-"This story will prompt discussion and empathy for students struggling with language acquisition and cultural change." -School Library Journal-“This book unmistakably expresses the adventure René embarks on, discovering his self-identity while ultimately finding great pride in his name.” -Foreword Magazine
-“Humorous illustrations, marked by oversized heads, mildly Cubist perspectives and rich pastels, combine with a wry narrative tone to fashion a marvelous look not simply at names shared by boys and girls, but also the transformation required of Spanish-speaking children as they remake themselves into English speakers. Rene the boy, a native El Salvadoran, is taken aback and then relieved to learn the name of the new girl in his class: taken aback that it's pronounced the same as his, relieved that it's spelled Renee. His discomfort leads him to research his name and write about it for a school essay contest, which he wins. The text moves swiftly forward in both English and Spanish, and Rene's essay provides a convincing and pertinent way for the author to point out the strong benefits of being bilingual and bi-national. A winner all-around." -Kirkus Review