Gigi and Ojiji: What's in a Name?
written and illustrated by
Melissa Iwai
Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
HarperCollins
Imprint
Harper
ISBN
9780063208094
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Gigi decides she doesn’t want to be called Gigi anymore in this Level Three I Can Read adventure.
Gigi wants to go by something besides her baby name—but her full name, Geraldine, is too long to write, and Hanako, her middle name, doesn’t feel quite right. Will Gigi find the perfect name?
This Level Three I Can Read book is geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions.
Glossary. Full-color illustrations.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Details
Format
Page Count
32
Trim Size
9" x 6"
Dewey
E
AR
2.1: points 0.5
Genre
Fic
Scholastic Reading Counts
0
JLG Release
Apr 2023
Book Genres
Easy Reader
Topics
Girls. Grandparent and child. Japanese Americans. Racially mixed people. Names.
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Cover Art
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Praise & Reviews
Praise & Reviews
School Library Journal
School Library Journal
Library Journal
Gr 1-3-This follow-up to the star-spangled Gigi and Ojiji is similarly nuanced and engaging for newly independent readers. Gigi, a Japanese American girl, lives with her parents and Ojiji, her Japanese grandpa. Gigi learns that her full given name is Geraldine, and that her Japanese name is Hanako. After experimenting with writing and being called these more formal names, Gigi doesn't recognize the names when they are used to get her attention. Gigi is in a real conundrum, because Hanako is the most easily pronounceable name for Ojiji, and her relationship with her grandfather is important to her. It takes Ojiji's observation that "Gigi" fits her best for this relatable problem to be solved. Gigi's problem will resonate with young readers of different ethnicities who have multiple names and will inform readers who have not faced this to understand this cultural difference. The dialogue and inner narration mean readers need to note when conversations are being held aloud and when Gigi is thinking to herself. The adorable images will help readers understand the three to seven lines per page. The image of Ojiji teaching Gigi how to write "Hanako" in Japanese script will be captivating for young readers. A short glossary in the back provides a handy review and invites readers to enjoy the book again. The diversity of the people in public places is a small, but important, aspect of representation. VERDICT This important book will diversify collections for newly independent readers. A must buy.-Jamie Winchell?(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Grades 1-3
Easy Reading
For Grades 1-3
The 12 engaging books in this category--one per month--provide the perfect foundation for building comprehension in beginning readers--with short stories, poetry selections, and picture books that are a bit more challenging.
12 books per Year
$220.68 per Year
Interests
Beginning Readers,Chapter Books,Fiction,Picture Books
Grades 1-3
Easy Reading
12 books per Year
$220.68 per Year
