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Alma and How She Got Her Name
What's in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be.
If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José 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; José, 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. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José 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; José, 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. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2018
About the author
Juana Martinez-Neal
26 books181 followersJuana Martinez-Neal is the recipient of the 2019 Caldecott Honor for “Alma and How She Got Her Name” (Candlewick Press), the 2018 Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration for "La Princesa and the Pea" (written by Susan M. Elya, Putnam), and the 2020 Sibert Medal for “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” (written by Kevin Noble Maillard, Roaring Brook Press).
Juana was named to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor list in 2014, and was awarded the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Grand Prize in 2012. She was born in Lima, the capital of Peru, and now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband, two sons, and daughter.
Juana was named to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor list in 2014, and was awarded the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Grand Prize in 2012. She was born in Lima, the capital of Peru, and now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband, two sons, and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,193 reviews
August 23, 2019
Alma was given the name Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela. She felt it was long and told her dad so one day. Her dad then told her the reason he gave her each piece of that name. There was a characteristic of a grandparent or aunt that he admired and named her that for a reason. Grandma Sofia loved books and flowers and so on. I love that last name best. He gave her the name Alma as it was all hers. No one had used that before. After the story, Alma loved her long name.
I had fun with this beginning story. The artwork gave it some character and a mood of mystery. Each ancestor had their own personality. It had some fine pencil drawing with a little red or blue colored pencils thrown in for each grandparent. It’s lovely.
The niece thought this was interesting being named after family members. Both of her names were given to her and only her last name gives her a connection to family, and she likes her unique name. She still liked the idea. She gave this 3 stars. The nephew thought the ancestors looked a little funny sometimes. He has a unique name also and he didn’t really care about the idea. I’m ready for him to find a new word and grow out of this phase, but he thought this book was boring. He gave this 2 stars. He said nothing happened but old people and he asked why my picture wasn’t in the book. Anyway. He’s a turkey, a funny turkey.
I had fun with this beginning story. The artwork gave it some character and a mood of mystery. Each ancestor had their own personality. It had some fine pencil drawing with a little red or blue colored pencils thrown in for each grandparent. It’s lovely.
The niece thought this was interesting being named after family members. Both of her names were given to her and only her last name gives her a connection to family, and she likes her unique name. She still liked the idea. She gave this 3 stars. The nephew thought the ancestors looked a little funny sometimes. He has a unique name also and he didn’t really care about the idea. I’m ready for him to find a new word and grow out of this phase, but he thought this book was boring. He gave this 2 stars. He said nothing happened but old people and he asked why my picture wasn’t in the book. Anyway. He’s a turkey, a funny turkey.
March 30, 2018
It all starts with a name, Alma's long name. And then a conversation with her father, tracing each part of her name that belonged to someone in her family tree. Each name that connects her to the past and to her family and to her current and future self.
I love the structure of the book, the way sweet Alma peeks into and enters the past on every other spread, the colors—blue for history and pink for present—and all the facial expressions of the characters.
My favorite page is "I am Candela!" with Alma holding a sign, her marching buddies stuffed animals, drawings, and dolls.
A special book.
I love the structure of the book, the way sweet Alma peeks into and enters the past on every other spread, the colors—blue for history and pink for present—and all the facial expressions of the characters.
My favorite page is "I am Candela!" with Alma holding a sign, her marching buddies stuffed animals, drawings, and dolls.
A special book.
November 13, 2017
I am in 💖 with this picture book! Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela is adorable, even if her name is a mouthful. The story is so sweet as her father teaches her about the ancestors who she is named after, and why he chose those names for her. A story about identity, pride, and family, all combined with the stunning illustrations of Martinez-Neal is a must-share in the classroom. Bonus: Spanish version will be released simultaneously with the English version.
May 22, 2019
Every year for my birthday, my husband has gotten me something with my name on it. He's done it since we first started dating when he got me chocolate from the Alma Chocolate Company. This year he bought me this book. It is such a sweet book. Especially for someone who never thought their name "fit" while growing up. While my name isn't nearly the mouthful that Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela's is, it still has it's own story and I'm proud of it.
August 11, 2019
So yes indeed, I do well realise that author/illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal won a 2019 Caldecott Honour designation for Alma and How She Got Her Name (and that most reviews seem to be very much glowingly positive). However, while I have certainly enjoyed (and also learned much from) reading about Alma's family history and why she has five "second" names, part of me has definitely wanted considerably more of an actual story and less of a message-heavy lesson (or to at least have the latter a bit less in my face so to speak and not so obviously and on the surface presented), not to mention that on an entirely personal basis, I do kind of find that there seems to almost be an implied (even if likely inadvertent) authorial critisim present in Alma and How She Got Her Name (that those of us with only one second name or no second name are somehow not really paying sufficient homage to our families and to our pasts).
Combined with the fact that I have also not all that much been able to aesthetically enjoy the accompanying illustrations, as their Caldecott Honour notwithstanding, they are for one too muted for my tastes and for two, I do find it rather annoying and frustrating that the only splashes of colour are pink (which is definitely not a favourite and never will be), I really can only consider a very low three star rating for Alma and How She Got Her Name. And really, the only reason why my rating for Alma and How She Got Her Name is three and not two stars is the fact that I do indeed very much appreciate the importance of Juana Martinez-Neal's presented narrative (and its messages of honouring our family histories) even if personally, the combination of text and images has not really wowed me in any way, has not really spoken all that engagingly to me.
Combined with the fact that I have also not all that much been able to aesthetically enjoy the accompanying illustrations, as their Caldecott Honour notwithstanding, they are for one too muted for my tastes and for two, I do find it rather annoying and frustrating that the only splashes of colour are pink (which is definitely not a favourite and never will be), I really can only consider a very low three star rating for Alma and How She Got Her Name. And really, the only reason why my rating for Alma and How She Got Her Name is three and not two stars is the fact that I do indeed very much appreciate the importance of Juana Martinez-Neal's presented narrative (and its messages of honouring our family histories) even if personally, the combination of text and images has not really wowed me in any way, has not really spoken all that engagingly to me.
May 30, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Alma And How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal, a wonderful tale of a little girl with a very big – and very special – name.
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a very long name, so long that it often doesn’t fit when she tries to write it out. She tells her father, who sits her down and promises to explain what her name means, then she can decide if it fits. He then tells her of five people: her grandmothers, Sofia and Candela, her great-grandmother Esperanza, her grandfather José, and her great-aunt Pura. Each family member was special and unique in their own way, and Alma connects with each over a shared interest or characteristic. At last, her father explains her first name, Alma: he chose it just for her. She is the first Alma, and her story is her own to write. But she will always carry her family with her to encourage and inspire her – they’re right there in her name.
Delightful and dear. Alma’s story celebrates both specific Latin-American naming customs and the tradition and emotion behind them, as well as the notion that our names have meaning, often both as a connection to our past as well as an identity all our own. Alma’s namesakes are presented as individuals admirable for gestures big and small, which adds a nice message about how we honor and connect to our older family members, even after they’ve passed. The illustrations are adorable, using simple, charming characters and an exquisite use of light and shadow to set a range of moods. The length is perfect, and JJ loved it. This one was just wonderful, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 3, 2019
5 STARS
Que hermosa historia, que enseña a los niños a conectar con sus antepasados, con sus raíces, que aunque no siempre las puedan ver, están presentes y son parte de ellos.
De los mejores libros infantiles del 2019.
La Edición en español mantiene el mismo ritmo que la narrativa en inglés, que es algo bastante raro cuando se trata de ediciones traducidas, pero esta me encanto. Sin duda me dejan muchas ganas de conseguir la versión en físico en ambos idiomas.
Que hermosa historia, que enseña a los niños a conectar con sus antepasados, con sus raíces, que aunque no siempre las puedan ver, están presentes y son parte de ellos.
De los mejores libros infantiles del 2019.
La Edición en español mantiene el mismo ritmo que la narrativa en inglés, que es algo bastante raro cuando se trata de ediciones traducidas, pero esta me encanto. Sin duda me dejan muchas ganas de conseguir la versión en físico en ambos idiomas.
February 8, 2018
I had to flip through this book a few times and could do it many more times and still get enjoyment. The art has so many interesting layers and details, I kept wanting to look back at it and study it. Martinez-Neal has a very interesting sketchbook-like style. I love the way she sparingly incorporates color and also the way she creates the old photos of people from the MC Alma's family. There is a scrapbook/photo album feel to the way she incorporates these elements.
In addition to the illustrations, I absolutely loved the purpose of the book. Alma is a girl whose name is "too long to fit" on a piece of paper. Her father explains how her name does fit by sharing the history of the little girl's various names. Through this telling, we also get exposed to aspects of the MC and author's culture. This is a beautiful book--especially for children who might feel their names don't quite "fit" for any reason.
In addition to the illustrations, I absolutely loved the purpose of the book. Alma is a girl whose name is "too long to fit" on a piece of paper. Her father explains how her name does fit by sharing the history of the little girl's various names. Through this telling, we also get exposed to aspects of the MC and author's culture. This is a beautiful book--especially for children who might feel their names don't quite "fit" for any reason.
March 1, 2018
@candlewickpress #partner This is the sweet story of how Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela got her name, told to her by her father, and it is absolutely fabulous. It will be available in both English and Spanish editions, although the English version does also include some Spanish words on signs in the book. The author's note about her own LONG name and how she despaired over it while growing up in Lima, Peru before growing to love it later on in the US is a wonderful addition to the story. I will be purchasing this for my elementary library collection and reading to grades 1 and 2.
Thanks to Candlewick and the author for this review copy. It hits shelves on April 10, 2018. I am passing on to @kidlitexchange for further reviews!
Thanks to Candlewick and the author for this review copy. It hits shelves on April 10, 2018. I am passing on to @kidlitexchange for further reviews!
February 27, 2021
Warm, endearing artwork. Important story about family names and heritage.
December 30, 2018
I LOVE this book! Alma and How She Got Her Name written and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal shares the story of sweet, little Alma. The story begins with her spelling out Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela and complaining to her father about the many parts of her name. Her dad sits her down and shares the story of each part of her name and offers her the opportunity to understand the history of her name.
Juana Martinez-Neal uses pinks, grays, blacks and blues to delicately illustrate this book about little Alma. Along with the vivid descriptions of each family member, each page is sprinkled with Spanish words and artifacts inspired by her Peruvian upbringing.
Long naming conventions in the Spanish culture still play a role in many students lives and this book will definitely fill a gap in libraries. This book will be published both in English and Spanish on April 10, 2018 by Candlewick Press.
Juana Martinez-Neal uses pinks, grays, blacks and blues to delicately illustrate this book about little Alma. Along with the vivid descriptions of each family member, each page is sprinkled with Spanish words and artifacts inspired by her Peruvian upbringing.
Long naming conventions in the Spanish culture still play a role in many students lives and this book will definitely fill a gap in libraries. This book will be published both in English and Spanish on April 10, 2018 by Candlewick Press.
Read
March 21, 2018Love the art, love the story. Definitely going on the shortlist of books for baby showers and birthdays.
November 1, 2018
I know, I know! Strong women! Hispanic heritage! Love it, love it, love it!
Only as a parent I recoil in horror at kids being given long, elaborate names that won't fit in the boxes on a form, names that they will have to spell for people for their entire lives. So I can't love this.
And before you go one step towards writing an irate reply, know that my daughters are Filipina on their father's side, and have a beautiful Spanish surname that is regularly mangled by just about everyone they meet. My late, great, much missed mother-in-law gave lovely Spanish names to her 2 kids born in the Philippines. The younger ones, all born in America, got easy to spell, easy to pronounce English names to go with their long, hard to pronounce for non-Spanish speakers surname. And we did the same with our girls.............
(And would you be waxing poetic over this book if her name was Jane Mary Prudence Susan Jones Smith?)
Only as a parent I recoil in horror at kids being given long, elaborate names that won't fit in the boxes on a form, names that they will have to spell for people for their entire lives. So I can't love this.
And before you go one step towards writing an irate reply, know that my daughters are Filipina on their father's side, and have a beautiful Spanish surname that is regularly mangled by just about everyone they meet. My late, great, much missed mother-in-law gave lovely Spanish names to her 2 kids born in the Philippines. The younger ones, all born in America, got easy to spell, easy to pronounce English names to go with their long, hard to pronounce for non-Spanish speakers surname. And we did the same with our girls.............
(And would you be waxing poetic over this book if her name was Jane Mary Prudence Susan Jones Smith?)
November 23, 2020
This is a sweet little story about a girl whose father is explaining to her how she got her long and elaborate name.
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a lot of names. Too many, she thinks. But as her father sits her down and explains the origin of each part of her name, she finds herself relating to the people she was named after.
Soft colours and sweet illustrations highlight the story. The whole thing is simple, but it works. I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous. As someone whose parents picked her name because they just liked it, I can't really relate to Alma's perceived struggles. But kids who are gifted with names that have great meaning in their family will probably find this story reassuring. You might be named after someone, but you still get to carve out your own path in life.
Quotable moment:
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a lot of names. Too many, she thinks. But as her father sits her down and explains the origin of each part of her name, she finds herself relating to the people she was named after.
Soft colours and sweet illustrations highlight the story. The whole thing is simple, but it works. I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous. As someone whose parents picked her name because they just liked it, I can't really relate to Alma's perceived struggles. But kids who are gifted with names that have great meaning in their family will probably find this story reassuring. You might be named after someone, but you still get to carve out your own path in life.
Quotable moment:
Read
September 17, 2021Looking for a book to read to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Here is one you will revisit year after year. Alma doesn't have just one name -- she has six! For a little person that seems like a heavy burden until she begins to hear the stories of all those people who share their names with her. A delightful slice of Peruvian culture and a story early readers will identify with. Perfect for read alouds. * Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge *
February 17, 2022
the story of a name
As an Arabian woman I understand the value of a name and the history and wishes held in one word… beautiful work and illustrations.
As an Arabian woman I understand the value of a name and the history and wishes held in one word… beautiful work and illustrations.
December 16, 2018
Oh how I love this book. As one young reader told me, “it makes me want to learn more about my own name.” Alma helps us all feel like we are special for being unique. Alma Sofia Esperanza Josi Pura Candela worries about her long name until her father tells her family stories, one for each person she's named after. The illustrations are soft and gently sweet, showing the distinctive essence of each ancestor and the affections between Alma and her family.
April 29, 2019
My name is Catherine Victoria Saavedra Pic. Catherine after my mother and Victoria in honor of my grandfather, Victor. Saavedra from my dad and Pic from my mom. Names are not only important as identity markers, but to understand and see ones progression of their own family. I love my Latin name and my Latin culture.
Please read the author's note at the end of the book, it makes this lovely book even lovelier.
Please read the author's note at the end of the book, it makes this lovely book even lovelier.
February 4, 2019
Super cute story about how a little girl ends up with five middle names! It kind of reminded me of the 1974 Caldecott Honor Tikki Tikki Tembo which also featured a child with a many names.
June 10, 2018
Just lovely. The concept, the art, the text. It all works together beautifully.
And also it has the daughter sitting with her father in that platonic ideal of a reading chair.
Library copy.
And also it has the daughter sitting with her father in that platonic ideal of a reading chair.
Library copy.
November 2, 2020
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has a long name, but each part of it is special as it represents and honors a member on her family tree. Nice naming tradition!
There isn't much of a story in this picturebook, but I love the message that our names are the representations and everyday reminders of where we came from.
However, the real star of the show is Juana Martinez-Neal's sketchy yet detailed pencil illustrations with some splashes of red/pink and blue. So soft and cute, yet expressive and intricate:
There isn't much of a story in this picturebook, but I love the message that our names are the representations and everyday reminders of where we came from.
However, the real star of the show is Juana Martinez-Neal's sketchy yet detailed pencil illustrations with some splashes of red/pink and blue. So soft and cute, yet expressive and intricate:
January 15, 2019
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks that her name is too long, and complains to her father that it doesn't "fit." He sits her down and tells her the stories of all the family members she is named after, from her grandmother Sofia to her great-aunt Pura, and as she comes to appreciate these ancestors, Alma becomes more appreciative of her name. In the end, her father tells her that her first name, Alma, is hers alone...
Although author/illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal has provided the artwork for a number of other picture-books, most notably, La Princesa and the Pea and La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Niños , this is her debut as both writer and artist. And what a debut it is! Alma and How She Got Her Name is a lovely book, one which pairs a gentle, heartwarming tale of family tradition and naming with beautiful, immensely appealing illustrations. As someone with an interest in names, their meanings and the stories behind them, I was bound to find this story engaging, but I was also won over by the poignant and yet uplifting nature of Alma's family narrative. The artwork, done in graphite, colored pencils and prints on handmade paper, is incredibly cute and quite expressive, perfectly capturing the emotional pitch of each scene. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about names and naming in general, or with a Latino cultural outlook in particular.
Although author/illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal has provided the artwork for a number of other picture-books, most notably, La Princesa and the Pea and La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Niños , this is her debut as both writer and artist. And what a debut it is! Alma and How She Got Her Name is a lovely book, one which pairs a gentle, heartwarming tale of family tradition and naming with beautiful, immensely appealing illustrations. As someone with an interest in names, their meanings and the stories behind them, I was bound to find this story engaging, but I was also won over by the poignant and yet uplifting nature of Alma's family narrative. The artwork, done in graphite, colored pencils and prints on handmade paper, is incredibly cute and quite expressive, perfectly capturing the emotional pitch of each scene. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about names and naming in general, or with a Latino cultural outlook in particular.
May 18, 2019
Update - Review on blog: https://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot....
This was such an important book for me for two reasons:
1) It's the name of my great-grandmother who passed away last November.
2) I'm currently pregnant with my little girl and each one of her names has a meaning. Her two middle names are an indication of her grandmother and great-grandmother and her last name has a lot of history behind it.
I thought think that this is a great book for any parent that is interested in teaching their child more about the history of names and how names make us unique. It was even important for me as an adult to read this because I usually tell people that my first name is generic, but it actually a history behind it and a strong connection to my mom. It was cute and the artwork definitely resonated with the history behind each name and I love that Alma was able to embrace her cultural identity through her name which is originally thinks is too long.
This was such an important book for me for two reasons:
1) It's the name of my great-grandmother who passed away last November.
2) I'm currently pregnant with my little girl and each one of her names has a meaning. Her two middle names are an indication of her grandmother and great-grandmother and her last name has a lot of history behind it.
I thought think that this is a great book for any parent that is interested in teaching their child more about the history of names and how names make us unique. It was even important for me as an adult to read this because I usually tell people that my first name is generic, but it actually a history behind it and a strong connection to my mom. It was cute and the artwork definitely resonated with the history behind each name and I love that Alma was able to embrace her cultural identity through her name which is originally thinks is too long.
February 5, 2019
First sentence: Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela had a long name--too long, if you asked her. "My name is so long, Daddy. It never fits," Alma said. "Come here," he said. "Let me tell you the story of your name. Then you decide if it fits."
Premise/plot: After Alma hears the story of her name will she change her mind? This picture book celebrates families and individuality. Also storytelling.
My thoughts: I love, love, love the premise of this one. I love the story telling. I love the emphasis on family and belonging. I love the celebration of life.
Alma And How She Got Her Name is a Caldecott Honor book for 2019.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
Premise/plot: After Alma hears the story of her name will she change her mind? This picture book celebrates families and individuality. Also storytelling.
My thoughts: I love, love, love the premise of this one. I love the story telling. I love the emphasis on family and belonging. I love the celebration of life.
Alma And How She Got Her Name is a Caldecott Honor book for 2019.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
August 14, 2019
What a sweet story of the many parts of who a child is because of their name. Each name for Alma represented family members and their particular traits and, honestly, it made me reflect on my name; where it came from, what traits I might have from the person who shared my middle name. (It also made me think of the scene in Pulp Fiction where Butch tells the cabbie, "I'm American, honey. Our names don't mean shit" because I feel like this is also true...my first name came from nowhere). The illustrations are so lovely-soft, a little hazy...like memories.
April 14, 2018
LOVE LOVE LOVE this and will add it to my stack of books for exploring names at the beginning of the year!
April 23, 2018
Many people in Spanish speaking countries have very long family names. This sweet book offers children a sense of history as they explore what their names might mean, and their own family tree.
April 25, 2018
Darling tale of how Alma got her name.
April 29, 2018
A beautiful story about the importance of names and how they shape our identity.
April 2, 2019
**** Caldecott Honor (2019) ****
When I was nine years old in the third grade, our teacher told us to write out our full name (first, middle and last) in cursive handwriting. I wrote out my full four worded name. When she looked at my paper, she told me that I was only allowed to have three names. "Why?", I asked? She said that everybody has only three names.
She was wrong of course, but I still felt bad.
I can empathize with little Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela when she complains to her father about her name not fitting. When her papa explains how each name came to be given to her and their meaning, Alma understands not only her name but also the place she has in her family.
The story is from the heart, the pictures are warm and sweet, and the meaning is clearly understandable. Just like Alma, I now think my name is special to me and I am lucky to have a little extra.
When I was nine years old in the third grade, our teacher told us to write out our full name (first, middle and last) in cursive handwriting. I wrote out my full four worded name. When she looked at my paper, she told me that I was only allowed to have three names. "Why?", I asked? She said that everybody has only three names.
She was wrong of course, but I still felt bad.
I can empathize with little Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela when she complains to her father about her name not fitting. When her papa explains how each name came to be given to her and their meaning, Alma understands not only her name but also the place she has in her family.
The story is from the heart, the pictures are warm and sweet, and the meaning is clearly understandable. Just like Alma, I now think my name is special to me and I am lucky to have a little extra.
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