Alma and How She Got the Name

Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela feels her six names are just too many for one small person. When she asks her father why she has such a long name, he embarks on a beautiful journey through their family history, revealing the unique stories and personalities of each relative Alma was named to honor. From a book-loving grandmother to an adventurous great-grandmother and an artist grandfather, Alma learns about her Peruvian lineage and the rich tapestry of her heritage. This Caldecott Honor book, with its gentle graphite and colored pencil illustrations, is a tender exploration of identity, cultural connection, and the powerful stories that shape us. It's perfect for sparking conversations about family history and self-acceptance.

If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; Jose, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all - and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell.