The Name Jar

The Name Jar. Yangsook Choi. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. 34 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-375-90613-4. Grades K-2.

Shakespeare eternalized the phrase “What’s in a name” in Romeo and Juliet, but Yangsook Choi helps answer that question with a story of individuality, identity and self in The Name Jar. Unhei, pronounced Yoon-hye, means grace in Korean and is the namesake and problem of this book’s main character. Unhei loves her name until she realizes her new American classmates find it difficult to pronounce. She decides to choose another one. While her classmates offer suggestions on slips of paper and she tries them out in the mirror at night her wise grandmother and new friend help her see the importance of her name and being herself.  Friendship and identity are two important aspects in the life of young children and are paramount in every culture. The Name Jar does a great job of showing children how to come in to their own and help their peers do the same. Choi captures the shaky confidence and uncertainty common to new students and children of any race through Unhei’s character, but champions the uniqueness of Korean culture through tradition and habits. The colorful illustrations depict diversity in an enlightening way; as well make the emotions from the text come to life. Not only does this story emphasize being an individual and being proud of your roots, but it also emphasizes friendship and patience. A great relatable story!  Highly Recommended