The Name Jar

by Yangsook Choi

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she?

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week.

Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning.

On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Fiction, Asian American

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Yangsook Choi is the author of the beloved classic THE NAME JAR. Growing up in Korea, she began drawing at age four and delighted in telling her grandmother scary stories at night. After moving to New York to pursue her art, she has written and illustrated many books for young readers.

Her books have been acclaimed as a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, an American Library Association Notable Book, and with an International Literacy Association's Children's Book Award. She has also received 200+ rejection letters until she lost count.

Her past jobs include waiting tables at a smoky Korean BBQ restaurant, flying as a flight attendant, and drawing tiny pictures on fake nails.

Reviews

[nitya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and important story about a Korean girl loving her name!

As an Asian with a different/difficult name myself, this was way too relatable.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

It must be so difficult to grow up in a culture not your own. This book is about a Korean family that moves to the US and this little girl is trying to figure out her name. On the bus to school boys tease her when they can’t pronounce her name and she is embarrassed. The teacher asks her name and she says she does not know. Unhei is different, but not that different. So, the students put names into a jar so she can pick a new name, but through the process she decides to keep her name which means grace. Funny, no one thought to try calling her Grace.

The name stamp is brought up in here, which is very beautiful. If people ever see Asian art, that little red circle is a signature. Unhei does find some friends and she does start to fit in at school.

Actually, the nephew switched schools this year to be in the same one as his sister. He has had a hard time making friends and he isn’t used to that. School has been rough for him. I think he understood this book and it resonated with him. Yesterday, he did come home and say that he made a new friend. Things are moving along. He did like this story and I think that’s why. It isn’t his normal book to enjoy. He gave this 3 stars.

[Rosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book that raises important questions! I loved the whole idea behind it. At the same time, I loved how one of the children said, "We didn't get to pick our own name after all!" That was so hilarious! :D

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[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when we move from one country (in this story, Korea) to America? How do we fit in, especially when we are considered different from the moment we step into the classroom?

This was the dilemma that faced, Unhei, pronounced Yoon-hye.

So…

When asked what her name was by another kid in the classroom, she replied,

“I haven’t picked it yet.”

Why did she feel the need to create an American name for herself, instead of feeling comfortable with sharing her given name which means “grace?”

Will Unhei come to terms with her name and share it with the rest of her classmates?

This story, which is beautifully illustrated, explores questions about differences, social identity and cultural assimilation.

Reading levels: 5-8 years – Preschool – 2nd grade

[Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

قصد داشتم این کتابو برای دختر خالم بخونم ولی پشیمون شدم. چرا؟؟؟
یون هی (اگر درست تلفظ کنم) یه دختر کره ایه که از کره رفته آمریکا. روز اول که میره مدرسه توی اتوبوس به صورت کامل رندوم و در حرکتی باورنکردنی یکی ازش میپرسه اسمت چیه؟ اینم میگه یونهی. تا همین جا شما دو سه تا بچه میبینید تیپیکالی ترین تصویری که از یه بچه ی آمریکایی وجود داره در کنار یه دختر کره ای که به شدت مودب و آرومه.
ادامه میدیدم...
یهو این بچه ها خیلی یهوییییی شروع میکنن اسم اینو مسخره میکنن. این بچه ناراحت میشه میره داخل کلاس که دست بر قضااااااااا همه مهربون و مثبتن. میگن اسمت چیه؟ میگه والا بیزیم اسم یوخدی. اونام خیلی اوکی قبول میکنن که یه بچه حداقل ۷ ۸ ساله اسم نداره. یه شیشه میذارن رو میزش و توش اسم پیشنهاد میدن بهش. و در جای جای داستان هم روی معنی اسم این بچه تاکید میشه و اینکه مامان و مامان بزرگش رفتن پیش یه name master یا یه همچین چیزی. خلاصه که اسم من کلی فکر پشتشه واسه شما ها نهایتا دیوار پشتش باشه.
تهش هم خیلی یهویی بچه به این نتیجه میرسه که اسم خودم خوبه. و بعد اینجا یهو بچه های آمریکایی میخوان اسم کره ای خودشونو پیدا کنن. جالبه ایشون اسم آمریکایی بذاره نه و فلان و بیسار ولی بقیه اسم کره ای بخوان خوبه.
و جالبه که تا آخر داستان دیگه سر و کله اون بچه های اولی پیدا نمیشه. چرا؟؟؟؟؟؟؟؟؟ چون اگر پیداشون بشه که درس فوق العاده خانم نویسنده دیگه به درد نمیخوره. چون نمیشه که تو یهو به طرز قهرمانانه ای اسمتو دوست داشته باشی و همه هم دوستت داشته باشن و باهات رفیق شن ولی هنوز اون بیرون یکی مسخره ات کنه که. یهو باید همه چی خوش و خرم بشه. اه

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yangsook Choi’s The Name Jar traces the literal journey of Unhei from her home in South Korea to her new life in the United States. Unhei faces a new land, a new language, a new school, even a new alphabet! When children on her first day of school butchered her name, Unhei starts believing that a new country must mean she needs to pick a new name.

“I don’t want to be different from all the American kids” Unhei tells her mom. Her classmates help her out by adding slips of paper with name suggestions in a jar.

I spent a year in Buncheon Province and taught English near Inchon, and the soft illustrations — complete with the traditional hanbok sported by Unhei’s grandmother and the beautiful name stamp — warmed my heart and evoked memories. A lovely, lovely book whether or not you’ve ever been a stranger in a new land.

[CH _Kenya Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Name Jar, was a good story to share in the primary grades particularly at the beginning of the school year. It was about a girl whose family had just moved from Korea to America and she was attending her first day of school. Initially she was teased about her name by kids on the school bus and then became intimidated about sharing her name with her classmates. It also made her feel embarrassed about being different than the other kids. Unhei, learned that her classmates were a much more kinder groups of kids and they immediately made her feel welcomed and comfortable with sharing her name and some of her culture. This was a delightful story that would help to make any child feel more comfortable about coming to a new school particularly if there are cultural and racial differences. It displayed the warmth and welcoming spirit that could be created in a classroom environment and would be a great resource for a teacher starting the year with a diverse group of students.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unhei (pronounced Yoon-hye and defined as Grace) moved from Korea and thought she should change her name to fit in. She told her classmates that she had not picked a name yet. The next morning she found a glass jar with names on pieces of paper for her to choose. Would a name be more special if you chose it? This is a picture book about recognizing your identity.

[Akoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Names are important in all cultures but they take a particularly higher level of meaning for people who are immigrants from countries that make the racial minority pool of the US.
I loved how Unhei (Youn-Hye) eventually came to terms with the value of her name and by default her identity.
The story was written straight to the point without any flourishes or unnecessary explanations. You feel the way she gets hurt when other children couldn't be bothered to learn to pronounce her name and taking it as far as teasing her. Then you feel her surprise and joy when other children showed her they actually cared (more than I suspect she expected).
As an adult and immigrant in the US I related to this book on so many levels it actually brought back some uncomfortable memories related to people's reaction to my name. This is definitely a book I would love to own.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Text-to-Self: This story reminded me a lot of when I went to college for my undergraduate degree and there was a large group of Hmong students from Minnesota who also came to attend our small liberal arts college. One of the students I came to know fairly well just asked us to call him "A" as in the letter. Just like in this story with Unhei wanting to choose a different, more American name because she thought her name was too hard to pronounce, A just settled on choosing something that he knew others would be able to pronounce. I always wondered what his full Hmong name was but he never said. It seemed to be very personal to him and I wondered what might have happened during his public school years for him to be so protective of it.

2. The students who read this book will be exposed to the perspective of coming into a school with a unique, ethnic name and how that can be a challenge. Students may not realize that when they make such a big deal about a name or laugh (even if not maliciously) about the sound of a name or word that is important to somebody else (especially something as important as a name) it can have a lasting effect on that person's confidence and pride in their heritage. Unhei had a very difficult experience on the bus to school with kids laughing about her name, pronouncing it in funny ways, and turning it into silly chants or funny rhymes. I think it is also important for our students to realize that these students on the bus were not necessarily intent on making her feel bad. They were certainly being insensitive but mostly because they were not putting themselves in her shoes. We always need to measure our words and actions carefully because one careless word can destroy another person in an instant. It was wonderful to see that a kind boy and class eventually helped Unhei embrace her name despite her initially wanting to choose a name for herself.

3. Remembering: When did Unhei decide to choose a different name for herself?
Understanding: How would you describe Joey from the story?
Applying: If you had met Unhei on the bus the first day, what questions would you have asked her?
Analyzing: How would you compare Unhei's name to the other names in the jar?
Evaluating: What is your opinion on how Unhei's teacher handled her first day of school? Could he have done better? Why or why not?
Creating: If everyone in your class was given a Korean name, using a name finder website that tells the meaning of names, tell what name you would give five people from your class and why. Remember we are working on building others up, just as Unhei needed to be built up, so the names you choose should reflect this.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I know we are supposed to be posting examples of good multicultural literature, I felt it necessary to make a post on this book. The idea of a Korean girl coming to the United States and not liking how different her name sounds from all of her American classmates has some universality to it. I have encountered many bilingual/ ELL students who wanted to be called something else or an Americanized version of their names. However, I had some strong issues with this book, which definitely affected enjoyment of reading this story. First is the main idea of the book. While it might have been well-intentioned to have students come together to help Unhei find a name (she told them she had not chosen one yet), what teacher would have allowed such a disrespectful activity to go on in his/her classroom? It does turn out that one of the boys realizes that perhaps her original name is, in fact, the best and helps Unhei and her classmates to see this. Still, this seems to be a poor approach to showing young readers to have pride in their native or cultural names. The other major complaint I have about the book is that supposedly Unhei just recently arrived in America from Korea, yet she seems to have good enough English to converse with others in English. When she does converse with her mother or the store owner, Mr. Kim, there is no mention or allusion of switching to Korean. It also seems to me that the children’s mispronunciations of her name are more like one’s that would happen if you saw her name written in English and tried to pronounce it, rather than if they had heard it (as they had) and then tried to copy that pronunciation. All-in-all, I was very disappointed with this book and would be reluctant to use it with students.

[Lela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second Book in the Text Set (second read-aloud)
Opening
Teacher: Good morning everyone! Let’s start today by taking a look at our culture map (simple but large world map hanging near reading circle). The main character in today’s story journey comes from Korea. Please stay seated, and with the help of just your eyes and your pair share pal, try to locate Korea on the map. When you think you have it, give me a thumbs up. On the count of three, let’s point our fingers in the direction of Korea. (I count to three and cheer on all those correct points). I am going to mark Korea on our map with our mini book cover (stick small printed cover on map). Now, whisper the answer to my next question into your hand and hold it closed tight. This week we are working on making ____________. On the count of three, throw it at me…1,2,3 (students “throw” answer out of their hands and yell the answer).

Students: CONNECTIONS.

Teacher: Yes, we are making connections. As I read be thinking about ways you can connect the story to yourself, other books, and the world. We will make stops along our journey to chat along the way.

Opening Moves
My opening moves consisted of activating thinking by drawing attention to the setting. I also invited students to make connections (our LA standard focus for the theme). I reminded them of our theme focus by asking them to look for and recall information by providing a physical response.

Rationale
The rationale for this book fits perfectly with our theme of family in a historical and personal context. It also mirrors the topics of the other books in the text set. The Name Jar beautifully portrays a young Korean girl trying to maintain her cultural identity while trying to fit into her new home.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first day of school is hard for anyone because of all its strangeness, but this picture book about a girl from Korea depicts how much harder it is for someone new to this country or whose name is different from the names of her classmates. When she introduces herself to the other children on the school bus, they make fun of her name, mispronouncing it and making jokes. Thus, Unhei decides not to reveal her name to her classmates; instead, she plans to adopt an American name from the jar of names her classmates fill with suggestions. Still, Unhei takes comfort from a gift from her grandmother when she left Korea: a wooden block with her name carved in it. When she decides to keep her own name, she explains her reasons why to her classmates and teacher. The softly colored illustrations and text raise many discussion questions and food for thought about cultural identity, names, and proper behavior toward anyone new to a classroom.

[Stay Fetters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moving to the United States from foreign land will always be frightening and terrifying. New customs and a new language, everything is so different. And that's exactly how Unhei felt on her first day of school. Completely embarrassed by her name that she told the other students that she didn't have a name.
Instead of bullying, they made a name jar for her, filled with slips of paper with new and exciting names.
In the end, stick with what you got. Don't let anyone change you, be who you are and regret nothing. It's always better to be unique and different. Being the same is boring.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.

This was a super cute little story about Unhei's realization that, just because her name is different from the other kids in her class, does not mean that it is bad. She learns to appreciate the meaning of her name as well as the friends who are interested in learning about it, and her culture.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute children's book! I'm not sure where I saw this title, but I like to read children's books occasionally. The story is a good way to help children learn about other cultures. Neat illustrations, too.

[Karen Witzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming story of a newly arrived immigrant to the USA - a Korean girl - and her quest to fit in by choosing an American name. What name will Unhei choose?

[Edie Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Banned Books Week!

I loved this story! I especially enjoyed the ending - it wrapped everything together quite nicely :)

[Evelyn Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read books that students can learn about cultural diversity, stories that will spark the reader's curiosity to ask questions about the real world. Also, books that teach about tolerance in the classroom and outside the classroom. So, when I read “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi, I thought, “what an awesome book to read aloud to my students on the first day of class!” As a teacher, this book gives me an opportunity to have conversations with my students about welcoming new students into the class community and being sensitive toward students from a different country. Choi is an International Reading Association's Children's Book Award winner and is known for her beautiful story illustrations. This realistic fiction is recommended for K-2 grade students, but can still be read out loud in higher elementary grades.

“The Name Jar” can create many teachable moments in the classroom. For example, it can teach about cultural differences, tolerance, kindness, pride in one's identity and developing friendships. In this story, Unhie is a new student who arrives in the United States from Korea. Her new environment is now different from her home country. Unhie has to learn how to adapt to her new surroundings, but she is struggling. She wants to make friends with everyone, but when the children on the school bus make fun of her Korean name, she is reluctant to use it in class. “Why doesn’t she have a name?” one student asked. The next day of school, Unhie finds a jar on her desk filled with American names written(by her classmates) on pieces of paper so she can choose a name. When she got home, she told her mom, “I think I would like my own American name.” Unhie thinks that if she changes her name, the school kids will not make fun of her. What name did Unhie choose? Did she used her Korean name or picked an American name from the jar? Well, you should pick up “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi at your local library to find out!!

If you want to know more information about the author Yangsook Choi and her books you can go to http://www.yangsookchoi.com.

[Vanessa Maeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main Characters: Unhei and little boy friend from school
Setting: American school
POV: 3rd Person

Summary:
Unhei, a cute Korean girl, is the new kid in school. Even though coming to America is hard, it gets worse because when she enters an American school nobody can pronounce her name. Because she has just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that all the American kids will like her. Rather than introducing herself on the first day of school and explaining the history/meaning behind her name, she tells the class that she will choose a name the following week. Her new classmates are excited and thrilled about the no-name girl so they help and begin placing different names in a jar that she can pick from. However, as Unhei practices being Amanda, Laura, Suzy etc, one little boy in her class explores Unhei’s neighborhood and discovers the true meaning behind her name. Then, on the day of her name choosing, the jar mysteriously disappears so she is encouraged to choose her own name,

This book is one of my top favorites. Not only does it introduce a culture that is rarely studied in Chicago Public Schools, but it reinforces the idea that people have a right to their given names and that they have a right to expect people to learn how to pronounce it correctly because your name is part of your identity. Furthermore, this piece of literature addresses the emotional impact of change and pulls at American assimilation, the sense of loss of individuality, and a persons efforts to fit in and appease the intolerance of differences.

[Mbgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning to embrace one’e heritage and place of origin, race, etc., and the significance behind Asian names is what this children’s book is all
about.

I was more bowled over with the animation of the pages than the actual story. I was hunting for decisively Korean elements to the story. And Unhei (yoon ehh) ain’t enough for me!

Expected too much. But!! This story did make me pull out my two chops (the stamp that Unhei uses)... I love my tuzhang!! And almost forgot about them...

Glad I know about this author!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to my children of varying ages, and they all enjoyed it. Admittedly, we all struggled with pronouncing the character's Korean name. Deliberately, I'm sure, the pronunciation isn't provided until midway through the book. It's a pleasant story about belonging and identity and learning about the cultures.

[Daina Chakma · Rating 4 out of 5]

রিডার্স ব্লক কাটানোর জন্য এসব ছোট ছোট মিষ্টি গল্পের জুড়ি নেই!

[Wari Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwww! This was such a cute, heartwarming story. Interesting how I always end up reading at least two similar storylines whenever I pick up East Asian books. I’m currently reading Girl in Translation and it focuses on the experiences of an eleven years old girl from Hong Kong who lands in US and how she deals with school. Similarly, The Name Jar dealt with a little Korean girl’s experience at an American school. Such a wholesome, feel-good story albeit a little too idealistic (which children’s stories should be imho)!
Thanks for recommending this, Megha

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture-book tells the story of a little girl whose language and cultural differences create a stir in her new school environment. Huenhi is a recent immigrant from Korea who is on her way to her first day in an American classroom. Even before she sets foot in her new class, Huenhi is greeted by curious children on their way to school who want to know who this unfamiliar face is. Once she introduces herself, however, they poke fun at her unfamiliar-sounding name! Children who stand out because of their family background can certainly relate to the growing discomfort Huenhi feels as she faces a whole classroom of new kids and is asked to introduce herself. She decides to pick an American name and her new classmates fill a name jar with suggestions that sound good to them. However one of her classmates visits Huenhi's neighborhood and speaks with her family members, who reveal the story and meaning behind her name. This conversation is a revelation and a turning point in the story's narrative of identity. When Huenhi arrives back at school ready to pick an American name, the children are ready to receive her as she is. This story is appropriate for kids aged five and up, and I have seen it as a popular read aloud with 7 and 8-year olds early in the school year. For children launching a long-term family study early in the school year, this read aloud was a way to make the initial home-family connection and start exploring cultural and linguistic differences among the students in the class. A good follow-up which opens lines of communication with families is to have children investigate the story of their own names by interviewing family members and then share their findings with the class.

[Ch13_megan Carlisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi tells the story of Unhei who has just immigrated to America from Korea. She leaves behind her beloved grandmother who along with her mother, visited a name master and helped name her.On her bus ride to her new school Unhei is made fun of for her name. She decides to change her name and is given ideas from the whole class. As she makes new friends, Unhei must decide whether or not to keep or change her name.

Choi crafts a beautiful story that both universal and unique. It contains universal themes of friendship, identity and family. However, it also is quite unique in it's Korean perspective. A letter from her grandmother is pictured, written in Korean. There are decorations writen in Korean in various rooms of her house. She also got her meaningful name from a "name master". All things that make this book a great learning opportunity. The simple pictures give basic support for the details of the story.

This book is listed for ages 4-8 and I would agree. It would make a great read aloud for the early grades. Younger children would enjoy the pictures, particularly those of a diverse group of students in the classroom. There are some parts of the text that may be confusing for younger readers. The concept of "name master" is never really explained nor the idea of being a "good Korean" as the mother encourages Unhei to be. This may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with Korean culture but with some pre-teaching, this book will not only be accessed by students, but also enjoyed.

[Patricia Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book to read to students at the beginning of the school year because it teaches the readers about always being yourself in new areas or new experiences. In this book, a girl from Korea, Unhei, moves to America and is given a wooden stick from her grandmother. When she goes off to her first day of school, she comes to realize that all of the American children are having trouble pronouncing her name because it is so different. She decides that she wants to have a second name, a more American name, so that the children can pronounce it and so she can fit in, so all of the children in her class offer her a jar with a bunch of names in it to choose from. In the end, she realizes that she does not like the American names because they just do not fit her.

What I liked about this book is the lesson that it teaches about being yourself and having pride about where you come from. You do not have to be someone else to fit in. There is beauty and reason behind every name in any country. I also liked how the book gave a little insight into the Korean culture, and how they go to a name master to name their children. I just thought that was pretty interesting.

[Sarah Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading a list of picture books this summer, looking for ones to include in my junior high classroom library.

What I am looking for in the text, with teen readers in mind, is some dialogue, sentence variety, topic-specific vocabulary, and an idea or issue that will prompt teen readers to do deeper inquiry into that idea. I'd like the idea to promote diversity, as in including diverse voices and perspectives with a historical, environmental, social, and even global context.

The artwork is also important. I am looking for diverse faces and settings with images that teen readers can "read."

I had some reservations wit this book because it positions the main character as "other," but I do like how the author teaches us about our names and, really, how important it can be to pronounce someone's name "correctly." What's in a name when you are a kid or teen? Well, a lot. Names are powerful. I do like how we learn a little bit about Korean culture because Unhei decides she is ready to "introduce herself" rather than the teacher putting her on the spot or making a spectacle of her.

[Sharadha Jayaraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Unhei (Yoon-hei, meaning grace in Korean), a Korean girl who has just immigrated to the United States with her family and how she adjusts to the schooling system there, makes friends, and finds kind people in a foreign land.

A short and impactful read, which teaches kids to accept their identities no matter how uncomfortable they are with it, starting with their unique and meaningful names. Credits to the beautiful and colourful picture illustrations throughout the book, which made it easier to connect to things. I especially liked the idea of a Korean name-stamp given to young children to help them to stamp their names on official forms (such as bank account opening forms, etc.) until they learn to make a decent signature, that is quite ingenious.

[Erica J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unhei, a young Korean girl, moves to America with her family and arrives at a new school. She is embarrassed to tell the new children her name because it is hard to pronounce. The students decide to help her and create a name jar so that she can chose an American name. After a little self refection, a visit to the local Korean market with Mr. Kim and a letter from her grandmother, Unhei decides to use her Korean name. She teaches the students how to correctly pronounce her name and what it means. The other students share the meanings of their American names. The theme of the story is to take pride in ones culture and heritage. I was elated that Unhei decided to keep her Korean name.