On the bus heading to her first day in an American school, Korean Unhei tells her name to a fellow passenger. After he mispronounces it and thoughtlessly teases Unhei, she becomes reluctant to tell her new classmates her name, stating that she hasn’t chosen one yet. Brimming with suggestions, the other students fill a jar with offerings of Daisy, Tamela, and Miranda. As she contemplates her choices, Unhei realizes that her own name is special, and worth keeping. Her classmates agree, and with a little coaching they master the correct pronunciation. Many children share Unhei’s fears of not fitting in with her peers. Her ability to overcome her worries and remain true to herself offers a realistic solution to her problem. The illustrations feature a diverse classroom of young school-age children. (Ages 4–6)

A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name.

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own. 

From acclaimed creator Yangsook Choi comes the bestselling classic about finding the courage to be yourself and being proud of your background.