Thao

Thao's name has only four letters, yet almost nobody gets it right. Classmates call her Theo, Tail, or even Towel, and the cruel nicknames Tofu, Tiny, and China Girl hurt even more. Tired of it, Thao tries out a new identity by answering to Jennifer, a name that is simple to say.

Jennifer lasts only until lunchtime, when Thao opens her lunchbox and finds the gỏi cuốn her mother packed, Vietnamese spring rolls and her absolute favorite food. Suddenly being herself feels far more comfortable than pretending.

The story is drawn from the author's own childhood and blends humor with warmth. It explores diversity, inclusion, and pride in one's culture, and it will speak to any reader who has ever felt out of place.

The book uses playful typography, along with Thao's own childhood photographs, all combined with her distinctive cut-paper collage. It encourages readers to stay true to who they are and where they come from, and to treat others with empathy. At its heart, it is about the meaning of a name and the value of claiming your own identity.