The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Being the new girl at school is hard enough without having a name that’s different and hard for her classmates to pronounce. Unhei (pronounced “Yoon-Hey”) recently moved to America from Korea with her family and is anxious to fit in at her new school. When asked her name on the first day, she worries her name would make her stand out and that her classmates will not like her. So, she replies “I haven’t picked one yet and will let you know by next week.”   The next day upon arriving at school, Unhei discovers a glass jar on her desk with pieces of paper inside. Written on the papers are suggested names from classmates to help Unhei pick a new name. As the days pass and the jar fills with more suggestions, Unhei practices in front of her mirror  being “Suzy” or “Amanda” or “Laura”.  Unhei befriends a classmate, Joey, who learns her real Korea name and the meaning behind it. On the morning that Unhei is to announce a new name, she discovers that the name jar has  mysteriously disappeared. Who took the jar and what name does Unhei pick? Read this sweet book (with beautiful illustrations)  about cultural identity, tolerance, kindness and friendship to find out.