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chrissiemwright's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
thorwantsanotherletter's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this! As always, Dawn Quigley's writing checks all of the boxes for an amazing book! Jojo Makoons is a story about the value in community, friendship, rhymes and protecting the cat we love from the vet! I loved this book for the drawings, and the way brown skin is praised and loved!
'My skin is brown. "Lovely brown, beautiful brown," mama calls us. I like that. Because we are beautiful. Brown like the soil Moushoom used to plant our sweetcorn in. Brown like the leather mama uses to bead barettes on. Brown like the frybread our family feasts. Brown is my favorite color. After polka dots.'
There was also discussion surrounding education vs cultural values.
'"But we all share what we have, that's what Native people do." Teacher didn't say anything after that' I wished it had been discussed more with JoJo, but I understand this is a kids book.
I love how changes in adolescence are explained and the way friendships might change. I also love how children are inspired and motivated to be more and in a wonderful way.
'My skin is brown. "Lovely brown, beautiful brown," mama calls us. I like that. Because we are beautiful. Brown like the soil Moushoom used to plant our sweetcorn in. Brown like the leather mama uses to bead barettes on. Brown like the frybread our family feasts. Brown is my favorite color. After polka dots.'
There was also discussion surrounding education vs cultural values.
'"But we all share what we have, that's what Native people do." Teacher didn't say anything after that' I wished it had been discussed more with JoJo, but I understand this is a kids book.
I love how changes in adolescence are explained and the way friendships might change. I also love how children are inspired and motivated to be more and in a wonderful way.
library_kb's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this early chapter book and highly recommend it! There were great messages about how you don't need to be friends with everybody, but you should try to be friendly, that maybe your perception isn't the same as reality, and that everybody has different gifts (plus some word humor--Amelia Bedelia style). The Ojibwe words were defined and shown how to be pronounced, and I liked the representation of a Native American girl in the current day (rather than just historical fiction). This story of friendship and school should definitely be a staple in libraries and classrooms!
jelyfi's review
4.0
This is a cute, funny book for kids ready to begin reading chapter books. I like that it incorporates some words in the Ojibwe language.
heather114's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lizinthelibrary's review
5.0
Super cute and universal story about a girl and her adventures in school and friendship. But lovely interweaving of Ojibwe culture and language. Highly recommended!
ssione55's review
4.0
Cute! Great for beginning readers, especially those who like Junie B. Jones and Amelia Bedelia.
readingwithcats's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5