Alma and How She Got Her Name

Caldecott Honor Book Alma and How She Got Her Name is filled with illustrations that are calming. Despite the book using few colors the illustrator manages to show the story in detailed drawings that strongly express the main character’s heritage. Her name is Alma, and she comes to her father because she feels her name is too long. He tells her of stories from her grandmother who loved books, poetry, and flowers to her grandfather who was an amazing artist. As Alma learns each origin of her name, she beams with pride and imagines the presence of each of her relatives that provided a name. A story that provides insight for those who know nothing of their heritage and to push anyone to seek to explore one’s heritage.

Martinez-Neal, J. (2018). Alma and how she got her name. Candlewick Press.