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aclopez6's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely story to remind people that embracing your full identity can be a beautiful and empowering thing. Nicknames can be great, but they should not be the result of bullying or a lack of understanding from others.
firadraco's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I had this exact experience growing up. This book really touched me personally.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
After being teased for her non-English name, Anjali embraces the beauty and uniqueness of it.
jennifermreads's review against another edition
5.0
Aren’t names funny? Growing up, I always longed to have a more unique name. There was always another Jennifer in my classes. There were four Jennifers in my high school graduation class. And, when I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I stopped counting at the last names starting with “M” and there were already 24 Jennifers!
So, when I read stories about children wishing for a more mundane name that is readily available on signs, notepads, and knick-knacks, I’m starting from a different spot. I get it. Growing up is hard enough and things that make us stand-out from the crowd can be more of obstacles that traits to be proud of.
Always Anjali does a beautiful job of conveying the frustration of having a unique name including a glimpse at the way bully’s take a name and make it theirs. But even better, the book does a magnificent job of showing how the parent helps her through her anger and sadness and embrace her name by explaining its significance. I loved that Anjali not only took ownership of her name but also won over schoolmates and showed that bully: “Anjali took a deep breath and stood up straight. Looking right at Zachary, she quipped, “They’re the best kind!” She hopped on her bike and whizzed past Zachary and his friends. She had places to go and didn’t have time for foolishness.”
The artwork was colorful, bright, and fun. I was left with warm feelings—and a reminder that we need to own our names whether they are the ones gifted by our parents or the one we bestow upon ourselves.
So, when I read stories about children wishing for a more mundane name that is readily available on signs, notepads, and knick-knacks, I’m starting from a different spot. I get it. Growing up is hard enough and things that make us stand-out from the crowd can be more of obstacles that traits to be proud of.
Always Anjali does a beautiful job of conveying the frustration of having a unique name including a glimpse at the way bully’s take a name and make it theirs. But even better, the book does a magnificent job of showing how the parent helps her through her anger and sadness and embrace her name by explaining its significance. I loved that Anjali not only took ownership of her name but also won over schoolmates and showed that bully: “Anjali took a deep breath and stood up straight. Looking right at Zachary, she quipped, “They’re the best kind!” She hopped on her bike and whizzed past Zachary and his friends. She had places to go and didn’t have time for foolishness.”
The artwork was colorful, bright, and fun. I was left with warm feelings—and a reminder that we need to own our names whether they are the ones gifted by our parents or the one we bestow upon ourselves.
heisereads's review
4.0
When Anjali can't find a name item with her name, but her friends can easily find theirs, and she gets made fun of by another classmate for her name, she is determined to change it. Something many will be able to relate to! When her mother explains the meaning behind her name and how she and her father chose it, Anjali finds a way to celebrate it. Bright, cheerful illustrations throughout this story, with Indian elements and motifs included, make this a fun book to share. I especially appreciate having positive representation of a family from Indian culture to include in my library collection, in a story that will engage kids. A perfect pairing for [b:Alma and How She Got Her Name|28234753|Alma and How She Got Her Name|Juana Martinez-Neal|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1513197112s/28234753.jpg|48265768].
mandarchy's review
4.0
Simple book that illustrates the perils of having a name that stands out. When I was a kid, I was the only Amanda/Mandy. I was born before it became a fad. When I was in middle school every other baby was named Amanda, but not Mandy. Even most of the Mandies I have met were born after the Barry Manilow song - which I endured. So surprisingly, I could never find a licence plate with my name on it - at least not until the 80s.
I often tell my students that their name is the first gift their parents gave them and that their parents gave it a lot of thought. This is usually to get them to write it on their paper - legibly so I can read it. I also have a name dictionary in the reference section where students are surprised to find out that their name has meaning.
I often tell my students that their name is the first gift their parents gave them and that their parents gave it a lot of thought. This is usually to get them to write it on their paper - legibly so I can read it. I also have a name dictionary in the reference section where students are surprised to find out that their name has meaning.
utopiastateofmind's review
4.0
(Disclaimer: I received this free book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Always Anjali is wonderfully illustrated. It has a design that is truly charming. What I enjoyed most was the theme behind Always Anjali. It can be hard growing up in a culture that doesn't think of you. One of Anjali's main struggles is finding a license plate for her bike that says her name. I struggled with this all the time growing up. My name wasn't particularly difficult, it was just never there. And even if it was, it was misspelled. None of that even touched upon the fact that the cultural significance of my name was never honored or even understood. It flies under the radar.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-always-anjali-by-sheetal-sheth/
Always Anjali is wonderfully illustrated. It has a design that is truly charming. What I enjoyed most was the theme behind Always Anjali. It can be hard growing up in a culture that doesn't think of you. One of Anjali's main struggles is finding a license plate for her bike that says her name. I struggled with this all the time growing up. My name wasn't particularly difficult, it was just never there. And even if it was, it was misspelled. None of that even touched upon the fact that the cultural significance of my name was never honored or even understood. It flies under the radar.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-always-anjali-by-sheetal-sheth/
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