My Name Is Anh

by Marcus Wright

A story about finding your voice.

Grade 1: Early readers10 pages

A child with a name from their heritage struggles when classmates mispronounce it, and must decide whether to use a nickname or teach others

Characters

Anh

Grandma

+3 more

Realistic & Painterly

Story Arc

Anh walked into her classroom. She saw her friends. Anh smiled a big smile. School was a fun place to be.

“Good morning,” said Anh. A friend looked at Anh. “Hi… Ann?” they asked. Anh’s smile faded a little.

Later, another friend tried. “Is it… Ane?” they guessed. Anh nodded slowly. It was hard for them to say.

The school day ended. Anh walked home. Her shoulders drooped a bit. Her bright yellow cardigan felt heavy.

At home, Grandma was knitting. Anh sat beside her. She watched Grandma’s busy hands. It felt warm and safe.

“Grandma,” Anh said quietly. “My name is hard.” Grandma stopped knitting. She looked at Anh with kind eyes.

“Your name, Anh,” Grandma said softly. “It means ‘peaceful.’ It is part of you. It is a beautiful name.”

Anh thought about Grandma’s words. Her name was special. Maybe she could help her friends learn. She felt a new kind of calm.

Back at school, Anh showed her friends. “It sounds like ‘Ann’, but then you breathe a soft ‘h’.” Mia listened carefully.

“Anh!” Mia tried again. “Anh!” Alex repeated too. Anh smiled. Her name felt happy again.

Make one of your own next.

cardigan: A type of sweater that opens in the front, like a jacket.; Her bright yellow cardigan felt heavy.
knitting: Making clothes or blankets by looping yarn together with needles.; Grandma was knitting.
drooped: Hung down low, like when you are sad or tired.; Her shoulders drooped a bit.
quietly: In a soft voice, not making much noise.; “Grandma,” Anh said quietly.
peaceful: Calm and happy, without worries.; “It means ‘peaceful.’ It is part of you.
calm: Feeling quiet and peaceful, not upset.; She felt a new kind of calm.
breathe: To take air into your lungs and let it out.; “It sounds like ‘Ann’, but then you breathe a soft ‘h’.