My Name is Saajin Singh

by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, Samrath Kaur (Illustrator)

Overview

A debut picture book that explores the importance of pronouncing names properly and celebrates cultural identity.

Saajin loves his name—he loves it so much that he sees it spelled out in the world around him in his snacks, in the sky and sometimes he even sings it aloud. On his first day of school, Saajin is excited to meet his new classmates, but things take a turn when the teacher mispronounces his name as Say-jin and he is not sure how—or if he should—correct her. After trying to live with the different version of his name for a while and some thoughtful conversations with his family about the meaning behind it, Saajin realizes the importance of reclaiming his name and embracing his identity. This empowering story, accompanied by energetic and vibrant art by Samrath Kaur, will resonate with any reader who has ever felt misunderstood.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781773217055
Publisher:	Annick Press, Limited
Publication date:	08/16/2022
Pages:	36
Sales rank:	657,728
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD500L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

KULJINDER BRAR is an elementary teacher. She lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia and this is her first book. She has a son named Saajin who inspired the story.

SAMRATH KAUR is an illustrator and background painter. This is his first book. He lives in Boston.

Editorial Reviews

10/10/2022

The Punjabi Sikh protagonist of this picture book, “Saajin (Sah-jin) loved his name.... He loved the way it looked.... And he loved the way it sounded.” But on the first day of school, when his white-presenting teacher calls out “Say-jin” to his racially diverse class, he thinks the articulation must be how people say his name when he leaves the house. Though it doesn’t look or sound right, he accepts the pronunciation until his parents overhear him use it when introducing himself to a new neighbor, and a follow-up conversation gives Saajin the confidence to correct the teacher’s error. Brar focuses on Saajin’s emotional reaction to hearing his name mispronounced, while Kaur’s cartooned illustrations in classic crayon hues energize a familiar arc. Back matter contextualizes the Sikh naming ceremony, Naam Karan. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly