Gigi and Ojiji: What's in a Name?
Japanese American Gigi reflects on her own name after explaining to her grandfather, Ojiji, how she chose Roscoe as their dog’s name. As a little girl, Gigi couldn’t pronounce Geraldine, but now wonders if she’s ready to give up the juvenile nickname. Her grandfather likes her middle name, Hanako, which is easier for him to pronounce, and Gigi is delighted to learn how to write it in Japanese characters. Realistic dialog and warm illustrations center this thoughtful, age-appropriate text about name and identity that sees Gigi coming full circle regarding her own thoughts about what she wants to be called in a story that includes a limited glossary of Japanese words. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4–8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Easy Reader
Subjects:
Agency
Grandfathers
Identity
Japanese and Japanese Americans
Japanese Language
Older Adults
Diversity subject:
Asian
Publishers:
Harper, HarperCollins
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780063208094
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Iwai