Say My Name by Joanna Ho (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Say My Name by Joanna Ho Danica Ronquillo Ho, Joanna Say My Name; illus. by Khoa Le. Harper, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063205338 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780063334359 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs In this powerful picture book, Ho's poetic prose and Le's expressive folk-art illustrations explore the beauty of embracing all identities and cultures as six children share [End Page 59] the significance of their names. The profiles afford readers the chance to learn about rich histories from different countries; He Xiao-Guang, the "first light of morning," from China, for example, embodies the lineage of her Chinese ancestry, while the "fierce warrior of the South Pacific," Ofā Kīvaha Tupoumālohi, proudly loves the sea, as did her ancestors in the uncolonized Kingdom of Tonga. Nizhoni Yazzie of the Diné (Navajo) introduces herself by her name and her clans, sharing the idea of walking in beauty (hózhó) to portray the balance within her community and nature. Layered pale-pink dahlia petals floating across the waves reflect the resilience of Xóchitl Luna, "moon flower," of the Nahua nation in the Valley of Mexico before the Spanish (conquistadores) invaded the land. Art and music shape names as well, with the epic verses of Bijan Hosseini's Persian background conveyed in tapestry angelic wings, and Akosua Acheampong dances to the Ghanaian rhythms of apentemma (drums) and atoke (bell). A double-page spread with the children walking across "a building block / in an architecture / constructed over oceans / and across generations" describes the unity within different communities, and the structural narrative stanzas followed by the repeated refrain, "Say my name," encourage readers to communicate and understand how to pronounce others' names respectfully. The end matter includes a name pronunciation guide and cultural context. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois