Even with this boy's complaint, this is a joyous portrait of a family. Thunder Boy is a Native-American child who. * 'Alexie demonstrates his familiar gift for storytelling, using seemingly uncomplicated language to tell a layered and emotional story that retains tension despite being full of love. Summary: Sherman Alexie set out to write a children’s book featuring a non-white child. * 'An expertly crafted, soulful, and humorous work that tenderly explores identity, culture, and the bond between father and son.'- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * 'Despite the dad-pleasing message, the book is too funny and real to veer into parental self-congratulation, and Morales's illustrations give great life and specificity to Thunder Boy's Lightning's family.'- Horn Book, starred review From School Library Journal:An enchanting and humorous picture book about a little boy frustrated with his name. * 'Echoes of Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian resonate in this vibrant first-person tale.Thunder Boy's energy is irresistible, as is this expansive portrait of a Native American family.'- Publishers Weekly, starred review by Sherman Alexie 23 Book Extension Activities NO PREP Created by Everywhere Librarian Beautiful book to share with your elementary students in the school library or classroom. * 'Even if little one don't pick up on the cultural significance, they'll be entranced by the brilliant illustrations and Thunder Boy's rollicking determination to branch out on his own.'- Booklist, starred review

* 'An enchanting and humorous picture book.This has all of the qualities of a classic story like Goodnight Moon and is destined to be a modern classic, with youngsters wanting repeated readings.'- School Library Journal, starred review Morales pictures a warm and busy family with a broad-shouldered dad who looms as large as his thunderous name in this big-hearted story.'Together deliver a story that feels both modern and timeless, a joyous portrait of one boy's struggle to (literally) make a name for himself in the world.'- The New York Times Book Review He tries out names that reflect him and his interests, such as Mud In His Ears and Old Toys Are Awesome, and is happy when his dad renames him Lightning. 'I love my dad but I want my own name,' he says. is an exuberant, guitar-playing, bike-riding, powwow-dancing kid who hates sharing a name with his father. Parents need to know that Thunder Boy Jr., by National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie ( The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian) and Caldecott Honoree Yuyi Morales ( Viva Frida), is a perfect blend of the specific and the universal, with details of Native American culture and broad kid appeal. Father is sensitive to boy's feelings and understands that he needs his own identity. He's an active, fun kid with lots of diverse interests and spunk.

Boy recognizes and articulates his feelings and tries to address them.

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie