First published 2016
Thunder Boy Jr. carries the same name as his dad, Big Thunder, but he dreams of something different. The boy imagines names that would belong only to him, names that capture his own adventures and achievements. He pictures himself as Touch the Clouds, soaring high above the earth. He sees himself as Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, brave in the face of danger. He dreams of being called Full of Wonder, a name that reflects his curious spirit. Each possibility feels more exciting than being little Thunder, forever in his father's shadow. The boy worries he will never have an identity separate from his dad. Then his father surprises him with a new name that honors both their connection and his independence. Lightning captures the boy's own bright energy while keeping him linked to his father's thunder. The gift shows how their bond can be both powerful and individual, creating light that fills the whole sky together.
Genres: family-life, contemporary, native-american
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
41 pages · Kindle Edition · Little, Brown Books for Young Readers