Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

by Sherman Alexie

Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that's all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn't mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he's done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder.

But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name...a name that is sure to light up the sky.

National Book Award-winner Sherman Alexie's lyrical text and Caldecott Honor-winner Yuyi Morales's striking and beautiful illustrations celebrate the special relationship between father and son.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Native American, Indigenous, Cultural

Unknown Binding

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

Sherman Alexie is a Native American author, poet, and filmmaker known for his powerful portrayals of contemporary Indigenous life, often infused with wit, humor, and emotional depth. Drawing heavily on his experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, Alexie's work addresses complex themes such as identity, poverty, addiction, and the legacy of colonialism, all filtered through a distinctly Native perspective.
His breakout book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, is a semi-autobiographical young adult novel that won the 2007 National Book Award and remains widely acclaimed for its candid and humorous depiction of adolescence and cultural dislocation. Earlier, Alexie gained critical attention with The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, a collection of interconnected short stories that was adapted into the Sundance-winning film Smoke Signals (1998), for which he wrote the screenplay. He also authored the novels Reservation Blues, Indian Killer, and Flight, as well as numerous poetry collections including The Business of Fancydancing and Face.
Born with hydrocephalus, Alexie faced health and social challenges from an early age but demonstrated early academic talent and a deep love for reading. He left the reservation for high school and later studied at Washington State University, where a poetry course shifted his path toward literature. His mentor, poet Alex Kuo, introduced him to Native American writers, profoundly shaping his voice.
In 2018, Alexie faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment, which led to widespread fallout, including rescinded honors and changes in how his work is promoted in educational and literary institutions. He acknowledged causing harm but denied specific accusations. Despite the controversy, his influence on contemporary Native American literature remains significant.
Throughout his career, Alexie has received many awards, including the PEN/Faulkner Award for War Dances and an American Book Award for Reservation Blues. He has also been a prominent advocate for Native youth and a founding member of Longhouse Media, promoting Indigenous storytelling through film.
Whether through poetry, prose, or film, Alexie’s work continues to challenge stereotypes and elevate Native American voices in American culture.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherman Alexie is one of the authors here at the Bay Area Book Festival.
Today is second day...
"Thunder Boy Jr." is a child's book...perfect for 3 & 4 year old children.
It's an 'empowering' story. A father helps his son pick his own name. He doesn't want his father's name. Sherman Alexie is a master storyteller... takes readers on journey -giving respect to Native Americans. This book is filled with warmth - humor- and love. The illustrations capture the spirit with strength. You can't help but smile.

Friends have asked me about the Bay Area Book Festival...So, I thought I'd share here.

If there was to be an overall theme here this year... It might be "Reading Without Walls". One just needs to step inside the man-made outdoor library structure with over 10,000 books. Anyone attending the festival can walk through these open walls of books and take anything they want home with them - free of charge. Many of these books are in good - (read but handled with respect), condition.

There are writers and authors here from 13 countries including Egyptian feminist Mona
Eltahawy. ... A Journalist from El Salvador..
A Swedish journalist and novelist named Steve Sem Sanberg presenting his fiction book on the Holocaust whom I'll be seeing in 2 hours.

Pedro Carmona-Alvarez, was a standout from Norway

Sara Baume, Belinda Mckeon, Colm Tobin, ....(all in one room with about 200 people)...
They represented Ireland. Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of the the dorm collapsed here at UC Berkeley where students from Ireland died. The Chancellor and Cordinator of this years festival lead this room with a speech and a silent prayer. It was beautiful and sad.
ALL of these authors were bright and interesting...but the biggest surprised for me was how hilarious Colm Tobin is....( nothing - and I mean nothing guarded about this man). Makes me want to read 'everything' he's written. He also gave writers ( sorry - this is not me).... but I listened anyway.... Some of the best advice I think I've ever heard. But... It's much too long to go into. - If you 'must' know call me on the phone...I don't want to WRITE pages of what he said. Lol

Peggy Orenstein is popular here with her book..."Girls & Sex"
Richard Russo was a key speaker last night..,
Annie Barrows ...author of "Guernsey Literary and potato peel pie society", wrote a new Ivy and Bean series for kids...
Barbara boxer is here, Bich Minh Nguyen, Faith Adiele, Dana Spiotta, Jonathan Lethem.

One of my personal favorite authors -( new to me) -is Jean -Phillippe Blondel.
His book "The 6:41 to Paris" sounds sooo great... especially after listening to him talk.

NOTE... Having pre- paid for advance tickets for many of these authors rooms allows guarantee of getting in... - and going to the front of the line. I was usually in the first or second row...making it easy to hear and see the authors funny expressions.

I'm seeing many more today...
Street vendors are selling books. --rows and rows.... Some of these vendors are fantastic deals. I bought a brand new Gloria Steinem hardcover for dollar.
Many books are full price too... But one author 'GAVE' me a free signed copy book...just because I said I had enjoyed advance book from Netgalley.
ELIZABETH PERCER...."All stories are Love Stories". We hung out awhile. She lives near me. A mother of 3 kids

So....I'm off again for another full line up ... You can talk to authors it loose or see them in rooms...
I'm especially looking forward to meeting Shaun David Hutchinson who wrote "We Are Ants".

If I have more I'll update....
Next Year....This festival will be the same weekend -- first weekend in June.- in Berkeley. Those interested in attending from out of town..and have never been- happy to share logistical tips.

[Sara the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well we can now add children's picture books to the seeming never ending list of things Mr. Sherman Alexie does very, very well.

The totally captivating Thunder Boy Jr. tells the thrilling story of the life of Thunder Boy Smith Jr. who is named after his father Thunder Boy Smith Sr. His mother Agnes and his sister Lillian have boring, grown up names and that's just not Thunder Boy Jr.'s speed.

But lately Thunder Boy Jr. has found himself yearning for a name that is just his.

He dreams of new names that might really speak to who he is beyond being just his father's son. Unafraid to touch a live Orca whale he wonders if "Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth" has a nice enough ring to it. He loves playing with his silly dog and thinks "Can't Run Fast While Laughing" sounds pretty good. His love of grass dancing at Pow Wow's makes him wonder if "Drums, Drums, and More Drums" is better.

But, Thunder Boy Smith Jr. is afraid. He loves his father more than anything and he doesn't want to hurt him by asking for a name that is just his. He likes that there are things about him that he got from his father and he loves his father's strong name. Still he is near fit to bursting with the need for the world to know him on his own terms. How can he explain this to his dad without making him feel bad?

This is just a wonderful book. Alexie never fails to strike that fine balance between celebrating Native American culture and subtly reminding us how it continues to disappear at an ever alarming rate from the country where it was born. With Thunder Boy Jr. He makes a bold and necessary statement about the importance of heritage and how remembering where you came doesn't mean you can't embrace your own unique self. Yes Thunder Boy Jr.'s proposed names and the reasons for them are wonderful and childlike and downright funny but they're also a brilliant way to show a young boy standing on the line between two cultures and embracing them both.

Yuji Morales' illustrations are a spot on perfect fit to Alexie's story. They are bursting with life and while thunder and lightening are a running theme on almost every page they come across as almost magical rather than frightening or foreboding. A note in the book reveals that the illustrations were actually created digitally using the clay and wooden remains of a collapsed antique house in Mexico which not only gives them a wonderful, rich glow but also imbues the book with noble gravity that you can almost feel coming off the page.

I've been reading some quite frankly ridiculous reviews on this book questioning the need for Alexie and Morales note's and the teaching guides that are offered with some copies of the book. These reviewers seem to feel an "explanation" as it were for the book is unnecessary or overkill or trying too hard to make this into a political message book.

To them I would say....

You're dumb.

Okay no what I'd say is as long as we live in a country that continues to be perfectly happy denying its responsibility in the eradication of an entire race, as long as we live in a country that thinks Native Americans should just "get over it" and "blend in," or don't understand why it is a big honking deal to finally see a picture book for children by a revered Native American writer that features an entire Native American family as its characters then I'll agree that its not necessary for the author and illustrator to remind readers why books like this matter and don't get written enough.

Until then Sherman Alexie and Ms. Morales can write any kind of forward or epilogue they want.

This is a heart tugging love fest of a read that's as gorgeous to look at as it is to read aloud. Which I did several times this weekend and doubtless will do several thousand more since I'm proud to have just added it to my collection of beloved children's classics. Something I feel confident in saying this is sure to become.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless story with wonderful illustrations by Yuyi Morales.

This is a book everyone will love.

But on a personal note, I've been volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club for a year now and many of our kids (and staff) are Native American--Blackfeet, Kootenai, Crow Tribe, and more.

It's sweet to finally have a children's book that's beautifully representative. This fills a cultural void, satisfies a need in such a positive way.

It's a delight to read and share this book.

[Theo Logos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thunder Boy Jr. loves his dad, but he hates having his dad’s name. He is Little Thunder to his dad’s Big Thunder. He doesn’t like that. He doesn’t want to be small. He wants his own name, a name that says something about who he is. A name like Mud in his Ear (because he loves playing in the dirt) or Star Boy (because he dreamed his dad and mom were the sun and the moon). He really does love his dad. He just wants his own name. And who knew dad would have the perfect solution?

A sweet, fun book about sons and fathers, with playful illustrations perfectly matched to the text.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celebrated Native American author Sherman Alexie, whose prolific output covers genres ranging from contemporary adult fiction ( The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven ) to screen-writing ( Smoke Signals ), young adult fiction ( The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian ) to poetry ( The Business of Fancydancing ), makes his picture-book debut with this charming title, which follows the travails of a young boy who longs to establish his own identity. Thunder Boy Smith Jr., named for his father, Thunder Boy Smith Sr., hates his name, and wishes he could have one that reflects his own actions and personality, and that differentiates him from his father. His loving parent, fully aware of his struggles, suggests a name that allows him to maintain his familial ties, but also be himself...

The humorous story in Thunder Boy Jr. ably captures a young child's voice, reflecting his experiences and feelings in a convincing way. I've never thought about how those who are named after a parent might feel about the issue - do they resent it? feel overshadowed? - but it's certainly true that many children go through a phase where they don't like their own given name. As a child I myself disliked Abigail, and insisted upon being called Abby, something that is quite the reverse today, as I go by Abigail almost exclusively. Alexie's narrative reflects a widespread childhood experience, while also being culturally specific. Thunder Boy is Native American (no tribal nation is given), something reflected in the fact that one of his favorite activities is dancing at powwows. As always, it's good to see contemporary stories about Native American children, emphasizing that they live in the here and now (rather than some mythical past), and confront all of the same issues and experiences as anyone else. Every bit as engaging as the story, Mexican/American illustrator Yuyi Morales' artwork is a pleasure to peruse, with its use of vibrant colors and its shifting perspectives. Highly recommended to those looking for good picture-books with Native content, to fellow fans of Yuyi Morales, and to anyone who just wants an appealing story about a common childhood experience.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each year I and my family read and rate all the Goodreads picture book nominees. This one is nominated for 2016. I make a few comments and then add their separate ratings and a comment from each of them. There's 20 (15 first round and 5 new ones for the semi-final round) and this is the thirteenth being rated. My rating might be somewhat influenced by the family, naturally.

I liked the cool process Morales went through for the illustrations, very layered, but it wasn't so evident from the illustrations themselves. I liked the story of that. I also liked Alexie's wonderful language and inventiveness in suggesting other names he might like rather than Thunder Boy, when his father was also Thunder Boy. Since he had climbed a mountain: "Touched the Clouds." Since he had. Gravity's friend: Because he had taken a long time to learn to ride a bike. Not afraid of ten thousand teeth: Because he had once touched an orca. And so on.

Tara (my wife): 4 stars. Nice to see a Native American book by a Native American. I like what he's done and how he thinks of himself.
Harry (11): 3 1/2 stars. Everyone says what he should be named, but finally he says what he wants and why.
Hank (10): 3 1/2 stars.
Lyra (9): I like how he begged for a new name, only for him. But I do like the name Thunder!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so so good.

Thunder Boy, Jr. is a lovely story about a boy trying to figure himself out and distinguish himself from his father. The text is so full of love and wonder, and the illustrations are absolutely perfect.

Sometimes when fiction writers dip their toe into the world of picture books, you get way way way way too much text. That's a problem with so many picture books (jeez Louise, editors needed), but is particularly a concern with writers of longer works. Sherman Alexie has taken to picture books extremely well, and balanced incredible clarity and economy of words with real depth of character and a rich vocabulary. Very well done.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loved this book and decided he will now go by "Thunder Boy". I've had to call him that all evening and I'm wondering how long it will last! :) Great little story.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morales' gorgeous and lively illustrations serve as a beautiful emphasis for the message of Alexie's text, creating a story about a young boy wanting his own identity and to be his own person, but still being a part of his family and supported by his dad's love for him.

I see my students on these pages, most especially my favorite, with the male grass dancer regalia, and wish there were more chances for them to see themselves, and others to see them, in the pages of picture books.

I appreciate the book, and feel it is important, but wonder if it may somewhat confuse those who haven't been taught about cultural naming traditions. Might they read this and see it as a silly thing instead of the deeper meaning usually given to it? Because of that, I wish there had been an end note to add some more perspective within the larger conversation.

Pair with Hungry Johnny for another picture book with a young First Nations boy who struggles with the cultural traditions he follows, but embraces an understanding of the importance of them at the end, appropriate for young audiences.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the playfulness of this book. The illustrations are energetic and very child centered. The issue of names and how we feel about our own name is one that many children could likely understand. I think it will be popular with children. Debbie Reese has some concerns here that I do not want to ignore though: http://americanindiansinchildrenslite... and more here http://americanindiansinchildrenslite... I agree that an author's note may be helpful.

It's getting a lot of press coverage and I saw it prominently displayed in two different locations at our B&N this week. I think it will definitely sell like crazy.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the color in the illustrations builds vibrantly in the middle, at the height of the main character's imaginings.

A book about identity, finding it separately and in relation to a parent. And such a great parent, at that, one who pays attention and responds. Fantastic!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book, I think it's my favorite illustrated book by Morales.
Alexie takes what could be a very big idea and brings it down to a level that even our young picture book readers can discuss - who I am. A book for all ages.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one caused a riot of laughter at story time. Afterwards we made and decorated name tags with new nicknames the kids chose for themselves.

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start by admitting that I have a mildly unhealthy obsession with Sherman Alexie's work. Ever since I discovered his greatness in college, I can't get enough of him! So I broke one of my rules and pre-ordered this book. It surely didn't disappoint! His writing and Yuyi Morales' illustrations makes for a masterful text. As you can see from the flagged passage (a spread) below, the writing and illustrations pop, and readers will be captivated by the text. My two-year-old son loved reading it with me.

One of the critiques I've read about this book is that it should come with a teacher's guide for Native American naming traditions. I fully understand this critique and agree with it somewhat. While I think an author's note would have been helpful, as a fellow Native American, I wonder if this should be a critique of the text. Why must Sherman Alexie (and other Native Americans) feel the need to always justify and explain their stories? I imagine that Alexie would cringe at a teacher's (well-intentioned) attempt to follow up a reading of this text with their own naming ceremonies/activities. That said, I don't believe this is necessarily his job. A little bit of background research will surely produce a wealth of materials about the sacredness of these rituals. I believe it seems to normalize Whiteness when we constantly request authors of color to provide teaching materials for texts. Like others, while I'd love for some aspect of the paratext to include this extra material, I don't believe that this is a flaw of the text.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my stars what a fantastic pairing of author and illustrator. Yuyi adds so much energy to this story of a little boy who doesn't want to be a 'junior' - not that it was lacking in energy to begin with. Her colors and textures spark and shine, and she picks unexpected perspectives from which to look at a scene. I always like that about her work - suddenly we are watching the characters from the corner of the ceiling, like in a Hitchcock movie, the better to catch a facial expression or understand the blocking.

And what to say about Sherm's text? He is just one funny and thoughtful fella no matter what he's writing. So great.

Oh but HEY Little Brown Books for Young Readers - this is YUYI MORALES and SHERMAN FRICKIN ALEXIE. Buy the nice paper! tsk.

[Joyce Yattoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

#bookaday I ❤️ the author Sherman Alexie. This is a great read to explore cultural identity. Perhaps a writing prompt? Where does your name come from?

[Dona's (come down with Covid) Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherman Alexie writes brilliant books. I picked this up for my 3 year old nephew, because it was written by Alexie, and because it was a story about fathers and sons, and my nephew and brother are adorable together. I shouldn't have been, because it's Alexie, but I was surprised by the depth and complexity I found in the narrative meaning of THUNDER BOY JR--the difference between the symbolic significance they applied to their hair, which they and the world could see, and that which they applied to their own names, which no one could see, and yet everyone and everything would "see" forever. And it's also about a little boy who wants to be like his father, and never wants his father to change. It's a very thoughtful, beautiful book.

Also, the illustrations are wild and gorgeous, perfect for the story.

I enjoyed reading this book so much before I chose it for my nephew; I imagine my brother and sister-in-law enjoyed even deeper pleasure reading it with their son.

Rating 5 stars
1st Reading, Finished October 2021
Recommended for adults who know readers 3 to 5 years old, who enjoy a strong connection to a male role model, like their hair, or feel curious about their name or how they got it

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherman Alexie’s name leaped out at me from across the room when I spotted this book by chance the other day. He writes powerful YA voices. Thunder Boy Jr. is his first picture book for kids. A book full of color and humor and warmth.

Thunder Boy Jr. is named after is dad. He loves his dad. BUT Jr. wants a name of his own—one that represents him. He’s determined to find a new name by thinking and brainstorming about his favorite things and adventures. I love the different ideas for names. Like…

“I love playing in the dirt, so maybe my name should be MUD IN HIS EARS.” Haha…

This book is alive with color! The art pops off the pages in bright shapes and faces creating the perfect tone and look for Thunder Boy. Colors stand up and say LOOK at me! I loved how expressive the eyes were on every face. So alive! The characters were present on the page in size and smiles and expressions. Thunder Jr. was adorable and Dad Thunder was bigger than life. Jr.’s smile was pure joy! I couldn’t help but smile along with him. Yuyi Morales’ beautiful artwork makes this book a stand out in the picture book world.

There are a couple of words in this story I don’t usually like to see in books for young readers—hate and normal for example--- but both words somehow worked in this case. They fit in the flow of the story and voice. A voice that many kids will identify with. I’m sure there are many juniors out there that want a name to call their own. We all want to make our own mark on the world.

The Native American culture, individuality, and family are all at the heart of this story. A powerful little book with a big message I highly recommend. Don’t miss it!

[Agnė · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book is the way in which the direct speech (in the form of a speech cloud) is incorporated in the text:


I also really like the idea that Thunder Boy Jr., who is named after his farther, wants a name of his own, "a name that celebrates something cool that [he]'ve done" (14):


However, it is not very clear (at least, not for me) why the main character deserves to be called Lightning, a new name eventually given by his dad.

Also, although I loved bright colors and different textures of the illustrations, the digital look of Morales' drawings didn't appeal to me as much.

[Mississippi Library Commission · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when two talented children's book creators meet? The joyful exuberance of Thunder Boy Jr., of course. Sherman Alexie's satisfying story of a little boy who wants a name of his very own explores Native American culture and family life. Yuyi Morales's delightful illustrations nearly leap from the page with their lifelike energy. This will make a great read aloud and we can imagine several fun self-naming activities for children to follow story time.

[Kathy Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite author, strong addition to "name" text set, love it.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like author Sherman Alexie and Little Thunder, I too am a Jr. named after my father. Thunder Boy Jr. wants his own identity and does not know how to tell his father. Much of the book is his thinking of what else he could be called as he thinks about his life and what is most important to him. Happily, his father is very wise and knowing. Nicely illustrated by Yuyi Morales.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review
Thunder Boy Jr. was a book I randomly found in the library while looking for books to check out for the littles. The one thing that caught my attention was the cover; there was something so beautiful about it. I was also excited to see that Yuyi Morales had illustrated Thunder Boy Jr. the kids and I had read a couple of Yuyi Morales books last year and really loved her books so we were excited to see her illustrations.

Thunder Boy JR. was a story that the Littles absolutely loved. The first time we “read’ it was Poochies reading his own version of the story and then Princess reading her own version of the story and then finally we read the story.

About Thunder Boy Jr
Thunder Boy Jr is a story about a little boy who’s named after his father. His sister and mother have what he calls “normal” names and he is named Thunder Boy after his father. Thunder Boy doesn’t like his name because he feels like he has to live up to his father or that people are always comparing him to his father. He feels like his identity belongs to his father and he can’t really be himself and the story tells us about his journey of finding the “right” name for him.

I found the story to be absolutely beautiful and engaging for the littles. They were also trying to find names for Thunder Boy Jr. I really liked the idea of trying to find yourself even though you are named after a relative.

The illustrations were absolutely beautiful. They weren’t extremely colorful but they would capture the littles attention. The littles were able to make their own story based on the illustrations. This is a book I would highly recommend because I think kids will love it because of the story and because of the illustrations. Parents will also enjoy this because it is a very beautiful story.
This review was originally posted on As Told By Tina

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that the mom and sister are different. They have their own identities and their own ways of expressing themselves. I don't see it as a less positive thing, just a different thing.

I love the page where the boy considers his parents, and thinks about the name "Star Boy." It's a very strong, passionate, book. The boy has so much personality, so many interests, so much courage... how can any of the names that he's considering be adequate? Yay Dad for figuring it out.

I would consider this a good companion book to Rudas: Niño's Horrendous Hermanitas and Niño Wrestles the World but I like this one a lot more... I suppose because the appeal is more universal.

All of them might be a little too passionate/ intense for some sensitive readers. But trust me, even though my three boys are usually sweet and kind, I know that testosterone does have a powerful affect on people, and boys often have powerful feelings that cannot be denied or hidden. Iow, this art speaks Truth.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thunder Boy Jr Smith is also known as Little Thunder, and either way, he doesn't like his name because he shares it with his dad. He wants a name of his own, and imagines all the names he might have. Luckily, Dad realizes how Little Thunder feels, and responds to it.

This book is a descendant of Ezra Jack Keats' immortal The Snowy Day, Alexie does here with a Native American child what Keats' book did with an African American child. This simply has a little boy being a little boy, and a family being a family. The art is energetic with angular, clearly Native American characters, and Alexie's storytelling gift clearly extends to picture books. I'll look forward to him doing more like this.

P.S. The word "fart" occurs here, and for anyone who objects to it, I have just four words:
Walter the Farting Dog

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about wanting to be yourself. A boy who is named after his father, decides he doesn't like his name and wants to be called something that is unique to himself. The creative choices he comes up with will make you laugh, and to even think a little and consider what each name would mean to his life as he grows up. The solution at the end is perfect.

I loved the style of the artwork, and enjoyed the story itself immensely. Definitely recommended, especially for those kids who feel like they don't have their 'own name' either.

[Lynn Plourde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story of identity. Love the illustrations. I can see readers playing a name game--giving themselves other names based on their hobbies, interests, favorites.

[Sanja_Sanjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful. A book to hug.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award winning creative duo have written and illustrated a fantastic children’s book about self identity and family.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished this entertaining picture book, I realized a few of my other classmates read it as well. I can see why! This was about a boy who had the same nickname as his father and he is torn because he loves his dad, but he wants his own identity as well. He wants his own nickname. There are a bunch of different ones thrown out there in a comical way before he finally receives a very special new nickname! This is a book that i am sure many children with the same name as their fathers can relate to. The illustrations were fantastic and I would love to read anything else that this author or illustrator is involved in. Recommended for students 3rd grade and under.