Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Caldecott Medal

Evaluation of Book

Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela is a very long name for such a little girl. In this story Juana Martinez-Neal shares her first story as an author. In the story Alma complains that her name is too long and never fits on the page. Her father then goes on to share about the relative behind each of the names. Through this explanation Alma realizes that she shares many things with these relatives and is proud of the connection she has with them even if she hasn’t met them.

The monochromatic pencil illustrations are delightful and warm. They have a very soft visual texture. With just the right touches of pinks and blues the author draws the reader into this story about a young girl’s struggles with her very long name. Martinez-Neal also shares some of her own heritage as a Peruvian through details in the illustrations.

The illustrations show the close relationship Alma shares with her father. As Alma’s father shares the story of her name, the author weaves the past and the present so that Alma can meet these people after whom she is named. This past and present is also cleverly represented in the use of color in the illustrations. The present is signified by the use of pink, while the blue shades represent the past.

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Response

This book reminded me of the important task we have as parents in naming our children. When my first daughter was born, my husband was fearful that we might not have another girl. He insisted we give our daughter both of her grandmother’s first names. Therefore, our Abigail became Abigail Margaret Carol May. Like Alma, she too complains that her name is very long. Every time we tell her the story of why she ended up with both names and then she reminds us that she does have a younger sister. We then tell her we didn’t have a crystal ball at the time.

Conclusion

This delightful, heartwarming book will have readers of all ages looking into the significance behind their own names. As a Caldecott Honor Book it is one that readers will enjoy. I’ll be reading it to my students this fall.

Citation

Martinez-Neal, J. (2018). Alma and how she got her name. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.