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Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow on Instagram IGTV
February 27, 2021 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PST
reading Your Name is a Song.
“This lovely celebration of African American culture, featuring a Muslim family, offers a fresh way to look at the tradition of creating new names…delightful.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Join us on Instagram IGTV. Follow along @MRSDALLOWAYS. Videos disappear after 24 hours so be sure to watch!
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl’s mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.
Your Name is a Song includes back matter perfect for parents, educators, caregivers, and young readers who want to learn more about the names featured in the story. The “Glossary of Names” lists each name’s meaning, origin, and pronunciation. Additionally, readers can use a listed link to access an online video of the author pronouncing all the names in the book.
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is an educator and writer who centers Black and Muslim children in her work. She is also the author of Mommy’s Khimar. She provides free and fun community writing programs for local youth in Philadelphia where she lives with her family.