The Name Jar is a picture book about Unhei, a child who has moved from Korea and is starting at a new school in the United States. When she worries that her classmates will not like or pronounce her Korean name, she considers choosing another one. The story follows her as she weighs that pressure against the value of keeping and sharing her own name.
What happens in The Name Jar?
On her first days at school, Unhei hesitates to introduce herself. She tells her classmates she will choose a name by the following week, and they respond by filling a jar with possible names. Unhei tries out options including Suzy, Laura, and Amanda.
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Outside school, a classmate learns her real name and the special meaning it holds. Before Unhei makes her decision, the jar disappears. She ultimately chooses her Korean name and helps her classmates learn to pronounce it.
What does the story explore?
The book offers a child-centered way to discuss identity, self-esteem, friendship, and the experience of arriving in a new place. Unhei’s concern about being understood is specific to her character; the story should not be treated as a template for how every immigrant child feels.
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Its classroom discussion can focus on how names connect to identity and how classmates can show respect: listen, ask someone how they want their name pronounced, and make a sincere effort. The sources do not establish a single pronunciation rule for Korean names.
How can teachers or families use the book?
Penguin Random House provides an educator guide and classroom activities. Scholastic suggests inviting students to ask family members about the stories behind their names, explore a name’s origin or meaning, or interview a peer about what makes them unique. Keep personal sharing optional: students should be free to participate without disclosing family or identity details they would rather keep private.
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After reading, adults can invite children to reflect on what helped Unhei feel more comfortable and what her classmates did that was supportive. A useful discussion distinguishes curiosity from pressure: learning about a name is welcome when the person wants to share, and respect does not depend on being told a personal story.
Who wrote and illustrated the book?
Yangsook Choi wrote and illustrated The Name Jar. Her official biography says she grew up in Korea and moved to New York to pursue art. That biographical information does not establish that Unhei’s plot is a direct account of Choi’s own experience.
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Penguin Random House quotes The New York Times describing Choi’s expressive paintings and the story’s cultural details; the publisher does not identify an individual reviewer.
Which editions are available?
| Edition | ISBN | Publisher-listed details |
|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 9780440417996 | Dragonfly Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books; 40 pages; published October 14, 2003. |
| Hardcover | 9780375806131 | First published July 10, 2001. |
| Audiobook | Not stated | Read by Shannon Tyo; publisher listing dated December 6, 2022; duration 19 minutes. |
These are publisher-listed edition details, not a guarantee of current retailer stock. The publisher’s book page includes print-edition information, and its audiobook listing covers the narrated edition.
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What age or grade is it for?
Penguin Random House’s book resume suggests ages 3–7 and grades K–2, while its educator guide recommends Grades K–3. These are publisher suggestions rather than strict limits; an adult can adapt discussion to a child’s age, reading level, and comfort.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Recognition
The publisher records The Name Jar as a winner of the 2003 Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Master List and a nominee for the 2005 Arizona Young Readers Award.
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