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25 Name Books for Back to School

Back to school season is upon us, and I couldnโ€™t be more excited! I love setting up my classroom, organizing student materials and thinking of new ways to build classroom community. One of my favorite ways to form positive student relationships is through name activities. Itโ€™s important for students to learn the names of their classmates, and what better way than through the power of read alouds?! These name books for back to school encourage students to celebrate their identities and appreciate their unique names!

Looking for name books for back to school that you can incorporate into your first week lesson plans? To celebrate our uniqueness, I am sharing 25 name books for kids that are great for getting to know you activities and building classroom community in your early elementary classroom. Use these name books, including Chrysanthemum and The Name Jar, with a variety of name activities for preschool and kindergarten. Add these kids books to your beginning of the year lesson plans!

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The Name Jar

“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi is one of my favorite culturally inclusive name books. It tells the story of a young Korean girl named Unhei who moves to America. She is hesitant to share her name with her new classmates, so she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. With the help of a friend, Unhei learns that the best name is her own.

Recommended Resources:

35 Name Activities and Name Crafts | Editable Name Tracing Name Practice Writing

35 Name Activities and Name Crafts | Editable Name Tracing Name Practice Writing

Name Mats | Editable Trace & Build Name Activities

Name Mats | Editable Trace & Build Name Activities

Editable Name Practice Mats Bundle | Fine Motor Name Activities

Editable Name Practice Mats Bundle | Fine Motor Name Activities

The Name Jar
$6.59
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11/05/2024 09:45 pm GMT

Your Name Is a Song

“Your Name Is a Song” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is one of the most diverse name books. Frustrated with everyone mispronouncing her name, a young girl’s mother teaches her about the musicality of  African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. Through poetic prose, readers are reminded that their name is, too, a song.

Your Name Is a Song
$15.80
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11/05/2024 09:45 pm GMT

Becoming Vanessa

“Becoming Vanessa” by Vanessa Brantley-Newton is an inclusive and empathetic story that follows Vanessa on her first day of school. It seems that everything that could go wrong does… even her name is too hard to write. When Vanessa’s mother shares the true meaning behind her name, Vanessa gains the self-confidence she needs to show her classmates the real Vanessa.

Becoming Vanessa
$11.99
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11/05/2024 09:45 pm GMT

Always Anjali

“Always Anjali” is a heartwarming children’s book by Sheetal Sheth. In the story, Anjali becomes frustrated when she can’t find a license plate for her bike with her name on it. Upon returning home, she asks her parents to let her change her name. Through the process, Anjali discovers why being different means being marvelous.

Always Anjali
$11.39
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11/05/2024 09:45 pm GMT

Thunder Boy Jr.

“Thunder Boy Jr.” by Sherman Alexie is a captivating name book that celebrates the power of names and personal identity. It follows the journey of a young boy who yearns for a “normal name” that he doesn’t share with anyone else, not even his father. He wants a name that reflects his own uniqueness and dreams.

Thunder Boy Jr.
$11.19
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11/05/2024 09:45 pm GMT

Chrysanthemum

“Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes is another one of my favorite name books that explores the themes of self-acceptance and embracing individuality. As the story unfolds, young readers learn to understand the appreciation for the beauty of their own names. My students always enjoy working on these Chrystanthemum name activities during the first week of school.

Yoko Writes Her Name

“Yoko Writes Her Name” by Rosemary Wells is an empowering name book that tells the story of a young Japanese girl named Yoko. She has just learned how to write her name, but her classmates make fun of her Japanese writing. Feeling nervous and self-conscious about her name, Yoko finds the confidence to embrace her unique identity.

Yoko Writes Her Name
$2.29
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11/05/2024 09:46 pm GMT

A, My Name Is Alice

“A, My Name Is Alice” by Jane E. Bayer is a classic children’s book that introduces the alphabet in a fun and memorable way. Its catchy rhymes invite young readers to join Alice on her imaginative journey through the alphabet, sparking their curiosity and love for learning.

A, My Name Is Alice
$6.99
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11/05/2024 09:46 pm GMT

That’s Not My Name

“That’s Not My Name” by Anoosha Syed follows the journey of a young girl named Nour who is tired of being called by the wrong name. Despite the persistent mispronunciations and misunderstandings, Nour remains determined to assert her true identity and have her name pronounced correctly. It encourages young readers to embrace their own names and teaches the value of empathy, acceptance and understanding in a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming tale.

That’s Not My Name!
$11.30
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11/05/2024 09:55 pm GMT

My Name Is Wakawakaloch

“My Name Is Wakawakaloch” by Chana Stiefel is one of the best humorous name books. It follows the adventures of a young girl named Wakawakaloch who is fed up with her long and hard-to-pronounce name. Through playful storytelling, the book emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique identity, appreciating cultural diversity, and ultimately learning to love and be proud of one’s name.

My Name Is Wakawakaloch!
$10.99
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11/05/2024 09:55 pm GMT

Millions of Maxes

“Millions of Maxes” by Meg Wolitzer revolves around a young boy named Max. He discovers that there are countless other children with the same name as him. As Max explores different identities and imagines the lives of other “Maxes,” he realizes the endless opportunities for adventure, growth and embracing his individuality.

Millions of Maxes
$11.99
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11/05/2024 09:55 pm GMT

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. is a beloved children’s book that introduces the alphabet in a lively and rhythmic way. Young readers are encouraged to partake in the playful journey as the letters of the alphabet climb up a coconut tree. Students can practice sequencing the letters in their name and/or counting the number of letters with this fun “Chick Chicka Boom Boom” craft

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
$7.39
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

Alma and How She Got Her Name

“Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal is about a young girl named Alma who is curious about her unique name. As her father shares the stories behind each of her namesakes, Alma begins to understand the rich heritage and love that is embedded within her own name. With warm illustrations, the book celebrates the power of names in shaping our identities and connecting us to our roots.

Alma and How She Got Her Name
$7.08
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

The Change Your Name Store

“The Change Your Name Store” by Leanne Shirtliffe is a whimsical and imaginative children’s book that follows a young girl’s hilarious adventure. Wilma Lee Wu does not like her name… so she heads to a magical store where she can change her name. The store owner convinces Wilma Lee Wu to try on new names. With each name, she is transported to the country of origin.

The Change Your Name Store
$15.27
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

You’re Called What

“You’re Called What” by Kes Gray is just one of a few name books that takes readers on a wild journey to discover some of the most peculiar animal names. Filled with witty storytelling and whimsical illustrations, it introduces young readers to a world of unique and hilarious animals.

You’re Called What?
$9.14
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

The Steves

“The Steves” by Morag Hood uses humor as two birds named Steve discover each other. Surely, one of them must be better than the other. While finding friendship, the two learn to embrace their similarities and differences.

The Steves
$13.97
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

My Name Is Elizabeth

“My Name Is Elizabeth” by Annika Dunklee follows the story of a determined and spirited young girl named Elizabeth. Frustrated with the various nicknames given to her, Elizabeth insists on being called by her full name. With confidence and resilience, she stands up for herself and asserts her identity, inspiring others to do the same.

My Name Is Elizabeth!
$9.83
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

My Name Is Sangoel

“My Name Is Sangoel” by Karen Williams tells the story of a young boy named Sangoel who moves to a new country. With a name that is difficult for others to pronounce, Sangoel faces the challenge of feeling isolated and misunderstood. Determined to preserve his identity and share his culture, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding creative ways to connect with his peers and teach them about his Sudanese heritage.

My Name Is Sangoel
$12.04
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

The Wheels on the Bus

“The Wheels on the Bus” by Raffi is a beloved children’s songbook that brings the classic nursery rhyme to life. With its interactive and playful nature, it engages young readers and encourages them to join in the fun of singing along and imitating the sounds and actions of the bus ride. Pair this book with this hands-on name on the bus craft that allows students to practice identifying the beginning letter or number of letters in their name.

Wheels on the Bus
$8.99
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

Andy, That’s My Name

“Andy, That’s My Name” by Tomie dePaola follows the story of a young boy named Andy who loves his name but often gets confused with other words that sound similar. As he encounters various instances where his name is mistaken for everyday objects or expressions, Andy remains steadfast in affirming his identity, reminding others that he is, in fact, Andy. This endearing tale encourages children to embrace and assert their own identities with confidence and pride.

Andy, That’s My Name
$8.99
Buy Now
11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

Thao

“Thao” by Thao Lam is a beautifully illustrated name book that takes readers on a whimsical adventure where Thao discovers the joy of self-expression and the importance of friendship. Despite it being only four letters long, no one can even pronounce Thao’s name. She decides to try on an easier name, but soon realizes she feels more comfortable being herself.

THAO: A Picture Book
$15.99
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11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

What’s Your Name

“What’s Your Name” by Bethanie Deeney Murguia portrays the power behind names. “Everyone has one… or maybe a few. So whatโ€™s in a name? What does it do?” Of course, our name makes us uniquely special.

What’s Your Name?
$12.98
Buy Now
11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

The Arabic Quilt

“The Arabic Quilt” by Aya Khalil is about a young girl, Kanzi, who feels out of place in her new school. Because of her name and her Arabic heritage, her mother decides to make her a special quilt using pieces of their old clothing. Kanzi, then, discovers the power of storytelling and the importance of embracing her unique cultural background.

My Name Is Yoon

“My Name Is Yoon” by Helen Recorvits is about a young Korean girl named Yoon who has recently moved to the United States. Yoon struggles with adjusting to her new surroundings and finds it difficult to accept her new name in English. The book explores Yoon’s journey of self-discovery, as she navigates her cultural identity and eventually learns to appreciate her name and embrace her new home.

My Name Is Yoon
$8.99
Buy Now
11/05/2024 09:56 pm GMT

I’m Not a Mouse

“I’m Not a Mouse” by Evgenia Golubeva is a humorous name book that explores the adventures of a little girl who insists she’s not a mouse. Despite others mistaking her for one based on the nickname she was given by her mother, young readers are encouraged to assert their true identities with confidence and humor.

I’m NOT A Mouse
$9.31
Buy Now
11/05/2024 09:57 pm GMT

Activities for Back to School Name Books

Pair your favorite name activities with any of these back to school name books! Hereโ€™s a quick look at my favorites!

Keep your little learners engaged with these interactive name activities and editable printables!

Name Activities and Name Crafts Bundle | Editable Name Tracing & Name Writing

Help students master writing their names with these editable name writing practice activities!

Looking for some fun and engaging name writing activities for preschool and kindergarten? These back to school name writing practice mats and name building activities are perfect for helping students learn how to write their name. Early elementary students get to practice tracing their name and building their name with magnetic letters. These editable name mats work well for centers, morning work or early finisher activities. Use these name practice mats with your favorite name books for kids!

Learn how to make these picture name puzzles that are self-correcting!

Name puzzles are a great way for preschool and kindergarten students to practice spelling, writing and recognizing their name! This name practice activity is perfect for back to school. Plus, creating these picture name puzzles is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Pair this name activity with your favorite picture name books. Rather than using name practice sheets, use these name puzzles to strengthen fine motor skills. This name activity for preschool is perfect for centers, morning work or early finishers!

Want to help your students easily learn the letters in their name while they strengthening fine motor skills? Read about our favorite fine motor name activities!

Looking for some fun name activities for your preschool or kindergarten classroom? These fine motor name activities are perfect for word work, fine motor tubs, literacy centers, early finishers or morning work. You can use these back to school activities with your favorite name books for kids. Download the editable name mats for name spelling practice. Students get to build letter recognition and sound recognition, as well as fine motor skills, with these fun name activities for kids!

DON’T FORGET IT… PIN IT!

Looking for name books for back to school that you can incorporate into your first week lesson plans? To celebrate our uniqueness, I am sharing 25 name books for kids that are great for getting to know you activities and building classroom community in your early elementary classroom. Use these name books, including Chrysanthemum and The Name Jar, with a variety of name activities for preschool and kindergarten. Add these kids books to your beginning of the year lesson plans!
Looking for name books for back to school that you can incorporate into your first week lesson plans? To celebrate our uniqueness, I am sharing 25 name books for kids that are great for getting to know you activities and building classroom community in your early elementary classroom. Use these name books, including Chrysanthemum and The Name Jar, with a variety of name activities for preschool and kindergarten. Add these kids books to your beginning of the year lesson plans!
Ashley Sharp Pos Bio Image

Ashley Sharp

As a dedicated Kindergarten teacher for nearly 20 years, I believe the words “fun, play, and creativity” can sit right alongside the words “developmentally appropriate, engaging, and rigorous.” Learning is meant to be fun and messy!

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