Description
I Want A Nickname
NYC Big Book Award Winner
It’s not Sha-Dee-Ah, Shaw-Day-Uh, or Sha-Dee-Uh…it’s Shadaia!Â
Frustrated with everyone mispronouncing her name, Shadaia decides she needs a nickname. Maybe that will help everyone get it right. I Want a Nickname is a picture book about empowerment, self-esteem, and loving the meaning behind your name.
This powerful, own-voices picture book from author, Tradara McLaurine, will encourage all children to be proud of the name they’re given. Perfect for children ages 4-7 and for fans of Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal and Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow.
5-Star Review from Readers’ Favorite
The language is simple so young readers can follow and work on their reading skills. The illustrations are bright, bold, colorful, and full of life, sometimes pensive and, at other times, full of energy. This is a very empowering story that will inspire young readers to be comfortable with their self-identity, which includes their name. – Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers’ Favorite
– Publishing Date: July 26, 2022
– Dimensions: 8 x 10
– ISBN: 978-1-955767-13-2
–Library of Congress: 2022902279
– Hardcover Bound
– E-Version available
– Publisher: BiblioKid Publishing
– Author: Tradara McLaurine
– Illustrator: Gaspar Sabater
Jennifer C –
Such a powerful book for young people reminding them of the importance and the beauty of their name.
Alyson Bowen –
We agree Jennifer. Thank you!
Juanita F. Douglas –
Your children will be inspired and so will you! What a great story of a young girl finding her way. She learned to be proud of her name and to demand that respect from those around her! Great message!!
Alyson Bowen –
Thank you Juanita!
Mary Kelly –
I liked this book so much that I had to read it several times before my review comment! Powerful meaningful message for all ages with beautiful life-like pictures. Children and adults enjoy hearing their name when it is pronounced correctly because it is part of who they are.
Alyson Bowen –
Thank you Mary! A story we can all appreciate for sure. đ
Bianca –
This book is perfect for kids of color who have unique names from their parents. Often times we are told to conform to society and if something that canât be controlled like a name, hair texture or skin tone doesnât align with the âsocietyâ, we feel misplaced, forgotten or even lost. Accepting all the things that makes us different is important and this book brings that. Thank you Author Tradara!
Alyson Bowen –
Well said Bianca! Thank you!
Tia –
I feel so seen! I also have a unique name and have always dreaded the first day of school roll call. Great way to encourage children (and ourselves) to be more confident and to stand up for themselves like Shadaia!!
Alyson Bowen –
So happy you resonated with this story Tia! Thanks for sharing with us.
Jade –
Such a perfect book to read to my little cousins. Great conversations stimulated from book. Thank you Tradara for creating this masterpiece.
Alyson Bowen –
So happy you enjoyed this story Jade!
Lauren Jones –
I Want a Nickname is right on time for my kids, as they have been recently asking me to call them by their “nicknames” I used for them as babies/toddlers. The book instills a sense of pride to remind us how unique we are down to our names. My children are learning how to read so this will be a great one to add to our collection. The book has great graphics. We love the author and her other books Why Mommy/Daddy Works which were also fun and interactive.
Alyson Bowen –
Happy to hear you enjoy this author and their creations! Thanks Lauren!
Jillian Taylor –
I am a speech therapist and use tons of books in my sessions, but this one is different. I have always been a huge advocate for self-empowerment with my clients. This book has already made SUCH a difference in how my clients advocate for themselves and embrace their self-identity. I Want a Nickname does a great job of capturing the real scenarios and feelings that arise with kids with unique names. I loved and will continue to advocate for this book!
Alyson Bowen –
This is wonderful! So happy it’s been a useful tool for you. Thanks Jillian!
Shayona F. –
As a woman but once a young girl I know what it’s like for people to not get your name right. For people to think they can or should give you a nickname or to want one yourself. This book has a great message for kids and adults. Kids to embrace who they are and for adults to understand the importance of seeing that child. Take time to learn and appreciate all names.
Alyson Bowen –
We appreciate you Shayona!
Brianne –
The main character, Shadaia, serves as a great role model for all ages. This book inspires people that have unique names to have the confidence to speak up and embrace their name. Hopefully it will also encourage others to clarify name pronunciation of others in the future when they are unsure. We all deserve to be called by the name we were given and the chance to embrace our self-identity. I highly recommend adding this to your library!
Alyson Bowen –
Thank you Brianne! đ„°
Shel Curry –
Names are important, special, and unique. I Want a Nickname is a story about a young girl who simply wants to feel respected, appreciated, and seen. Meet Shadaia! It’s not Sha-Dee-Ah, Shaw-Day-Uh, or Sha-Dee-Uh. Itâs Shadaia!
Frustrated with everyone mispronouncing her name, Shadaia decides she needs a nickname.
My daughter, 9, Sophie decided to do the review for this picture book. Her real name is Sophia but weâve always called her Sophie. She loved the book because it is about and young girl with a unique name. Sophie said kids will want to read this book because itâs important for everyone to learn and respect other peopleâs names. Her favorite part of the story is when Shadaia finally decides she doesnât need a nickname.
Key takeaways for parents and adults:
1. Always ask a person how to pronounce their name. It shows you are sincerely interested and makes the person feel seen. Then practice saying it correctly and if you need help, ask the person.
2. Do not give a person a nickname and say things like, âI canât pronounce your name so Iâm just going to call you xxxâ
#rude. Not your job to do that!
3. âYour name is worth learning!â – Tradara McLaurine
Alyson Bowen –
Please thank Sophie for us! We appreciate her kind words and love hearing how our young readers are enjoying our books. It’s all for them!
Jannesy DeLeon –
This is a must read for all! It’s a story about a young girl struggling to accept her name because most cannot pronounce it correctly. Growing up, I also wanted and gave myself a nickname to avoid the dreaded mispronounciatuon of my unique name. Therefore, I totally relate to Shadaia’s story and many others will connect to her as well. This endearing story teaches children to embrace and show pride in their name while teaching all to always to show respect by ensuring they are pronouncing someone’s name correctly.