Scan barcode
abigaillaurawriter's review
3.0
This was a very cute book. I loved all the Ojibwe language throughout the story, especially!
courtandspark's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this. I find some chapter book for kids to be pretty formulaic and dry, but this was legitimately funny with big-hearted characters. Looking forward to reading the next one!
taylor15809's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
miszjeanie's review
4.0
I loved this sweet new chapter book about Native American culture and friendships. I'm sure it will be a hit for young readers!
lisabunag's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sandraagee's review
3.0
I played this audiobook for myself and my two kids during a bout of, "we need to get this house cleaned so help me God" so we would have something to listen to and enjoy while we worked. I fully acknowledge that this means that I was somewhat distracted as I listened. I certainly got the gist of the story, which I liked, and could easily follow the plot from start to finish, but almost just as certainly missed some details.
My only (minor) complaint about this book is that it didn't seem fully fleshed out. This complaint is to be taken with a big fat grain of Himalayan salt though because a) I was distracted as I listened, and I might have found the book more well rounded if I had been paying closer attention, and b) it's an early chapter book and a relatively simple story comes with the territory.
One very interesting part of this book was Jo Jo's well-intentioned teacher, who is trying so hard but as a white guy does not truly get Ojibwe culture. I thought that was a very useful and surprisingly entertaining way to look at the cultural aspect of this book without weighing the story down with seriousness.
My only (minor) complaint about this book is that it didn't seem fully fleshed out. This complaint is to be taken with a big fat grain of Himalayan salt though because a) I was distracted as I listened, and I might have found the book more well rounded if I had been paying closer attention, and b) it's an early chapter book and a relatively simple story comes with the territory.
One very interesting part of this book was Jo Jo's well-intentioned teacher, who is trying so hard but as a white guy does not truly get Ojibwe culture. I thought that was a very useful and surprisingly entertaining way to look at the cultural aspect of this book without weighing the story down with seriousness.
kimiloughlin's review
5.0
This early reader was so freaking adorable!! Jo Jo Makoons is a highly exuberant and self-assured girl who lives on an Ojibwe reservation with her mother and grandmother. She has her at home best friend, her cat Mimi, and her at-school best friend, Fern, but that's it (but she's fine with that). She goes to school and her extremely kind and open heart and though processes lead to some misconstrued lessons and interactions. Jo Jo soon learns that friends are all around her and she has more than she ever thought.
I love, love, love Jo Jo's innocence mixed with assuredness that rings so true for so many kids. From her mis-rhyming of touch to couch (even though they work in her head) to her wrong answer to a math problem because it lead to unfairness and she couldn't comprehend why that would be the right answer. It was so cute how she saw glimmers of friendship from many people in her class before realizing that they all wanted to be her friend by the end and she never even noticed. Quigley also sprinkles tidbits about the Ojibwe way of life throughout the book including words and pronunciations in the Michef language (a combo of Cree, French, and Ojibwe).
Jo Jo Makoons is the newest bubbly character to reach early readers and I am SO excited that this is the first in a series! It will explode smiles and giggles from kids, I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
I love, love, love Jo Jo's innocence mixed with assuredness that rings so true for so many kids. From her mis-rhyming of touch to couch (even though they work in her head) to her wrong answer to a math problem because it lead to unfairness and she couldn't comprehend why that would be the right answer. It was so cute how she saw glimmers of friendship from many people in her class before realizing that they all wanted to be her friend by the end and she never even noticed. Quigley also sprinkles tidbits about the Ojibwe way of life throughout the book including words and pronunciations in the Michef language (a combo of Cree, French, and Ojibwe).
Jo Jo Makoons is the newest bubbly character to reach early readers and I am SO excited that this is the first in a series! It will explode smiles and giggles from kids, I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
mat_tobin's review
5.0
An exuberant and joyful chapter book that introduces readers to a funny and charismatic Ojibwe girl named Jo Jo. Set on the fictional Pembina Ojibwe reservation, this series opener immerses young readers in Jo Jo's world, where she faces relatable challenges with humour and heart.
This first book delves into Jo Jo's worries about her beloved cat, Mimi and her school best friend, Fern, who seems to be ignoring her at lunchtime. Through Jo Jo's struggles with language arts to her attempts to save Mimi, the story showcases our protagonist's irrepressible spirit and passion for the Ojibwe way of life.
Quigley, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, skillfully weaves cultural information throughout the story, an element I particularly loved, fostering a sense of pride in Jo Jo's people, traditions, and family. The inclusion of a glossary of Ojibwe and Michif words further enhances the reading experience, allowing young readers to engage with and learn from Jo Jo's rich heritage.
The narrative is brought to life by Tara Audibert's plentiful grayscale illustrations, depicting Jo Jo and her friends with expressive faces and capturing the essence of their mischievousness. Jo Jo herself is an irresistible character, with her strong voice, long hair, big eyes, and stylish clothes reflecting her lively personality.
At its core, Jo Jo Makoons is a heartwarming and humorous book (complemented by lovely grayscale illustrations from Audibert) about growing up Native in a loving community. A fun series for young readers just taking flight. It leaves us eagerly anticipating what adventures Jo Jo Makoons will embark on next.
This first book delves into Jo Jo's worries about her beloved cat, Mimi and her school best friend, Fern, who seems to be ignoring her at lunchtime. Through Jo Jo's struggles with language arts to her attempts to save Mimi, the story showcases our protagonist's irrepressible spirit and passion for the Ojibwe way of life.
Quigley, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, skillfully weaves cultural information throughout the story, an element I particularly loved, fostering a sense of pride in Jo Jo's people, traditions, and family. The inclusion of a glossary of Ojibwe and Michif words further enhances the reading experience, allowing young readers to engage with and learn from Jo Jo's rich heritage.
The narrative is brought to life by Tara Audibert's plentiful grayscale illustrations, depicting Jo Jo and her friends with expressive faces and capturing the essence of their mischievousness. Jo Jo herself is an irresistible character, with her strong voice, long hair, big eyes, and stylish clothes reflecting her lively personality.
At its core, Jo Jo Makoons is a heartwarming and humorous book (complemented by lovely grayscale illustrations from Audibert) about growing up Native in a loving community. A fun series for young readers just taking flight. It leaves us eagerly anticipating what adventures Jo Jo Makoons will embark on next.
shighley's review
3.0
Some cute concepts, but at times a little inconsistent. Jo Jo didn't always seem like a first grader.