Alma and How She Got Her Name

Starred review from January 29, 2018
Her full name is Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, and it’s so long that “it never fits,” as the girl explains to her father. (When she writes it on a sheet of paper, she has to tape an extra piece to the bottom.) But as Daddy explains that there’s a remarkable relative behind each of her names, Alma realizes that she embodies their talents and character, and she comfortably communes with the spirits of the departed. She loves to draw like her paternal grandfather, José, and she’s so inspired by her activist maternal grandmother, Candela, that she strikes the classic Norma Rae pose and declares “I am Candela!” surrounded by her stuffed animals. Best of all, Daddy concludes, she is “the first and only Alma. You will make your own story.” Martinez-Neal’s first outing as author is a winner—her velvety and largely monochromatic pencil drawings, punctuated with cherry red, teem with emotional intimacy. It’s an origin story that envelops readers like a hug. Ages 4–8. Agent: Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary.

Lively music and narrator Adriana Sananes's rich voice bring Latin flair to this audiobook about a Hispanic-American girl with a too long name. Each one of Alma Sofia Esperanza Jos� Pura Candela's six names has a story. Her father tells Alma about the people she's been named after, including a book lover, a traveler, an artist, a deeply spiritual woman, and an activist. Alma's voice is young and sweet. Her slight Spanish accent contrasts with her father's deep voice and more pronounced accent. This warm, affectionate audiobook celebrates kids' distinct family identities and pride, and it is glorious to hear Sananes's Spanish pronunciations of all of Alma's names. S.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine