Gigi and Ojiji: What's in a Name?

Written & illustrated by Melissa Iwai

Part of the Gigi and Ojiji series

Gigi seeks a name that truly fits her identity. Will she find it?

3.8/5 Goodreads · 124 ratings

32 pages· 516 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

$16.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Gigi is on a quest to find a name that feels just right. Her baby name doesn't suit her, and her full name, Geraldine, is too cumbersome. Even her middle name, Hanako, doesn't resonate. As she navigates her Japanese American identity, Gigi faces the challenge of discovering a name that reflects who she truly is. Will she succeed in this personal journey? Dive into this heartwarming tale of self-discovery and cultural exploration, where Gigi learns the power of names and identity.

From the publisher

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 exciting new I Can Read series is brought to you by author-illustrator Melissa Iwai, whose popular books include Soup Day and Dumplings for Lili.Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? is a Level Three I Can Read book. Level 3 includes many fun subjects kids love to read about on their own. Themes include friendship, adventure, historical fiction, and science. Level 3 books are written for early independent readers. They include some challenging words and more complex themes and stories. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions.Praise for Gigi and Ojiji: “Gigi crafts her Japanese American identity in this -enchanting early reader. The cuteness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural problem-solving represented will have young -readers coming back again and again. A must-buy.” –School Library Journal (starred review)”The text is well supported by the endearing illustrations, which capture all of Gigi’s big emotions and depict her as a biracial child, with a white father and Japanese mother.” –Booklist (starred review)”An affirming option in the quickly diversifying field of early-reader books.” –KirkusA 2023 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor titleEl día de los niños, el día de los libros selection 2023ALSC Notable 2023CBC Teacher and Librarian Favorites Award 2023A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in the 5-9 beginning reader category (2023)

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