Thao, written and illustrated by Thao Lam. Owlkids, 2021.$19.95 ages 4 and up

 

"T as in Tom.

H like Henry. 

A for Amy. 

O 

It would be 
so much easier if 
my name were 

Olivia ... "

When authors recount their own personal experiences, they show their young readers that they are not alone. In this memoir, Thao Lam poignantly shares events from her childhood. 

As the book opens, the children and adults who surround her pay her full attention. It is easy to see that she is new to their group. Clutching at her red outfit and bordered in stark white, she stands apart from all others. This photo from her childhood allows readers to see her discomfort.  

"It's not easy being Thao."

She shows how difficult life can be for immigrants as the people she is with make many, many attempts to get her name right. Some come close. Of course, they are others who don't even try. They would rather make a self-conscious Vietnamese child even more uncomfortable: China Girl, Shrimp, Toot Toot, Thaw, Tao the Cow, Yellow. 

On the day she decides to be called Jennifer, she goes to school and does d all the normal things that everyone else is doing. The discovery of what her mom has packed for her lunch resets her pride in her heritage. The final two pages have her sounding out and spelling her full name with confidence - and a touch of humor. 

Using mixed-media that includes collage and often-changed fonts, Ms. Lam also inserts childhood photos to make readers aware that this is a very personal look at her life as a new immigrant.  

Simple, yet profound, and full of heart and empathy for those whose initial struggles are similar.