An honest #OwnVoices story about growing up with a name that is
unfamiliar to the kids around you, told with humor and heart by
critically acclaimed author/illustrator Thao Lam
Even though it's only four simple, familiar letters long, nobody can
ever pronounce Thao's name. She's been called Theo, Tail, even Towel!
But the teasing names--Tofu, Tiny, China Girl--are worse. Maybe it's
time to be someone else? Thao decides to try on a different name,
something easy, like Jennifer.
It works, but only until she opens her lunchbox to find her mother's
Vietnamese spring rolls, gỏi cuốn--Thao's favorite! Now, it feels a
lot more comfortable to be herself.
Simple on the surface, this story inspired by Thao's own childhood is
full of humor, heart, and important ideas of diversity, inclusion, and
cultural pride. The story will be instantly relatable to readers who
have ever felt different.
Designed with a playful emphasis on typography, and Thao's own childhood
photos added to her signature cut-paper collage, THAO champions being
true to yourself and your background, and being empathetic towards
others. It is a celebration of all that's in a name and the power of
owning your identity.
