The Gift of a Name

Some gifts stay with you forever — especially the ones that help you understand who you are.

Eleven-year-old Gabriel has always wondered why his name was chosen. It feels too big sometimes, too heavy other days, and he’s not sure what it truly means. When a school project sends him digging into his family’s history, Gabriel begins discovering stories, memories, and truths that help him see his name — and himself — in a brand-new way.

But understanding identity isn’t always easy.
Along the way, Gabriel faces teasing, misunderstandings, and the pressure to fit in. Through heartfelt conversations with his parents, a surprising discovery from his grandmother’s past, and the courage to share his story publicly, he learns that your name isn’t just what people call you…

It’s a reminder of where you come from, who you are, and who you’re becoming.

Readers ages 8–12 will learn:

• What identity means and how it grows with you
• Why names and family stories matter
• How to deal with teasing or cultural misunderstandings
• How to feel proud of your background and heritage
• That every child has a story worth honoring

Perfect for families, classrooms, counselors, and young readers exploring self-worth and identity, The Gift of a Name is a gentle, powerful reminder that we each carry something meaningful inside us — and learning to honor it is an act of bravery.

For every child figuring out who they are, this book is a mirror, a guide, and a gift.