My Name is Maria Isabel

My Name is Maria Isabel is a story about a hispanic girl in an American school. Her teacher insists on calling her Mary Lopez, but all she wants is to be herself; Maria Isabel Salazar Lopez. This book was written by Ada Flor Alma in 1993 and illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson, intended for grades 3-5.

Maria is unsure of going to a new school in a place where she is unfamiliar. She is not sure she will like it, or if she will be able to make any friends. Her teacher wants to call her Mary instead of Maria, because there are already two more Marias in the class. Maria does not recognize the name Mary and never answers her teachers questions when she is called on. She does not get a part in the classes winter pageant since she did not realize the teacher was asking her about it. Maria's teacher asks the class to write an essay about "My Greatest Wish". In Maria's essay, she tells her teacher that she would like to be called Maria Isabel Salazar Lopez and that she would also like to sing in the winter pageant. The teacher then realizes this is important to Maria and accepts her request.

This contemporary realistic fiction book will teach children that it is very important to be true to themselves. Things of importance should be recognized, no matter who you are or where you are from. Maria's experience could be a problem that any child may face. It may teach them how to handle this kind of situation. I really liked this book and I think it is a great book for children to read, especially if they can relate to Maria's situation. Alma Flor Ada has written many children's books and poetry, such as:

• Dancing Home
• Island Treasures
• Love, Amelia 
• Gathering the Sun
• Dreaming Fish

Motivational Activity:

• Maria's family is very important to her; that is why her name means so much. She is named after her grandmothers and grandfathers. Create a family tree of your family going back as far as you can. Write something important about each family member. 
• Ask your parents why they chose your name or what it means. Write a paragraph about what it means and the importance it may have.

Reader Response Questions:

• How would you react if your teacher wanted to call you by another name?
• Would you tell your teacher to call you by your given name? How would you tell her/him?
• Would you change your name if given the choice? Why or why not?
• What do you think it would be like living in a new place and going to a new school?

 Ada, A. F., & Thompson, K. D. (1993). My name is María Isabel. New York: Atheneum.