My Name is Saajin Singh

My Name is Saajin Singh is a great picture book for kids who have ever felt excluded because their name is different from the norm. When Saajin’s name is mispronounced by his teacher, he assumes that must be the way it’s pronounced because adults, especially teachers, “don’t make mistakes.” Feeling an internal conflict, he feels sad as all the kids and other adults in the school mispronounce his name. His parents overhear him mispronounce his name to a new neighbour and tell him the origin of his name means “loving friend” in Punjabi. Life at home and the wider society clash.

My Name is Saajin Singh explores a common occurrence for many kids at school with grace and a light touch. Vibrant pictures with fun details—like having the family dog’s reactions reflect the main character’s emotions—make this spry book easily digestible for its audience. This is a great read in classrooms to breach the subject of different cultures, naming conventions, and how your name can be a great way to connect with other people.