Module 5 The Name Jar

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Choi, Yangsook. 2001. THE NAME JAR. New York, NY: Alfred Knopf. ISBN 375906134.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
After Unhei moves from Korea to the United States, her new classmates help her decide what her name should be.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDLING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Choi writes a book that most adolescent children will relate to because of the childhood themes of fitting in and acceptance by peers. When Unhei moves to the United States she wants to be a regular American child, like the ones she sees on her school bus. She feels like her Korean name is holding her back from fitting in. The setting is present day and depicted accurately by modern buildings and neighborhoods. Unhei experiences name calling like, “Oh, it’s Yoo-hey, like You, hey!” The ending of the story is poignant because the central character decides to accept her name and embrace the Korean culture within her.
Many Korean elements are seen throughout the book. The Korean name symbol is used extensively and is seen as a cherished possession to Unhei. The family cooks kimchi and shops at a Korean grocery. The mom says, “Just because we’ve moved to America doesn’t mean we stop eating Korean food.” The parents reinforce some of the stereotypical Asian stereotypes by stressing academics. “You must study hard, behave nicely, and get good grades to show that you’re a good Korean.”
The illustrations are in yellow and gold tones and depict a Korean American family. There is a Korean calendar on the wall and scenes with chopsticks. The American classmates are diverse looking with a variety of skin tones and hair color. All the Koreans look the same. Their eyes are the same size and eyebrows are identical.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
“…The bold, bright paintings that illustrate the story are realistic, warm, and appealing. Unfortunately, the text sags under the weight of its mission to describe how it might feel to immigrate. A well-meaning and visually attractive effort, but uninspired.” SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“….The paintings are mostly in gold and earth tones, and the figures have both stature and simplicity--as does the story.” BOOKLIST

E. CONNECTIONS
Discuss different names among students. Many students have names that have traditional meaning.
Discuss if any students shop at specific markets when Unhei shops at the Korean grocery store. Ask them what ingredients they shop for.