Merci is French for thank you. But Merci is also a name of a little girl. Her teacher has asked all the students to find the meaning and source of their names to share their stories with the class. Merci discovers that she is part of an ongoing link of gratitude between France and the United States for all the Americans did in Europe during the two World Wars. Merci’s great-grandfathers fought in both wars, and they helped the French recover from the devastation caused by these wars, a unifying trade that involved what became known as the Merci Boxcars. So, what’s in a name? Plenty. And Merci has a wonderful story about her name to share with you and with her class in the book The Mystery Hidden in a Name by Kathleen Gorman.

Kathleen Gorman’s picture book story, The Mystery Hidden in a Name, is an exciting way to introduce young readers to a piece of their history, in this case, the First and Second World Wars. The author uses the concept of a person’s name to lead the reader through an interesting story of the name’s origin, in this case, the name Merci. She weaves a fascinating story of devastation and recovery about the Merci Boxcars that connected the United States and France in an everlasting bond of gratitude and respect. It’s an important part of American history, but it also makes for a dramatic tale. The language is simple, and the question/answer approach between father and daughter makes younger readers more comfortable with complex issues. The illustrations are bright and colorful and certainly help carry the story along. This is an interesting part of history that needs to be told repeatedly – even I learned something new. Fascinating!

The Mystery Hidden in a Name, written by Kathleen Gorman and illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire, is a children's picture book that revolves around a young girl named Merci. The book begins right in Merci's classroom, where her teacher, Mrs. Fields, has given the class an assignment in which they are to find out as much as they can about their own names. One of her classmates is familiar with the origin story behind his name and his great-uncle, who did not survive the attack on Pearl Harbor. Merci is not aware of any familial link to her name and goes home to ask her parents. Over dinner, Merci's father is able to convey the significance of Merci's name and the honor that such a name embodies.

What a fantastic little book The Mystery Hidden in a Name is! Kathleen Gorman has done an exceptional job weaving a tale that was just as intriguing for me as it was for the young reader who followed along as we tucked her into bed. The balance of crafting an entertaining story with factual historical detail and community pride, particularly its emphasis on the often-overlooked city of Fresno, California, is perfectly executed. Bonnie Lemaire breathes life into the story through whimsical, full-color illustration spreads that allow the reader to peek into Merci's world. I'm not sure I've ever read a children's book and walked away craving the same dinner, but my goodness did that spaghetti and meatballs call to me! I found myself learning about Merci's name right along with her, giving us all a lovely nugget of history wrapped up in a gorgeous book. Very, very highly recommended.