Book Description
for Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
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. (Ages 4–8)
CCBC Choices 2024. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2024. Used with permission.