Chrysanthemum loves her name, until she starts going to school and the other children make fun of it. She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced...

When her embarrassing middle name is revealed at school, mad scientist Franny K. Stein experiments with time in order to return to the past and give herself a more dignified name.

Before a little girl has a chance to name the cat that arrives unexpectedly at her house, he disappears again only to be replaced by another "pet," Steve the gorilla.

Relates the tale of Rumpelstiltskin's childhood and youth, explaining why his name is so important, how he is able to spin straw into gold, and why a first-born child is his reward for helping the miller's daughter-turned-queen.

"One girl must make a name for herself--or die trying--in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead?"--

When his name is mispronounced, leading to laughter in the classroom, an Indian American boy is reminded by his parents how special he is and how his unique name reflects that.