My Name is Maria Isabel by Alma Flor Ada

This multicultural and international literature chapter book reveals issues regarding cultural diversity and teacher/student relationships. After her family decides to move from Puerto Rico to the Continental United States, Maria Isabel Salazar Lopez is forced to start a new school. Already two months into the school year, Maria Isabel’s new teacher has two Maria’s in her classroom and insists on calling Maria Isabel, Mary. However, Maria Isabel is extremely proud of her name and culture and therefore, has a hard time adjusting to her “new name”. This issue ultimately prevents Maria from participating in the school’s Winter Pageant. However, in an essay entitled, “My Greatest Wish,” Maria Isabel wishes for her teacher to call her by her given name and allow her to participate in the pageant. After reading her essay, Maria Isabel’s teacher decides to grant Maria her wishes. Although my story is slightly different, I can relate to Maria in a way, in that growing up everyone insisted on calling me Candace instead of Candi. I tried not to let it show, but this really bothered me at times. I believe the most important thing I will take away from this book is that it is imperative to acknowledge/respect all students and their cultures in the classroom.