Chichi and Didi Love Their Names

Perfect for back-to-school, this empowering and joyous picture book shows kids the importance of loving your name, having pride in your culture, and standing up for yourself.

“As a proud Nigerian, whose full name is Yvonne Anwuli Adaeze Orji, which means ‘Archer of happiness, daughter of a king, strong oak,’ I love the messaging of this book!”—Yvonne Orji, actress, comedian, and author

Nigerian American sisters Chichi and Didi are ready for the first day of school! But after Chichi is teased for her “different” name, she comes home feeling discouraged.

Daddy and Mama tell the sisters the stories behind their names, helping Chichi return to school with her head held high.

Inspired by the childhood experiences of real-life sisters Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi, Chichi and Didi Love Their Names will teach readers:

• to be curious about the origin and meanings of their own names
• the importance of identity and saying names correctly
• the beauty in celebrating difference and taking pride in uniqueness

“As a proud Nigerian, whose full name is Yvonne Anwuli Adaeze Orji, which means ‘archer of happiness, daughter of a king, strong oak,’ I love the messaging of this book! It promotes acceptance among children as well as pride and love for one’s heritage and culture.”—Yvonne Orji, actress, comedian, and author

“I’m a parent of children with both English and Nigerian names, and this book encourages kids to embrace their culture with both dignity and joy. It’s also a valuable resource for parents from all backgrounds to help their children celebrate their uniqueness and honor the differences in others. This story spreads love, nurtures cultural confidence, and plants seeds of community that will grow with them into adulthood. More than just a book, Chichi and Didi Love Their Names is a meaningful investment in the heart of a child.”—Stephanie Ike Okafor, bestselling author of The Power of Your Dreams

“This book is a beautiful celebration of family-love and self-love. It’s a story that resonates at any age because learning to embrace the parts of ourselves the world hasn’t always clapped for is a lifelong journey. The characters are grounded, the storytelling is full of heart, and every page is a joy. I’m so glad this book exists to help children everywhere feel seen, affirmed, and proud of who they are.”—Stacy Ike, journalist, media entrepreneur, and host of the human2human podcast

“This book is both unique to the Nigerian American experience and familiar to anyone who has had to navigate having a non-English name and growing up in a community that is different than their family’s country of origin. It speaks to the fear and uncomfortableness of being different but also embraces the value of being proud of one’s culture. It is a must-have for every child’s bookshelf!”—Junior Ezeonu, city council deputy mayor pro tem of Grand Prairie, Texas Although most people now know Peace Amadi by her middle name, her first name is Chinyere and she is the real-life Chichi. Peace is a psychology professor, author, and speaker, and her work lies at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture. 

Ndidi Amadi is the real-life Didi and has grown up to become a lawyer, educator, philanthropist and artist. Ndidi’s passion lies in supporting and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Hayley Blackwood is a children's book illustrator and character designer from rural North Carolina. Hayley has a degree in animation and is on a mission to bring more empathy, inclusion, and light to children through her artwork.“I’m so excited for the first day of school today!”
Chichi says.

“Me too!” Didi replies.

“I heard Ms. Jackson brings her pet turtle to class,”
Chichi says. “I hope we get to feed it.”

“Oh cool!” Didi says. “I hope Mr. Lopez has a cheetah.”

“A cheetah?” The sisters burst into giggles.

Knock, knock.

“Hello, my queens,” Mama says. “Are you ready to go?”