Sandhya Parappukkaran
Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)
Abrams Kids Books
A warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves and that proclaims no one should ever have to shrink themselves to fit in.
When no amount of shrinking, folding or crumpling works, he simply settles for Zim – but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step boldly into his long name.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name encourages readers to take up space and support each other with respect and kindness.
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he’ll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn’t feel right.
It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
“This sensitive book will make an excellent lead-in to age-appropriate discussions about difference and belonging.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
Honourable Mentions:
2023 Outstanding International Book for USBBY (United States Board on Books for Young People)
Selected as the January/February 2023 American Booksellers Association’s Kids’ Indie Next Title.
Included on the list of Best Books of 2023 collated by ‘The Centre for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature.’
Resources:
Connection and Community
Dynamic Duos Blogpost
Watch Amma's Sari signed by Karthik Vijayanandam on ABC Education Story TIme.
Reviews
“An insightful tale that digs deep into names—an inherent part of identity—and the emotions attached to them.”
KIRKUS
“Most exquisite is the bright bird into which the name Zimdalamashkermishkada has transformed, a soaring symbol of the boy’s newfound pride in his cultural heritage.”
NEW YORK TIMES – Reviewed by Andrea Wang
Sworder and Parappukkaran’s books are both about shrinking, at least on the surface. Diving deeper, they also share common themes of immigration, belonging, and assimilation.
PICTURE BOOK BUILDERS
This is not a tale of a child bullied for his odd name; his new teacher and classmates are friendly, but rather a gentle reminder aimed at the 5-8 reader or be-read-to that everyone is fine as they are, and needn’t hide their best self.
LAVENDER MAGAZINE
This book will remind us to pay close attention to pronouncing difficult names of people which is the key ingredient to celebrating them because names matter. It influences who we are and how others view us. What a warm and uplifting book indeed!
@shameer_reads
It is so important to be sure to pronounce students’ names correctly. Giving a student a nickname because you can’t pronounce their name is highly offensive, and it diminishes the importance of their identity and cultural heritage, not to mention is a micro-aggression. If you aren’t sure how to pronounce someone’s name, ask them, and then practice it until you know it!
@thediversebookworm
The school year is readily approaching. Let’s emphasize the importance of valuing names by pronouncing them correctly.
@ihaveabook4that