The Name She Gave Me by Betty Culley
Published by HarperCollins US on October 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063157837
Pages: 416
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

A coming of age YA novel told through the lens of a teenage girl who was adopted as a baby and who longs for a connection with her birth family despite pushback from her cold, distant adoptive mother.  All that Rynn has from her birth mother is a name given to her by that mother. She is not allowed to access her records until she is 18, but she is able to find an uncle and through him learn that she has a half sister, Ella, who lives close by with her foster mother. Rynn’s quest for knowledge drives a terrible wedge at home and ignites the abusive anger of her adoptive mother (this could be triggering for some readers) forcing Rynn to leave home and stay with her best friend’s family. Her adoptive father is gentle and supportive, but lacks the tools to support Rynn’s journey of self-discovery (at least directly).

The novel, told in verse, moves between Rynn and her newly-discovered sister, and gorgeously details the feelings of loss, the awkwardness of forging new family relationships, and the hope that comes with discovery. Culley had her own personal journey with an adoptive family and the feelings and experiences ring with authenticity. A powerful book, beautifully written, and recommended to any reader who enjoys realistic family stories and novels in verse.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth