I Can Read Level 3 – Sneak Peek Books

Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name?

Gigi wants to be called something other than her baby name of Gigi—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?

Throughout the day, Gigi tries using different names. Gigi’s family encourages her to try using different names and her grandfather, Ojiji, even shows her how to write Hanako in Japanese. Even though the name Hanako doesn’t feel right, Gigi thinks she needs to use the name because “Ojiji likes the name Hanako. And it’s easy for him to say.” However, Ojiji assures Gigi that she needs to choose the name that feels perfect to her.

As part of the I Can Read Level 3 Series, Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? is intended for independent readers who are ready for more complex plots and challenging vocabulary. Each page has three to six sentences and large illustrations. The cute illustrations capture Gigi’s emotions while the back of the book has a Japanese vocabulary wordlist.

Readers will enjoy watching Gigi interact with her family as she tries out different names. Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? features Gigi, a biracial six-year-old girl, and her parents. Through Gigi’s adventure, Gigi’s family uses positive communication to solve problems using everyday events that readers will relate to. The cute story and relatable conflict will have children reading it again and again. Readers who enjoy Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? can go on more adventures by reading the Katie Woo Series by Fran Manushkin.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought

Ohayo! It’s breakfast time and Gigi can’t wait to make her favorite meal—Peanut Butter Toast. Yummy! But her grandfather, Ojiji, doesn’t like peanut butter. How can anyone NOT like peanut butter? Ojiji prefers Japanese foods—like natto, made from fermented soybeans. Will Gigi learn to love a new breakfast treat? This story highlights the close relationship of Gigi and her grandfather and the importance of trying new things!

Young readers will relate to Gigi, who tries natto even though she thought it “smelled funny. It was sticky and slimy.” Because Ojiji loves natto, Gigi doesn’t want to tell him that she doesn’t like natto so she hides her natto in her napkin, but her dog Roscoe knocks the napkin off Gigi’s lap. Instead of being upset, Ojiji says, “You don’t have to like everything, even if other people love it. The important thing is you tried it.” The cute ending shows that even though Gigi and Ojiji don’t like the same foods, Roscoe does.

As part of the I Can Read Level 3 Series, Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought is intended for independent readers who are ready for more complex plots and challenging vocabulary. Each page has three to six sentences and large illustrations. The cute illustrations capture Gigi’s emotions while the back of the book has a Japanese vocabulary wordlist.

Gigi is a biracial six-year-old girl from a biracial family who is portrayed in a positive light. Although Gigi and Ojiji love each other, they sometimes have misunderstandings. However, they use positive communication skills to solve their problems. Gigi’s conflict lets readers see that you can love someone even if you don’t enjoy the same things. Gigi’s relatable conflict and the adorable illustrations will have children reading Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought again and again.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Gigi and Ojiji

Gigi can’t wait for her Ojiji—Japanese grandpa—to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks.

But Gigi plans don’t work out quite the way she’d hoped. And her grandpa doesn’t seem to even like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji?

Readers will relate to Gigi, who struggles to connect with her grandfather because of their cultural differences. Gigi is a biracial six-year-old girl who learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather. Several times, Gigi cries because she doesn’t think Ojiji likes her. However, Gigi’s mother calmly explains how Ojiji’s culture is different. For example, when Gigi gives her grandfather a gift, he doesn’t open it and Gigi thinks he doesn’t like the present. However, her mother says, “Most people his age think it’s rude to open a present in front of the person who gave it to them.” Gigi’s mother doesn’t scold Gigi for her tears, instead, she helps Gigi understand Ojiji’s behavior. Gigi’s mother’s patient explanations help Gigi see that although Ojiji can’t play tag or read with her, they can still have fun together.

As part of the I Can Read Level 3 Series, Gigi and Ojiji is intended for independent readers who are ready for more complex plots and challenging vocabulary. Each page has three to six sentences and large illustrations. The illustrations capture Gigi’s emotions and have cute details, such as showing Gigi’s artwork hanging on Ojiji’s wall. The back of the book also includes a Japanese vocabulary wordlist.

Gigi and Ojiji is an adorable story that shows readers how cultural differences do not have to keep people apart. Gigi’s family is portrayed positively, and they demonstrate the importance of communication. Adults who want to help readers learn social-emotional skills should read Gigi and Ojiji with them. Young readers will easily connect with Gigi and gladly read about her adventures.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Vivi Loves Science: Sink or Float

Vivi loves science—and experimenting! In this I Can Read Level 3 title, Vivi and her classmates visit an aquarium and learn about the creatures living in the big display tank. Why do some fish swim while others bury themselves in the sand? Vivi will have to experiment to find out!

Sink or Float explores swimming, sinking, floating, and density. During the school field trip, readers will learn fun facts about the fish Vivi sees at the aquarium. When Vivi wonders why fish float, Dr. Fisher explains why some things float and others do not. The concepts of sinking and floating are explained in easy-to-read text. In addition, Dr. Fisher draws a diagram and Vivi and her class complete an experiment that explains the concepts further. Bright illustrations accompany the text, giving readers another way to understand the concepts. After reading Sink or Float, readers will be eager to try the experiment included in the book.

As part of the I Can Read Level 3 Series, Sink or Float has challenging vocabulary and a complex plot that will engage independent readers. Each page has brightly colored illustrations that showcase a diverse group of children and includes two to four sentences of text. Sink or Float will appeal to readers who love science as well as those who love fish. The conclusion includes of list of Vivi’s questions about fish. For example, Vivi wonders: “Do fish get sunburned? Is a seahorse a fish?” Dr. Fisher answers all of Vivi’s questions.

Introduce your child to science by having them read Sink or Float. Vivi’s love of all things related to fish is apparent. Plus, Dr. Fisher, a marine biologist, plays a prominent role in the story, which shows readers that girls can love science. With an engaging plot, fun illustrations, and a scientific lesson, Sink or Float is the perfect book to add to your child’s reading list. To introduce more scientific topics to your young reader, add these books to your reading list too: Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros, Jada Jones Sleepover Scientist by Kelly Starling Lyons, and Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Cece Loves Science: Push and Pull

Ms. Curie wants her class to conduct an experiment. The class is going to learn about forces that move objects in different ways. Cece is extra excited because her dog, Einstein, is going to be part of the experiment. Cece is partnered with three of her classmates, including her friend Isaac.

Ms. Curie gives each group supplies that include a toy dump truck, a marble, dominoes and doggie treats. The group works together until they find the best way to use all of their supplies. Einstein helps too! After trying different things, the kids build a contraption that gives Einstein a doggie treat.

Push and Pull introduces the concept of force and motion in a child-friendly way that is easy to understand. The story uses several examples and also gives examples of how readers can have fun with push and pull. The end of the book has a four-word glossary. Push and Pull is intended for independent readers who are ready for complex plots and challenging vocabulary. Each page has 2 to 6 short sentences which makes it accessible to young readers.

Push and Pull introduces science in an engaging way. Cece and her group work together and everyone contributes. Readers will love Einstein, who also shows how push and pull work. Each page has large, brightly colored illustrations that show the science experiment in action. By the end of the book, readers will be ready to try an experiment of their own.

With lots of examples and positive classroom behavior Push and Pull would make an excellent pick for any beginning reader. The Cece Loves Science Series will encourage readers to be curious about their world. Those looking for more science related fun should add the Jada Jones Series by Kelly Starling Lyons to their reading list.

Sexual Content