My Name Is Long as a River

June 15, 2024
Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan isn't fond of her long name and prefers to go by Kav. The young protagonist learns about the origins of her names while she, her parents, and her grandmother, whom she calls Paati, journey to celebrate Kaveri Pushkaram, a festival that honors the Kaveri River. Before they leave Paati's home, the child notices green riverbanks and lush waterfalls. Paati tells her she was named for the river--and for her great-great-grandmother. Next, they buy train tickets for Thanjavur, their ancestral home in Tamil Nadu, India, and one of Kaveri's namesakes. Paati reminds the child how on their last visit, she got her some bommai, or clay dolls. Kaveri's mother notes that the child shares both her parents' names. Both mother and daughter are named Jayalakshmi, after the goddess who protects the river. Finally, the name Ganesan comes from her father's name, Ganesha. At the journey's end, where the river meets the ocean, Kaveri finally realizes that her name embodies her birthplace and her heritage. Though earlier, Kaveri mentions that some people "trip over my name," long names aren't uncommon in India, suggesting that the child lives elsewhere. While Kaveri's pride is evident by book's end, readers don't get much insight into her emotional state or thoughts; at times, the story feels like a list of cultural touchstones. Still, the artwork is vivid, with striking use of color and depictions of clothing, jewelry, foods, rituals, and distinctive temple architecture. A heartfelt celebration of cultural heritage. (glossary, author's note, getting names right, about the Kaveri River, map of South India, poems and sayings about the river) (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 1, 2024
Preschool-Grade 3 Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan prefers to shorten her name to Kav, as she doesn't think there is anything special about her very long name. Her grandmother has a different view and takes Kaveri on a journey to learn about the significance of her name. The journey begins at home, where the Kaveri River flows and where the girl learns that she shares her name with her great-great-grandmother. The family prepares for a visit to their ancestral home, and along the way Kaveri learns that each of her names has historical and cultural significance and was carefully chosen. Unlike other stories about names, this book is refreshingly free of tropes like low self-esteem and bullying. Kaveri, surrounded by a loving family and closely connected to her community, has a journey of empowerment through knowing. Vibrant illustrations provide visual context and make this title specifically South Indian, though it's universal in its theme. Back matter includes tips for how to be proud of your name and how to learn unfamiliar names when you encounter them.

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