"Always Anajli is a must-read for everyone, and will ring especially true for anyone who has ever felt too 'different' to fit in. Kudos to Jessica Blank's whimsically strong artwork for capturing Anjali's world so perfectly. I adored the book and would give it a place of honor on any child's bookshelf."
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-Elise Allen, New York Times Bestselling Author
"By four, I demanded my Mother allow me to legally change my name to Bob. She agreed to my wish but offered, 'Then my name will be Indu, Dad's name will be Suresh, and your name will be Bob. And you will be Bob forever and join millions of other Bobs. Or, you can be strong and when you grow up, you will be the only Utkarsh."
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-Utkarsh Ambudkar, Actor/Musician
"I’ve been called everything from Aprana to Apram to Anan, and it’s generally from well- intentioned but panicking people. My best advice if you come across an unfamiliar name - ask first, or take your best shot and be humble in your attempt. You’re definitely not the first and you will never be the last. Or will you? We can dare to dream."

- Aparna Nancherla, Comedian/Actress 
"As a kid straddling two cultures, having my name said right was important. I wanted to be the same person wherever I was. I remember the first day of Junior High School when I decided Harry was no longer acceptable. Those conversations forced me to stand up for myself and gave my confidence. I am who I say I am."
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-Hari Kondabolu, Comedian/Writer
"'Hi, Blye. Bye, Blye. Pie-in-the-sky, Blye.' These and far worse taunts made me wish for a more mundane name. But with time, I reveled that there was only one Blye in the world. It's fabulously empowering and it frequently saves you from wasting time with a last name during calls and introductions!"
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-Blye Faust, Academy Award Winning Producer
"Children with 'common' and 'extraordinary' names will cheer for Anjali on this delightful quest to champion her name."
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-Mitali Perkins, Award Winning Author
"On the playground, I was called "Nazanin Vaseline' and 'Naz the Spaz.' I'd sometimes introduce myself as Nancy to fit in. Today, I help people pronounce my name and proudly embrace it as part of my identity."

-Nazanin Boniadi, Actress/Activist
"I wanted to change my name to 'Cinderella.' When people laughed trying to say my name, it was like a cut to the soul. When my first grade teacher took the time to properly pronounce my name, I finally gained what everyone else had. I was seen, and most importantly, celebrated."
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-Hitha Prabhakar Herzog, Broadcast Journnalist/Author
"A charming tale of friendship and acceptance with an important message for our time - 'To be different is to be marvelous.'"
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-Nancy Krulik, New York Time Bestselling Author
"In fifth grade I had a reading teacher who couldn't say my name, so she called me 'A' - when I met her years later, she had figured out how to say my name. It never occurred to me to just down and explain it to her!"

-Ayad Akhtar, Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright/Novelist
"There is no greater sound in the world than having your name spoken correctly by a group of young kids. Usually, after pronouncing my name for them, I inform them of a simple truth: ‘You are now a little smarter than your parents, because you can say my name correctly.’ And then they all nod enthusiastically in agreement."

​- LeUyen Pham, New York Times Bestselling Illustrator
"I spent my childhood running away from my name. For six months at a new school, I went by Trixie. When I understood the true meaning of my name, 'complete,' I finally embraced it. I've been running towards my name ever since."

​- Poorna Jagannathan, Actress/Activist
"Nine out of ten times, my name is mispronounced. Growing up, the boys loved running after me screaming ‘There’s Shal-een-eee with the big wee-nee.’ This went on for years, to the point where I wanted to change my name just to avoid it. But I love my name. It reminds me to always be authentic."

- Shalini Vadhera, Global Beauty Expert/Founder of PASSPORT TO BEAUTY
“The name Anjali means a ‘precious gift.’ So is this book. No doubt, it is destined to become a new bedtime favorite in my house.”

​- Julie Buxbaum, New York Times Bestselling Author
"I love my name. I think it's dope. If you had sideways joked about my name or culture, I would check you. It didn't stop me from doing a thing. My parents are gems for giving it to me." 

- Tanuj Chopra, Filmmaker
"At nine, I had my school friends call me Grace and I tried (but failed) to convince my family.' Agam is a name that you will be proud of when you're older,' my mom said. My name is no longer a thing of shame, but rather a mark that I get to place in people's minds and heart."
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-Agam Darshi, Actress, Writer/Director