Alma and How She Got Her Name

Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks that her name is too long, and complains to her father that it doesn't "fit." He sits her down and tells her the stories of all the family members she is named after, from her grandmother Sofia to her great-aunt Pura, and as she comes to appreciate these ancestors, Alma becomes more appreciative of her name. In the end, her father tells her that her first name, Alma, is hers alone...

Although author/illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal has provided the artwork for a number of other picture-books, most notably, La Princesa and the Pea and La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Niños, this is her debut as both writer and artist. And what a debut it is! Alma and How She Got Her Name is a lovely show more book, one which pairs a gentle, heartwarming tale of family tradition and naming with beautiful, immensely appealing illustrations. As someone with an interest in names, their meanings and the stories behind them, I was bound to find this story engaging, but I was also won over by the poignant and yet uplifting nature of Alma's family narrative. The artwork, done in graphite, colored pencils and prints on handmade paper, is incredibly cute and quite expressive, perfectly capturing the emotional pitch of each scene. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about names and naming in general, or with a Latino cultural outlook in particular. show less

Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a name that she thinks is too long. She asks her father about her name and learns that her names are from family members whose stories her father tells. The only name that does not have a link to family is Alma. This name her father gave her so that she can make her own story.

This story talks about the importance of family connection and history, and the importance of names, but also that we are not confined by the name we were given and can write our own stories as well.

If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José 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; José, 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.

I will admit it. I was skeptical of "Alma and How She Got Her Name." I did not know what to expect. And then.....I fell in love. Alma thinks her full name of Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela is far too long. But then she hears the story of why she has each name. Dad leaves it up to her to decide if it fits.

I can relate. I can think Gabrielle is too long of a name. But then I find out the story of why I was named that. (My name means God is My Strength which my parents did not think anything of at the time. Fast forward 28 years later and now we all see how God knew even before we did how significant that name meant.) Every child has a story. This book is the perfect conversation starter.

I love this beautifully written and illustrated picture book about how Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela got her name. Her dad tells her the story behind each name -- members of her family who represent all the qualities that Alma aspires to, curiosity, love, creativity, spirituality, righteousness, and more. This book would be a great way to start a conversation with both children and adults about how they got their names, really the beginning of the story of all our lives.

Alma does not like her name; it is too long, and she does not think it fits her at all. When she goes to her father about it, he takes her on the journey of where every part of her name came from and the family and heritage behind it. By the end Alma has a whole new appreciation for her and finds that it actually fits her perfectly. I personally can relate to this story in the sense that I also hated my name growing up. I got teased about having a boy name and I wanted nothing more than to have a "normal" name. As I got older and learned that I was named after my grandmother, I developed a whole new respect for my name and today I love it and wouldn't change it for anything. I love this book and feel that it could speak to a lot of show more children. show less

What a lovely book! I received an early reader copy of this book, and what a privilege it will be to have it in our library! The story of Alma's name is really delightful, and I love the prompts in the back to have children tell the stories of their names! I can imagine using this book with an inter generational gathering to have adults, teens and children share their stories. Sweet illustrations compliment the text well.