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“A celebration of identity, family and belonging. ” –Kirkus Reviews

Alma and How She Got Her Name

Written by Juana Martinez-Neal
Published by Candlewick Press

If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza Josa Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; Josa, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.

Primary ISBN: 9780763693558
Publication Date: April 2018
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Peru

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Activity Guide
Source: Anti Defamation League

Family Discussion Guide
Source: Anti Defamation League

Teacher Tip Card
Source: Juanamartinezneal.com

Activity Kit
Source: Juanamartinezneal.com

Activity Kit (En Español)
Source: Juanamartinezneal.com

Nametags
Source: Juanamartinezneal.com

Nametags (En Español)
Source:Juanamartinezneal.com

Lesson Plans and Classroom Ideas
Source: NEA’s Reading Across America

This book is part of the Welcoming Library. The Welcoming Library is a traveling collection of picture books set in our New Arrival and 
New American communities. From small towns to big cities, these immigration stories are helping readers 
(of all ages) Welcome and Belong. WelcomingLibrary.org