It's the end of school year and Priyanka's teachers give her the job of reading out the names of the students who are graduating. But wait, how should she pronounce Arihia, Xinze, Sean or Tausa'Afia? And why does it matter to do so correctly?
Readers follow Priyanka's journey to understand how a name carries a person's mana or prestige, and how she can say them with respect.
Kiwi-Indian author Renisa Viraj Maki has created a tender and beautiful picture book with a deep and important story. It crosses cultures and highlights the mana our names carry.
Illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) brings a modern, multicultural school to life with colourful, detailed artwork. Her characters are as diverse as their names, and it is obvious Te Aho-White appreciated the kaupapa of the story, with lots of research going into the visual representation of each character. The recurring rainbow motif that flows through the book is gorgeous.
Translated into reo Māori by Hona Black (Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), will push those learning the language beyond beginner. This is a book begging to be translated into more languages too.
What's in a Name is a diverse, inclusive, and important picture book that strikes straight to the heart of identity. It will spark lots of important conversations, allow children to see themselves represented within the pages, and most importantly, lead to change.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Oratia Books