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A Name from the Sky

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From actress and mom Diane Kruger comes an enchanting story about how learning the meaning of her name changed her life—and how our names can help us find our own special powers.

Do you know where your name comes from? Growing up in Germany, like so many children around the world, Diane Kruger felt like she stood out from the other kids. There was the pet bunny she talked to like a friend, her love of books, and even her name, which was unusual for her country. But then Diane’s mother tells her the origin of her name, and everything changes! Inspired by Diana, goddess of the hunt and magical protector of animals, Diane learns that she, too, will find her own special powers someday. On a trip to England, Diane and her mother visit the theater, and she is spellbound, realizing she’s meant to be an actress. This warm and relatable autobiographical story comes full circle when Diane explains how she chose her own daughter’s name, and invites readers to learn the meaning behind their own name and discover their own special powers. Illustrated in a classic storybook style by fine artist Christa Unzner, this book is sure to instill wonder as it inspires children to follow their dreams and passions.

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2022

3806 people want to read

About the author

Diane Kruger

2 books8 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Annette.
948 reviews589 followers
June 20, 2022
This is Diane Kruger’s autobiography. Diane grew up in a small village in Germany, where other children thought her strange, because of her unusual name, not sounding German. Her mom explained who she was named after – a powerful goddess, who was a fearless huntress, strong-willed, with magical powers. She was encouraged to use her own given powers.

One day, her dream of going to England came true. There, no one thought of her name as strange. She went to a theater, which inspired her to tell stories and make people laugh.

Thus, the moral of the story is to learn the meaning of your name and use your own special powers.

It is an interesting concept, of learning the origins of one’s name, to help one find the meaning in life. However, I wished that the meaning was even more reinforced in this story, how it shaped one’s life. I wanted more of that.

The illustrations are nice, but they don’t stand out in their originality.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,287 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2022
This is a Children's book that I read to my twin boys. This book is all about a little girl that did not feel she fit in, and she did not know why her name was not like any of her friends. I loved seeing this little girl find the meaning behind her name, and she found where she could shine in the world. I loved the message in this book, and this book was written so beautifully. My boys really enjoyed this book too. I also enjoyed the pictures in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Astra Publishing House) or author (Diane Kruger) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,010 reviews152 followers
June 2, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

A Name From the Sky is a beautifully told and illustrated children's picture book about a little girl who was different from her peers and after finding out the true meaning of her name, found confidence, comfort and pride in herself. Many people don't look into the meaning of their name and this book encourages both children and adults alike to research their name meaning, as what may seem different, odd, boring or strange, might be just the thing to bring out who they truly are. This book tells also of the girls travels and marvels at the world around her, how she discovered her passion for acting and how she chose her own unique name for her own child. Such a beautiful book and a perfect one for bedtimes!
Profile Image for Angie.
1,094 reviews15 followers
May 20, 2022
This book tells the story of a girl who grew up in Germany with an uncommon name, Diane. When she asks her mom why she has the name that she does, her mom explains the meaning and reasoning behind the choice of name. When Diane grows up she begins to see all of the ways that her name represents her as a person and decides to choose a very meaningful, yet slightly less common, name for her daughter. The message in this book is that all names have meanings and sometimes having a less common name is a positive thing. It encourages readers to ask questions about their names and why they were chosen. As a grade 3 teacher I could see this book in my classroom library. We often spend time talking about backgrounds and cultures and one of the ways that we do this is to talk about where our names came from. I could see reading this book to my students as an introduction to a unit on learning about the meaning behind our names. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the age 4-10 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Profile Image for Kelly Green's Book Review.
210 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2022
A powerfully emotional story of how a young girl received her name.

Many parents take time and much consideration to pick a name for their child. Family traditions, family names, special time and special places. So much goes into naming a beloved child. This is a story about how two mothers gave their daughters very special names and how those daughters learn the story behind their names and learn to use the special powers that is their birth rite.

A great story to share with any child and start a family discussion as to how their name was chosen. What a special story for all to share.

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Astra Publishing
1,018 reviews13 followers
November 8, 2022
Thank you to the author, Astra Publishing House and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This children's book may seem a bit like a vanity project at first glance, but I loved the way the author told her story. As a young girl, she felt keenly that she didn't fit in, because her first name was unusual and different from all the names around her. Once her mother explained the meaning behind her name, and why it was chosen for her, she found confidence and pride - and blossomed in discovering her gifts and talents. The book ends with how the author chose a meaningful name for her own daughter. The illustrations are gentle and loving, as is the tone of the book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
208 reviews
June 10, 2022
'A Name from the Sky' is a lovely book detailing how the author, whose name is not common where she was born, found the power in it to become who she is meant to be. The art is dreamy and wistful, the prose is accessible and clear.

WHO SHOULD READ IT: This book will particularly resonate with younger children with unique names or those who have special meaning to their families. Additionally, those who need a confidence boost to wear their own skin with pride.

Thank you @Netgalley and @astrapublishinghouse for early access to this ARC in return for an unbiased and voluntary review
Profile Image for Joni Owens.
1,503 reviews11 followers
May 20, 2022
As a child of the 80s, with a name like mine, I get the importance of a names meaning. (I got a lot of where Chachi growing up. Thanks Happy Days)

This was a sweet story about how a parent picks their child’s name. It was a wonderful way to start a conversation with your child. For example my son’s middle name is for his papaw that passed away. We were able to talk about Papaw and the meaning of the name.

The illustrations are calm and lovely.
761 reviews33 followers
November 19, 2022
A Name from the Sky is a very sweet book by Diane Kruger. A Name from the Sky is a story of how the Author and her daughter got their names and what they mean. This book is fun and sweet read. I believe it would be perfect for any type of story time. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
Profile Image for Mortisha Cassavetes.
2,840 reviews64 followers
July 26, 2022
Such a sweet story with beautiful illustrations! The story follows the author's childhood as she learns about her name and it encourages children to find out the meaning of their names. No spoilers! I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. Thanks to #edelweiss for the early review copy.
Profile Image for Annie.
203 reviews68 followers
November 2, 2022
Beautiful illustrations and a sweet mini autobiography of actress Diane Kruger.

I won this from goodreads giveaways.
Profile Image for Margaret.
1,112 reviews
November 2, 2022
Lovely illustrations. It made me curious to learn the meaning of different peoples names. The name Avery means “ ruler of elves”.
Profile Image for Mindy.
540 reviews
January 30, 2023
Cute children's story about how special and unique you are. How unique our own names can be, and the special message it can bring. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Maria.
113 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
Actress Diane Kruger shares the story of how she was named and how it helped her gain confidence in her childhood when she felt like she didn’t fit in. The story begins in Germany where Diane lived with her mother until they moved to England where she found her love for the theater and acting. It concludes with Kruger having her own daughter and teaching her where her name came from.

This fun and colorful read will inspire many children who may need a boost of confidence by seeing themselves in the story. The illustrations fit the story perfectly with lovely images that match the story with their enthusiasm and brightness.
Profile Image for Kitchen Sink Books.
1,621 reviews37 followers
June 22, 2023
Discover the importance of names, how many have meanings and are chosen with a purpose, discover how the power of a name could mean that one day you could be blessed with special powers.

A warm and happy autobiographical story which comes full circle as the author explains not only the choice her mother made but the choice she made for her own daughter. A book filled with wonder, passion and dreams.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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