Thats Not My Name!, Anoosha Syed
Thats Not My Name!, Anoosha Syed
List: $5.00 | Sale: $3.50
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That's Not My Name!

Author: Anoosha Syed

Narrator: Dalia Ramahi

Unabridged: 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/12/2022


Synopsis

A debut picture book, adapted for audio, about loving your name, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself from the critically acclaimed illustrator of Bilal Cooks Daal and I Am Perfectly Designed.

Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she shound find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily.
 
Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries.

About The Author

Anoosha Syed is a Pakistani-Canadian illustrator based in Toronto. She has a passion for creating cute characters with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and has illustrated many best-loved books for children. She is the illustrator of Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed. Bug Girl and Bug Girl: Fury on the Dance Floor, as well as I Am Perfectly Designed, written by Karamo Brown, and the Monster and Boy chapter book series, written by Hannah Barnaby.When Anoosha isn't drawing for work, she's drawing for fun (she doesn't really have any other hobbies).


Reviews

Goodreads review by Matal “The Mischling Princess” on December 02, 2023

I was inspired to read Anoosha Syed’s PB, “That’s Not My Name!” because my son also has a name that is not an easily pronounced name. This story is important because it’s not just the children of immigrant families or families that use non-Western names for children that often have to deal with peop......more

Goodreads review by Lian on March 04, 2022

As someone who grew up constantly having their name mispronounced, this book really hit home. Anoosha's debut speaks out to all those who've struggled with accepting their beautiful name and is a wonderful reminder for children and adults everywhere that names are an big part of our identity and the......more

Goodreads review by Monica on March 03, 2022

A touching and relatable authorial debut from Anoosha Syed, illustrated gorgeously as always. Mirha's experience will absolutely ring true to so many children, and the book offers a welcoming and safe place to begin to have those conversations.......more

Goodreads review by Kirin on August 03, 2022

2.5 I have been looking forward to this book, as I've enjoyed so many of the illustrations the author has created for other authors, and was anxious to see what kind of story she would write for her own authorial debut.  Unfortunately, the book didn't wow me.  It is rather forgettable, the book confl......more

Goodreads review by Dylan on July 07, 2022

As someone whose last name was butchered by teachers, substitutes, coaches, announcers, classmates, etc. over the years, this story resonated with me. (My last name is pronounced TOYT, by the way). It's so much better to ask and learn than to slaughter the pronunciation and cause giggles/ laughter a......more


Quotes

A 2023 Blue Spruce Award Nominee
A Bank Street Best Books of the Year 2023 Selection

"Affirming and empowering; a story that will resonate with many children and a lot of adults, too."
-Kirkus Reviews

"Syed’s book uses clarity in the dialogue, the emotions, and in the intent, featuring only well-meaning teachers and children who want to get it right. Her illustrated school scenes are so familiar while Mirha’s posture translates her every feeling, with or without the text. . . A great first-day story for breaking the ice." -School Library Journal

"Saturated illustrations spotlight a candy-colored classroom environment, and classmates of varied abilities and skin tones, while accessible text offers a useful script that even invites readers to introduce themselves." -Publishers Weekly