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A review by jennifermreads
Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth
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.