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

Feeling like she's grown out of her nickname, Gigi tries other names. One morning at breakfast, Gigi, a biracial child whose mother is Japanese and whose father presents White, asks why her family calls her Gigi when her name is Geraldine. When her mom explains that Geraldine was hard for her to say when she was little, Gigi decides that since she isn't a baby anymore, she'd like to go by her real name. But her real name is so long to write and hard for Ojiji, her Japanese grandfather, to say. She quickly agrees when he suggests using her much shorter middle name, Hanako. Soon, she realizes Hanako doesn't feel like her, and she doesn't know what to do. With the help of Ojiji and her mother, however, Gigi finds the perfect name. This latest in the series following Gigi and her grandfather is a probing look at how names can be a big part of identity and are often rooted in cultural meaning. The colorful cartoon art adds emotion and context that could help readers decipher words. The intergenerational relationship is lovingly portrayed as Gigi and Ojiji draw together; he even teaches her how to write Hanako in Japanese characters. A glossary contains a few Japanese words used in the story but no pronunciation guide. A quick yet meaningful exploration of the relationship between names and identity. (Early reader. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gigi wonders why no one calls her by her full name. When her mother explains that Gigi once struggled to pronounce Geraldine, her full name, Gigi deems her current moniker to be "a baby name" and tries on new ones. The child soon gets tired of printing out all the letters in Geraldine when she signs her artwork, and her real name is also hard for Ojiji, her Japanese grandfather, to pronounce. After Ojiji teaches her how to write her middle name in Japanese, she wants to be known as Hanako. Eventually, having a sense of agency, the child realizes, "I don't feel like it's me." With the support of her family, she finds her authentic identity: "She would be Gigi from now on!" This entry in the I Can Read series for newly independent readers is a follow-up to Gigi and Ojiji (2022) and includes a glossary of four Japanese words. Iwai's expressive cartoons complement the text and capture warm family dynamics. A relatable look at names and why they matter.