My Name is Ai Lin Book Review & Activities
“When I started school, they could not say my name.”
This powerful opening line will resonate with many children and parents, including me. My daughter, Eleni, has a Greek name that continues to challenge even well-meaning classmates and adults. Like Ai Lin, she knows what it’s like to feel unseen because of a name that others find unfamiliar.
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My Name is Ai Lin
In My Name is Ai Lin, Maria Wen Adcock beautifully captures the emotional journey of a young girl navigating school with a name that reflects her Chinese heritage. When her classmates struggle to pronounce it, some suggest she go by something “easier.” But Ai Lin makes a brave and empowering choice: she stands firm, insisting that her name matters – and so does saying it correctly.
The story becomes a gentle but powerful celebration of culture, identity, and self-respect. Through Ai Lin’s voice, readers learn how her name was lovingly chosen, what it means in her language, and the deep pride her family feels every time it’s spoken. The soft, colorful illustrations beautifully reflect Ai Lin’s emotions and depict a diverse, inclusive classroom setting that many students will recognize.
This picture book is a wonderful resource for the classroom. It opens up important conversations about inclusion, cultural identity, and the significance of names. It empowers children with non-Western or uncommon names to feel proud, and it encourages all readers to make the effort to honor others by learning to say their names properly.
My Name is Ai Lin is a must-read for educators committed to fostering empathy, diversity, and respect in their classrooms.
After-Reading Activity Suggestions
1. “My Name, My Story” Writing Activity
Students write a short paragraph or create a mini-book explaining the story behind their name. They can include:
- Who chose their name and why
- What it means (if known)
- How they feel about it
- Any nicknames or mispronunciations they’ve experienced
Encourage students to share with the class if they feel comfortable.
2. Name Pronunciation Practice & Respect Circle
Students take turns teaching their classmates how to correctly pronounce their name. Create a “Name Respect Promise” where students pledge to try their best to learn and say everyone’s name correctly.
3. Name Art Project
Have students design their name using symbols, colors, and images that represent their identity, heritage, or interests. Display them on a classroom “Name Wall” to celebrate uniqueness and foster a sense of belonging.
4. Explore Names Around the World
Introduce students to names from different cultures using picture books, videos, or name lists. Discuss cultural naming traditions (e.g., meaning, family history, language). Compare and contrast these with their own experiences.
5. Class Book: “The Stories of Our Names”
Compile students’ name stories and art into a class book or digital slideshow. Share it with families or partner classes to build cultural understanding and community.
Author Maria Wen Adcock is a first-generation Chinese American writer and author of It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George. She is the founder of the award-winning Bicultural Mama blog and has appeared in Bloomberg News, HuffPost, and Newsday, as well as on The Dr. Oz Show. Maria is a board member of Multicultural Kid Blogs, an organization supporting diverse parenting bloggers, and the cohost of the annual Read Your World Day event. She lives on Long Island in New York.
Yu Ting Cheng is a Taiwanese illustrator whose experiences abroad resonate deeply with Ai Lin’s journey. Yu lives in Taipei, Taiwan.