Book Cover
Justification
I chose Alma and how she got her name as my Tejas Star book choice. It was also recognized as a Caldecott and Ezra Jack Keats Honor Book in 2019. It has also appeared on a number of other lists of recommended books for young readers. The thing that drew me to this book was the highlighting of Latin culture. This book does an excellent job to showing why names are so important in Latin culture and the heartwarming reason why children are given so many names.
Evaluation
The first thing that stood out to me in reading Alma was the tension that was created. Alma feels a tension between her two cultures; the school culture and her Latin culture. She claims that her name is too long and that it never fits. Though it is never explicitly stated more than that, it’s clear that Alma doesn’t like feeling different at school. The implication is that her name does not fit on the page and that she is feeling uncomfortable with being different from her classmates. To combat this feeling, her father decides to share with her the meaning behind her name. This action shows us as readers that there will be a choice that is made. Will she identify with her school culture or her Latin culture at the end of the story?
The second element that stood out to me was the tone of the book. Alma is obviously frustrated at the beginning of the book. The illustration on page 3 shows us that with her bulky letters, she can’t fit her entire name on the paper provided. However, when she airs her frustration with her father, he calmly tells her the story of her name and leaves the choice up to her to decide if her name fits. As we learn about each of the family members that are represented in Alma’s name, the tone of reverence shines through. Both Alma and reader hear the importance of each of the names and it becomes clear that it is impossible to not include it as part of her name. Each person is special and unique. They represent different parts of who Alma is and deserve their place in her name.
Finally, the illustrations of the book are largely black and white or muted tones, except in when it comes to Alma. She is always represented with a vivid shade of reddish pink. These illustrations help to show her uniqueness. It adds to the overall message of the book, that she is special. Each of the family members names are also punctuated with a little bit of a brighter shade of blue. This color helps to remind us that they are past, but still important to the current narrative. The illustrations also add an air of reverence to the family members represented in the story.
Response
(A) The entirety of my teaching career was in a bilingual classroom. At first, I felt such a disconnect with the cultural differences. A different song for birthdays, different traditions, and names that were new to me. In the six years I spent teaching in a bilingual class I learned a deep appreciation for Latin culture and traditions. Family was of paramount importance to them. This book exemplified the deep and abiding commitment to family that I found in my students and their families over the years.
(B) I always respected these values in my students and their families. Your family is always with you and they should always be the people who stand by you no matter what. This book showed the importance of family and to remember where you come from. Each person who is honored in Alma’s name is a special part of her and her identity. I loved the way that these values were honored and represented in the story.
(E) Alma and how she got her name is masterfully written and illustrated. The tone and tension in the book show a subtle line in the sand. Who are you? Who are you going to be? What guides your path? Alma’s father reverently and patiently walks her through her ancestors that are honored in her name. He shows her how they have gone before her and help shape who she is. The writing and illustrations are sweet and meaningful.
Conclusion
I would highly recommend Alma and how she got her name. It is a great peak in to another culture and helps to explain traditions. Students will love going on this journey with Alma as she discovers her family history and she identifies some of her ancestor’s character traits in her own personality. This book is a great read aloud or choice for students.
APA Citation
Martinez-Neal, J. (2018). Alma and how she got her name. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
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