DADS READ: “ALMA and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal

JER: “ALMA and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal touches on family history and cultural norms in different countries.  At first, Alma is frustrated with a name that she felt was “too long”, but after she learns the intention and meaning behind each name she feels a greater connection to her ancestors and feels inspired by their legacies. 

This book resonates with me personally, since I also felt a deep connection to my ancestors and relatives as Mallory and I started thinking of names for our children. My oldest daughter, Lake Marie, has Mallory’s last name - “Lake” - and her grandmothers middle name - “Marie”. Our youngest daughter Ejler Rae has her great grandfather’s first name - “Ejler” and her great grandmothers nickname - “Rae” (my great grandmother was named “Anna Rebecca” after each of her grandmothers: “Anna” and “Rebecca” - whom, unfortunately, happened to [be very jealous of] each other.  To avoid any jealousy over being called by either grandparents’ name, they called her “Rae” to “settle this jealousy” according to Rae’s written account)

Reading books about different cultures can help reduce racism and increase cultural awareness.  Learning why different cultures have long names, “funny” sounding names, different clothes, etcetera is a proactive way to raise empathetic children. 

I usually rely on the library to find new books, but since the COVID-19 closures happened our book supply dried up.  I was really excited when our neighbors Ted & Ellen agreed to do a book swap so we could both have a little variety.  Thanks for lending us this great book Ted and Ellen!