My Name Is a Gift

Gr 2-4–Sitara, a Pakistani child, talks about the special meaning and importance of her name in this lovely picture book. As she goes through her day, explains how to pronounce her name, gently corrects people who get it wrong, and even shares the special nicknames her parents have for her. Her narration is charming and childlike. For instance, she tells readers about her first moments born: “When I first met Daddy, I fitted in his hands.” Artwork is gorgeous and modern, with a floral pastel color palette on every page, even the beautiful end papers. Realistic scenes include metaphorical flourishes like butterflies and stars dancing across the page. Different skin tones, physical abilities, and body types are depicted. The story is text heavy and includes a mix of conversation within the narrative and in word bubbles. Readers witness her getting called various wrong names before learning her actual moniker. But by the end of the book, Sitara is able to celebrate her name, her family, and her culture.