Sora and her Halmoni visit the beach to collect seashells together. This year, after Halmoni returns to South Korea, Sora starts kindergarten where she faces teasing about her "weird" name. Then, when the family receives sad news about Halmoni passing away, Sora feels more lost than ever. But when Sora’s mother shares the special meaning behind her name, Sora finds new strength to share kindness with her classmates and to overcome their hurtful comments.

Yefferson Actually by Katherine Trejo // On the first day at his new school, Yefferson’s name is consistently mispronounced by the teachers and his peers. At first, Yefferson is too shy and embarrassed to correct them. But then with his family’s support, Yefferson finds the courage to speak up for himself and to teach people how to correctly say his name.

Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth // When Anjali is teased about her name at school, she returns home and insists on wanting to change it. But when she learns the significance behind the meaning of her name, she gains a newfound sense of pride for her namesake and finds a creative way to share her proud feelings with her peers.

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal // Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has six names, which is way too many in her opinion. But when Alma asks her Daddy for an explanation behind her long name, he begins to tell her the stories of all the important people in their family for whom she was named after.

That’s Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed // Mirha is excited for the first day of school, until her classmates begin to mispronounce her name. Mirha goes home wondering is she needs a new name that’s easier to say. However, after Mama helps Mirha internalize how special her name truly is, Mirha is determined to return to school and teach her classmates how to say her name correctly. 

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow // A little girl comes home from school frustrated by all of the teachers and classmates who continued to mispronounce her name throughout the whole day. She refuses to return to school, until her mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names ~ including hers. The girl begins to see her name in a whole new, musically-wonderous light, and is empowered to share this new pride and understanding with the rest of her class. 

THAO by Thao Lam // Thao’s name is only 4 letters long, but nobody ever pronounces it correctly, and sometimes people even tease her with inconsiderate nicknames. Thao is convinced that she needs to change her name to something more common and easier to pronounce. But when Thao finds her favorite Vietnamese spring rolls in her lunchbox, she realizes she is proud to be herself, just the way she is. 

Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton // Vanessa is excited for the first day of school and dresses up in her favorite fancy outfit. However, when she arrives everyone begins to stare, and as the day goes by Vanessa begins to feel more self-conscious and insecure. It isn’t until her mama shares the special meaning behind her name that Vanessa begins to feel proud of her name again and who she is. 

Say My Name by Joanna Ho // In this picture book, six different children from different countries around the world proudly share their name and background. Each child carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of the people who came before them.