My Name Is Saajin Singh

Saajin, which means "loving friend,"loves his name he loves it so much that he sees it spelled out in the world around him in his snacks, in the sky and sometimes he even sings it aloud. On his first day of school, Saajin is excited to meet his new classmates, but things take a turn when the teacher mispronounces his name as Say-jin and he is not sure how or if he should correct her.

After trying to live with the different version of his name for a while and some thoughtful conversations with his family about the meaning behind it, Saajin realizes the importance of reclaiming his name and embracing his identity. This empowering story, accompanied by energetic and vibrant art by Samrath Kaur, will resonate with any reader who has. (FromAnnick Press)

My Name Is Saajin Singhwill be championed by Mr. Orlando on CBC Kids Reads.

CBC Kids Reads will air during the CBC Kids weekday morning block on CBC TV and CBC Gem on March 27-30. CBC Kids hosts Tony and Janaye, as well as Gary the Unicorn, Mr. Orlando, Cottonball and Makeup Monster, willshare their six favourite Canadian picture books and celebrate the love of reading.

• Introducing the CBC Kids Reads contenders

Kuljinder Kaur Brar is an elementary teacher, in Abbotsford, B.C., and this is her first book. She has a son named Saajin who inspired the story.

Samrath Kaur is an illustrator and background painter living inBoston, Mass. As a queer, Desi American, he connected strongly with the My Name is Saajin Singh's celebration of individual and cultural identity, and he hopes others can experience that connection too.

More aboutMy Name Is Saajin Singh

WATCH | Kuljinder Kaur Brarreacts to herbook being selected for CBC Kids Reads