Alma and How She Got Her Name

Also available in Spanish: Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre

Reviewed by Sierra Kling

Review Source: Reading Is Resistance
Book Author: Juana Martinez-Neal

Born in Lima, Perú, Juana Martinez-Neal incorporates her Latinx culture into her debut author/ illustrator book, Alma and How She Got Her Name, published in both Spanish and English! This is a pleasant read because it is fresh and lighthearted but still packed with important messages. It focuses on a young girl and her curiosity over her very long name.

The main character Alma is concerned about her name, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, “not fitting” on a piece of paper. She approaches her dad about her concern, and in response he ensures her that her name does fit. He goes on to explain each part of her name and their connections to her family members and history. After each name is explained, Alma identifies with a part of it. In the end, she questions her own first name, “Alma”. Her dad explains to her that “Alma” is her own and belongs to only her. Continue reading.

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Also reviewed by De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children: In Alma’s search for her identity, Martinez-Neal tells a gentle story of family culture and history and fills it with illustrative detail that will encourage the youngest readers to embark on their own journeys of self- and family discovery. Continue reading.

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Alma y Cómo Obtuvo Su Nombre / Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Published by Candlewick Press on 2018-04
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Early Childhood, Grade K
ISBN: 9780763693589
Review Source: Reading Is Resistance
Buy at Powell's Books

What's in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from -- and who she may one day be. Spanish language edition!