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alissa417's review
4.0
Much better writing than the average early reader chapter book. My daughter enjoyed learning about Jojo's life on a reservation and loves her relationship with her cat.
laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jo Jo Makoons Azure loves polka dots, her #1 best friend/cat Mimi, and her School Best Friend, Fern. But lately Jo Jo worries that Fern no longer wants to be her best friend, and school can be tough. Is Jo Jo doomed to be a Used-to-Be Best Friend?
The first in a delightful series of early chapter books, Jo Jo Makoons is a delightful protagonist who sees the world differently and lives life to the fullest on her Ojibwe reservation. Jo Jo tries her hardest at everything she does, which leads to some wacky hi-jinks when she doesn't quite understand what is happening around her or takes things too literally. This can range from thinking that her gym teacher's name is actually Jim, to smuggling her cat to school, and more.
Full of adorable illustrations and information about the Ojibwe language and culture, the Jo Jo Makoons series is an exciting and enticing preview of what else is to come from the highly anticipated Heartdrum publishing imprint and a phenomenal addition to the ever-increasing range of diverse cultures that are taking center stage in the lives of young readers.
I am certainly looking forward to see what other well-meaning mischief Jo Jo will find in future books!
Jo Jo Makoons Azure loves polka dots, her #1 best friend/cat Mimi, and her School Best Friend, Fern. But lately Jo Jo worries that Fern no longer wants to be her best friend, and school can be tough. Is Jo Jo doomed to be a Used-to-Be Best Friend?
The first in a delightful series of early chapter books, Jo Jo Makoons is a delightful protagonist who sees the world differently and lives life to the fullest on her Ojibwe reservation. Jo Jo tries her hardest at everything she does, which leads to some wacky hi-jinks when she doesn't quite understand what is happening around her or takes things too literally. This can range from thinking that her gym teacher's name is actually Jim, to smuggling her cat to school, and more.
Full of adorable illustrations and information about the Ojibwe language and culture, the Jo Jo Makoons series is an exciting and enticing preview of what else is to come from the highly anticipated Heartdrum publishing imprint and a phenomenal addition to the ever-increasing range of diverse cultures that are taking center stage in the lives of young readers.
I am certainly looking forward to see what other well-meaning mischief Jo Jo will find in future books!
bickie's review
Told in Jo Jo's first grade voice, this book blends Ojibwe customs and language ("if you can say Tyrannosaurus rex, you can say nindizhinikaaz" - especially with the pronunciation guide included), funny logic (rhyming words often look alike, so "touch" and "couch" must rhyme; why doesn't the teacher think her rhymes are good?), and concerns about making and keeping friends. Jo Jo has a big heart and a clever sense of humor.
litabrarian's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jmitschke's review
4.0
A charming intro to a funny, high-spirited Ojibwe 1st grader who is navigating feelings, friendships and cat-hijinks.
katiegrrrl's review
4.0
Jo Jo is a Kindergartener who lives on a reservation and is learning to negotiate the world from her Ojibwe learnings and starting school.
2022 YMA American Indian Youth Literature Middle Grade honor book
2022 YMA American Indian Youth Literature Middle Grade honor book
marciajhamm's review
funny
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
jaimebz's review
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
roots_and_reads's review
3.0
Love this story of spunky Jo Jo who is proud to be Ojibwe and trying to figure out who her real friends are in the process. Story intertwines a few Ojibwe words into the story and Jo Jo teaches the reader how to pronounce them. The author talks about the Ojibwe tribes and some of the historical elements in the book. Jo Jo is a really endearing character and I can already think of several students who will adore her! This would be a great read-aloud for 1st/2nd grade classrooms or a great independent book for grades 2 and up.