The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name
Written by Sandhya Parappukkaran
Illustrated by Michelle Pereira
Published by ABRAMS
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he’ll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name is a warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves, and proclaims that no one should ever have to shrink themselves to fit in.


Primary ISBN: 9781419761584
Publication Date: January 2023
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book , Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American
Themes: Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Generation: 1st, Names & Pronunciations, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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