Christopher Changes His Name 2000
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Tamara Lynch
Directed by Cila Sawadogo
VHS, color, 7 min.
K-6
Children's Literature, Education, Animation, Adolescence
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Hope Marie Cook, Curriculum Center Librarian, Eastern Connecticut State UniversityThis video is based on the book titled, Christopher Changes His Name, by Itah Sadu. The story concerns a young boy named Christopher Mulamba and his struggle with accepting his birth name. The young character decides that his name is too “common” and lacks the uniqueness of some of the others he has come across. Besides, how unique could his name be? He is sure that millions of people around the world share the same name. It is not until Christopher runs into a dilemma, after using several aliases, that he realizes his name is special and important.
The video includes a study guide with lesson plan, ideas and some well thought out questions to help educators discuss the variations of names and their origins. The guide also gives ideas on brainstorming, language arts activities and useful ways to integrate the video into the rest of the elementary curriculum. This video might be used in conjunction with various other literature pieces in an effort to teach about differences, or to conduct a unit on multiculturalism. The guide also includes some recommended literature selections that can be used in addition to the video. Educators should be aware that there are minor differences between this video and the book of the same name.
Christopher Changes His Name is upbeat and has many positive attributes that will appeal to a young audience. Its technical quality is good, and would be an exceptional purchase and a wonderful addition to the collection of any school/public library, university curriculum center, or teaching setting.