Culture 5 Review - The Name Jar

 

Bibliographic Information

Choi, Y. 2001. THE NAME JAR. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978‑0375806131 

Plot Summary

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own.

Critical Analysis

I loved this story. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is gentle and heartfelt. It explores what it means to be who you are, even when everything around you feels strange and unfamiliar. This picture book follows Unhei, a young girl who has just moved from Korea to the United States. After being teased on her first day of school, she decides that she will not share her name with her classmates, thinking that maybe she should choose a more “American” name instead. On the surface, this story is simple, but it is layered with universal experiences of feeling different, wanting to belong, and learning to embrace who we really are. Young readers who have unique names that are often mispronounced are able to relate to Unhei and her struggle with embracing her name, and recent young immigrants will be able to see themselves in the story since Unhei deals with identity issues as well as adjustment challenges.

One of the most incredible parts of a book I have ever read happens in this story. Rather than rejecting her unfamiliar name, her classmates create the name jar filled with suggestions, showing that children can be curious and kind when guided with empathy. This is something rarely noticed in our world today, and I loved the example shown in this story. Asian culture is seen throughout the book in the names, the words that are used, and the foods that are cooked. We see Korean words such as chingu, which means friend, and Unhei, which means grace. Kimchi, a Korean dish, is mentioned, as well as the importance of keeping their culture despite living in America. Even the pronunciation of Unhei’s name, oo-n-hay, is included, gently encouraging readers to approach unfamiliar names with effort and respect.

Choi’s soft watercolor illustrations add dimension and warmth to the story. The classroom surrounding the students feels familiar and comfortable, but is filled with thoughtful details that reflect what Unhei is feeling. The use of shadows and shading make the story more realistic. Reading this story with my five-year-old daughter, I was reminded how powerful names can be. They carry memories and love. We thoughtfully chose each of my daughters’ middle names after people in our lives whom we love. Their names carry meaning, and this book reminded me of that. Reading this opened the door between my daughter and me to have important conversations about inclusion and honoring our differences. This is one I will recommend everyone to read, and one I will personally return to again and again. 

Awards Won & Review Excerpt(s)

*"Best of the Best" by the Chicago Public Library

*American Library Association Notable Book.

*Unhei’s reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story, and Choi’s gleaming, expressive paintings are always a treasure.” - The New York Times

*Unhei has just left her Korean homeland and come to America with her parents. As she rides the school bus toward her first day of school, she remembers the farewell at the airport in Korea and examines the treasured gift her grandmother gave her: a small red pouch containing a wooden block on which Unhei’s name is carved. Unhei is ashamed when the children on the bus find her name difficult to pronounce and ridicule it. Lesson learned, she declines to tell her name to anyone else and instead offers, “Um, I haven’t picked one yet. But I’ll let you know next week.” Her classmates write suggested names on slips of paper and place them in a jar. One student, Joey, takes a particular liking to Unhei and sees the beauty in her special stamp. When the day arrives for Unhei to announce her chosen name, she discovers how much Joey has helped. Choi (Earthquake, see below, etc.) draws from her own experience, interweaving several issues into this touching account and delicately addressing the challenges of assimilation. The paintings are done in creamy, earth-tone oils and augment the story nicely. - Kirkus Reviews

Connections

*Get to know your students with this easy name jar craft that accompanies the book, The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi. After reading The Name Jar, students can show how they are special by drawing pictures of all of the things that make them unique. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Name-Jar-Craft-7205047 

*Try some kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, or find a Korean restaurant to visit near you.

*Get your watercolor paints and try a painting in the style of Yangsook Choi.