Author Sherman Alexie’s son, David, energetically portrays the dynamic Thunder Boy Jr., a boy who believes his name makes him sound “like a burp or a fart.” He imagines all kinds of imaginative name alternatives with quirky rationales—“Old Toys Are Awesome,” for example, would depict his penchant for garage sales. Alexie’s playful reading adds emphasis to Yuyi Morales’s animated illustrations (included in a PDF). His rhythms emphasize the poetic writing. Sherman Alexie joins forces with his son at the audio’s end. His deep, sonorous voice reflects the powerful caring of a father who seeks happiness for his son. The two voices harmonize in a perfect climax, mirroring the shared love of two protagonists who together make “amazing weather” that “lights up the sky.” S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

…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…Alexie's expertly paced text zips along with loving interjections from the boy's entire family, led by a precocious little sister. Morales's richly textured art crackles with boundless energy. Somehow, in her hands the color yellow radiates with a life of its own.

A New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year
A NYPL Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearA Boston Globe-Horn Book Picture Book Honor Book of the Year
Time Top 10 Children's Book of the Year
A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year
An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year




"Together [Sherman and Morales] 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

* "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

* "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

* "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

* "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

* "An expertly crafted, soulful, and humorous work that tenderly explores identity, culture, and the bond between father and son."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "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. Even with this boy's complaint, this is a joyous portrait of a family."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

★ 02/01/2016
K-Gr 4—An enchanting and humorous picture book about a little boy frustrated with his name. Readers are drawn into the story narrated by Thunder Boy Jr., called Little Thunder, who is named after his father, who is called Big Thunder. He works through his angst at the indignity of the name, presenting his case like a seasoned lawyer as he goes in search of a better, cooler moniker like Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth or Touch the Clouds. The dialogue is humorous yet profound in the simple truths it imparts. His dad eventually gives him the perfect name. Morales uses vibrant colors and textures to bring this joyful American Indian father and son to life. Collage elements and mixed media lend the artwork an almost three-dimensional effect. 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. VERDICT Highly recommended for all picture book collections.—Naomi Caldwell, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL

Author Sherman Alexie’s son, David, energetically portrays the dynamic Thunder Boy Jr., a boy who believes his name makes him sound “like a burp or a fart.” He imagines all kinds of imaginative name alternatives with quirky rationales—“Old Toys Are Awesome,” for example, would depict his penchant for garage sales. Alexie’s playful reading adds emphasis to Yuyi Morales’s animated illustrations (included in a PDF). His rhythms emphasize the poetic writing. Sherman Alexie joins forces with his son at the audio’s end. His deep, sonorous voice reflects the powerful caring of a father who seeks happiness for his son. The two voices harmonize in a perfect climax, mirroring the shared love of two protagonists who together make “amazing weather” that “lights up the sky.” S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

★ 2016-03-16
Thunder Boy Smith Jr. hates his name. The Native American boy is named after his father, whose nickname is Big Thunder. Thunder Boy Jr. says his nickname, Little Thunder, makes him "sound like a burp or a fart." Little Thunder loves his dad, but he longs for a name that celebrates something special about him alone. He muses, "I love playing in the dirt, so maybe my name should be Mud in His Ears.…I love powwow dancing. I'm a grass dancer. So maybe my name should be Drums, Drums, and More Drums!" Little Thunder wonders how he can express these feelings to his towering father. However, he need not worry. Big Thunder knows that the time has come for his son to receive a new name, one as vibrant as his blossoming personality. Morales' animated mixed-media illustrations, reminiscent of her Pura Belpré Award-winning work in Niño Wrestles the World (2013), masterfully use color and perspective to help readers see the world from Little Thunder's point of view. His admiration of his dad is manifest in depictions of Big Thunder as a gentle giant of a man. The otherwise-muted palette bursts with color as Thunder Boy Jr. proudly enumerates the unique qualities and experiences that could inspire his new name. An expertly crafted, soulful, and humorous work that tenderly explores identity, culture, and the bond between father and son. (Picture book. 4-7)