Thunder Boy Jr
Book - 2016
"Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name ... one that's all his own. Dad is known as Big Thunder, but Little Thunder doesn't want to share a name"--
Publisher:
New York :, Little, Brown and Company,, 2016
Edition:
First edition
ISBN:
9780316013727
0316013722
0316013722
Branch Call Number:
E Ale
Characteristics:
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 26 cm
Additional Contributors:
Alternative Title:
Thunder Boy Junior


Opinion
From the critics

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Summary
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shayshortt
Aug 11, 2016
Thunder Boy Smith Jr. loves his dad, Thunder Boy Smith Sr., aka Big Thunder. But he doesn’t like sharing a name with his dad, and he really doesn’t like the nickname that comes with it, Little Thunder. “That nickname makes me sound like a burp or fart,” he complains. So Thunder Boy Jr. starts brainstorming ideas for his new name, and tries to figure out how to talk to his dad about his feelings.
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shayshortt
Aug 11, 2016
Don’t get me wrong. My dad is awesome. But I don’t want to have the same name as him. I WANT MY OWN NAME.

Comment
Add a CommentVery fun book. I really appreciate that it is authentic.
Sherman Alexie and Yuyi Morales are a match made in heaven! Love this story and the illustrations!
Sherman Alexie and Yuyi Morales - what a wonderful and obvious pairing of great storytelling and vibrant artwork! This story is steeped in culture and personal identify. Great for any age but find a K-3 kiddo or class to read to for ultimate fun.
Good book but nothing like the reviews built it up to be. Good read.
Definitely cute and clever, with a lighthearted narrative on identity. Admittedly I was expecting to be blown away by Alexi who typically produces nothing less than fantastic. What I got was a good solid happy addition to the world of picture books.
A little boy wants a name of his own. A great story about family, and a good multicultural title.
I love how this is full of important themes (identity, family, etc.) but is also super fun and dynamic. The relationship between the boy and his father is so sweet :)
A humourous and touching children's book about identity and family. But I would encourage everyone (and particularly librarians and educators) to visit American Indians in Children's Literature, and read Debbie Reese's thoughts on the potential for misuse of this book in story time activities through the appropriation of naming traditions. My full review, including links to all her articles: https://shayshortt.com/2016/08/11/thunder-boy-jr/
Endearing book addressing identity and father/son relationships. Children will relate. Must read for any parent. Native American as main character? Double yay!
In his picture book debut, celebrated author Sherman Alexie addresses the frustration of being a namesake. See, Thunder Boy Smith Jr. HATES his name. He looks up to his dad, but he wants a name that's unique. Brainstorming new names with his lively American Indian family yields some interesting suggestions -- maybe he should he be called "Mud in His Ears," or "Can't Run Fast While Laughing"? -- before dad finally picks the perfect name for his spirited son. Through mixed-media illustrations that crackle with color, award-winning illustrator Yuyi Morales skillfully underscores the connections between a child's dreams, his culture, and his loving family.