Summary
Mirha loves her name…until she doesn’t. When she starts school, her classmates do not say her name correctly which puzzles her because she thinks it is so simple. She decides the best solution is to change it. When her mother hears of Mirha’s troubles, she explains to her daughter that her name means “happiness” in Arabic and it fits her perfectly. Mirha decides to keep her name and instead teach her new classmates how to say it. In doing so, she inspires others to be proud of their names!
Theme(s):
Friendship, Acceptance, Self Love
Personal Response
The illustrations in this book provided a really uplifting and happy atmosphere. I liked how despite, Mirha’s concerns, the book never appeared sad. I think the story teaches a great lesson on acceptance and demonstrates the idea that all names are beautiful. It is common for people to change their names to accommodate to others who cannot pronounce it and I loved how this book made sure to emphasize that this is not necessary. Instead of changing your name, use it to educate others!
Teaching Ideas
This book can be used for a lesson on individuality. After students listen to the book, a discussion can be had on the idea that different cultures may use names that we are unfamiliar with and how we can be respectful. Students can then create acrostic poems using their own names and character traits that make them special. Students can share their poems and the class can discuss that everyones name is important and often represents them as a person as well as where their family is from.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01
