Thunder Boy JR

Thunder Boy JR

Author: Sherman Alexie

Illustration: Yuyi Morales

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Multicultural Book

Grade Level: Pre-K to 3^rd grade

“I dream of traveling the world, so maybe my name should be FULL OF WONDER.”

Ever wanted to change the name when you were young? Felt your name should have been Princess Aurora or Superman? Well, this book is just about that. Young Thunder JR, (His real name is Sam), wants his name to be changed because his father is known as Thunder SR. He is born in a lovely Latino family with a younger sister whose name is Lillian and a fashionista mother, Agnes. He thinks they have a normal name which is okay but he wants more than that! He loves his name, but he does not like the fact he shares the same name as his father. He thinks that maybe he should be called “Not afraid of ten thousand teeth” because he has touched the nose of the orca. Or maybe it should be called “Touch the Clouds” because he has climbed a mountain. Or perhaps it should be “Mud in his ears” because he has played in the dirt. Or “Gravity’s best friend” because he knows how to ride a bicycle. He comes with a bunch of other names. Then finally, as if his father was reading his mind, he says “Son, I think it’s time I gave you a new name. A name of your own.” He names him Lightning. And together, Thunder and Lighting, “will light up the sky.”

Thoughts:

The illustrations in this book are remarkable. They are colorful and very cartoon like which will draw young readers attention. The text is not long as well so it will be a good first book for young readers to read. I remember when I was young that I wanted to make a name for myself. I told my parents that I was changing my name, but my parents just smiled at me and told me that my dad actually thought of my name when he was just 8 years old. I thought that was bizarre but now when I think about it, I was following the same thing that my father was doing. This book is a good read-aloud book. I can use this book for during warm-up period and do activities with them when Sam is going over his alternative name. Great book!