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Jo Jo Makoons #1
Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend
Hello/Boozhoo—meet Jo Jo Makoons, a spunky young Ojibwe girl who loves who she is.
Jo Jo Makoons Azure is a spirited seven-year-old who moves through the world a little differently than anyone else on her Ojibwe reservation. It always seems like her mom, her kokum (grandma), and her teacher have a lot to learn—about how good Jo Jo is at cleaning up, what makes a good rhyme, and what it means to be friendly.
Even though Jo Jo loves her #1 best friend Mimi (who is a cat), she’s worried that she needs to figure out how to make more friends. Because Fern, her best friend at school, may not want to be friends anymore…
Jo Jo Makoons Azure is a spirited seven-year-old who moves through the world a little differently than anyone else on her Ojibwe reservation. It always seems like her mom, her kokum (grandma), and her teacher have a lot to learn—about how good Jo Jo is at cleaning up, what makes a good rhyme, and what it means to be friendly.
Even though Jo Jo loves her #1 best friend Mimi (who is a cat), she’s worried that she needs to figure out how to make more friends. Because Fern, her best friend at school, may not want to be friends anymore…
80 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2021
25 people are currently reading
2222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
March 12, 2021
I purchase the adult materials for my library system. Just this year, I ran across an interesting book called We Had a Little Real Estate Problem: The Unheralded Story of Native Americans & Comedy by Kliph Nesteroff. And looking at it, it got me to thinking about children’s books. The world of children’s literature right now is attempting to counteract decades and decades' worth of all-white children’s literary publishing. To that end we’re seeing a small uptick in the number of titles representing BIPOC voices. This is a good thing, but I do get a little worried when the bulk of the books I see are deadly serious and meaningful. True parity only comes when you get more goofball lit. More humor. More laughs. And sadly, the one thing you can say about Indigenous children’s literature is that very little of it could be counted as funny. That’s where the Jo Jo Makoons series comes in. The first early chapter book to come out of the new Native focused imprint of Harper Collins, Heartdrum, this is a hoot. Funny and smart, with a sly sense of humor that’s entirely its own, prepare for a series that you’ll want to see much more of in the future.
Things aren’t good. Jo Jo, a seven-year-old Ojibwe kid living with her Mom and Kokum, has always been best friends with Fern. And Fern seems the same as always, except when it comes to lunch. It used to be she’d always sit with Jo Jo. Now she’s sitting with other kids. What is going on? Between this mystery, an accident (in every sense of the word) involving her cat at school, and a serious case of artistic jealousy, Jo Jo’s keeping everyone around her on their toes (including herself!).
Look, I can probably tell you right off the bat why I like Jo Jo more than a large chunk of other early chapter book heroines out there. While I do consider the early chapter book to be the most difficult kind of book to find for emerging readers, that isn’t to say that gobs of them come out every year. Spunky, plucky girls are the name of the game, and they make up the bulk of the offerings. Now in a typical book of this sort, the girl is a good-hearted gem. She tries to do the right thing, is annoyed by some kind of sibling, makes mistakes but acknowledges them, and is generally a stand up and cheer kinda gal. I do not find these heroines interesting. You may catch more flies with honey than vinegar, but I like my protagonists vinegary. Undoubtedly that’s why I like Jo Jo as much as I do. This kid has some issues to work out! Sure you identify with her. Heck, I probably identified WAY to much with her tendency to think “If my friend is acting differently I won’t say anything and maybe everything will just go back to normal.” That was practically my M.O. back in the day. But she also makes some serious lapses in judgment. I’m talking name calling and bad decisions and more. Now THAT is a character I can sell to a kid.
I was also impressed by the degree to which Ms. Quigley was able to display Jo Jo’s teacher’s shortcomings without coming right out and saying anything. Jo Jo attends the classroom of a guy that she only ever really calls Teacher. This is a well-meaning white guy that has a tendency to miss a LOT of what’s actually going on in his classroom. I love the little moments the author works in with this guy. For example, at one point the teacher tells Jo Jo to stop drawing art because it’s language arts time. And when she points out that she loves Ojibwe language and Ojibwe art he gets teary eyed. There's a lot going on in this slim little book.
I would be amiss in not tipping my hat fully to illustrator Tara Audibert as well. A cartoonist and animator with her own studio, Ms. Audibert is of Wolastoqey/French heritage and brings to the book the energy it so rightly requires. Now the other day I was reading a picture book and an acquaintance pointed out to me that the Mexican-American father in the book had been drawn with exactly the right haircut. That was kind of an eye-opening thing to hear. In a flash I realized that as a reviewer I am sometimes inadequate to properly judge such details as hair, dress, etc. in children’s book art. So when I look at the pictures in this book I can’t for certain say that Chuck’s hair or grandma’s scarf are right or wrong. What I can say is that I really enjoyed what Ms. Audibert was laying down here. I loved looking at the quality of her lines. There’s an image of the class lined up in the hall where you can really appreciate the ways in which she’s managed to pack in all those kids with all those faces, never covering someone up or making a face appear twice. And then there are the expressions. The page where Jo Jo is tucking her lips under her gums at her teacher actually makes me laugh out loud when I see it. World’s worst innocent expression.
So, yup. Funny. Written by a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. Great art. A character you’d actually want to follow from book to book. Look, you’re not seeing an overwhelmingly large number of truly spectacular early chapter books coming out every year. You should be, but you’re not. Give thanks, then, for the mere existence of this series. Cause the way I see it, when you’ve got a book that’s this much of a slam-dunk, you grab it up real quick.
For ages 6-9
Things aren’t good. Jo Jo, a seven-year-old Ojibwe kid living with her Mom and Kokum, has always been best friends with Fern. And Fern seems the same as always, except when it comes to lunch. It used to be she’d always sit with Jo Jo. Now she’s sitting with other kids. What is going on? Between this mystery, an accident (in every sense of the word) involving her cat at school, and a serious case of artistic jealousy, Jo Jo’s keeping everyone around her on their toes (including herself!).
Look, I can probably tell you right off the bat why I like Jo Jo more than a large chunk of other early chapter book heroines out there. While I do consider the early chapter book to be the most difficult kind of book to find for emerging readers, that isn’t to say that gobs of them come out every year. Spunky, plucky girls are the name of the game, and they make up the bulk of the offerings. Now in a typical book of this sort, the girl is a good-hearted gem. She tries to do the right thing, is annoyed by some kind of sibling, makes mistakes but acknowledges them, and is generally a stand up and cheer kinda gal. I do not find these heroines interesting. You may catch more flies with honey than vinegar, but I like my protagonists vinegary. Undoubtedly that’s why I like Jo Jo as much as I do. This kid has some issues to work out! Sure you identify with her. Heck, I probably identified WAY to much with her tendency to think “If my friend is acting differently I won’t say anything and maybe everything will just go back to normal.” That was practically my M.O. back in the day. But she also makes some serious lapses in judgment. I’m talking name calling and bad decisions and more. Now THAT is a character I can sell to a kid.
I was also impressed by the degree to which Ms. Quigley was able to display Jo Jo’s teacher’s shortcomings without coming right out and saying anything. Jo Jo attends the classroom of a guy that she only ever really calls Teacher. This is a well-meaning white guy that has a tendency to miss a LOT of what’s actually going on in his classroom. I love the little moments the author works in with this guy. For example, at one point the teacher tells Jo Jo to stop drawing art because it’s language arts time. And when she points out that she loves Ojibwe language and Ojibwe art he gets teary eyed. There's a lot going on in this slim little book.
I would be amiss in not tipping my hat fully to illustrator Tara Audibert as well. A cartoonist and animator with her own studio, Ms. Audibert is of Wolastoqey/French heritage and brings to the book the energy it so rightly requires. Now the other day I was reading a picture book and an acquaintance pointed out to me that the Mexican-American father in the book had been drawn with exactly the right haircut. That was kind of an eye-opening thing to hear. In a flash I realized that as a reviewer I am sometimes inadequate to properly judge such details as hair, dress, etc. in children’s book art. So when I look at the pictures in this book I can’t for certain say that Chuck’s hair or grandma’s scarf are right or wrong. What I can say is that I really enjoyed what Ms. Audibert was laying down here. I loved looking at the quality of her lines. There’s an image of the class lined up in the hall where you can really appreciate the ways in which she’s managed to pack in all those kids with all those faces, never covering someone up or making a face appear twice. And then there are the expressions. The page where Jo Jo is tucking her lips under her gums at her teacher actually makes me laugh out loud when I see it. World’s worst innocent expression.
So, yup. Funny. Written by a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. Great art. A character you’d actually want to follow from book to book. Look, you’re not seeing an overwhelmingly large number of truly spectacular early chapter books coming out every year. You should be, but you’re not. Give thanks, then, for the mere existence of this series. Cause the way I see it, when you’ve got a book that’s this much of a slam-dunk, you grab it up real quick.
For ages 6-9
May 2, 2021
Welcome to the chapter book crowd, Jo Jo. Actually I should be greeting you with the Ojibwe greeting: Boozhoo! Jo Jo is in the first grade and her perception of the world around her is sharp as a tack. She just gets a little confused some times. Like thinking that touch and couch rhyme. Or asking the teacher when they are going to visit Jim (actually gym class). The adorable illustrations pop on nearly every page and remind me of the Powderpuff Girls. Kids are going to love Jo Jo. Can't wait to see her next adventure.
Thank you to Heartdrum and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Heartdrum and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
I loved this sweet new chapter book about Native American culture and friendships. I'm sure it will be a hit for young readers!
June 29, 2021
I'll trade you a Junie B for a JoJo Makoons!
December 2, 2021
Jo Jo Makoons Azure is a spirited 7 year old on her Ojibwe reservation. This book is educational, funny, and sweet all at the same time. And it has cute pictures.
Read
October 13, 2021Welcome to the chapter book crowd, Jo Jo. Actually I should be greeting you with the Ojibwe greeting: Boozhoo! Jo Jo is in the first grade and her perception of the world around her is sharp as a tack. She just gets a little confused some times. Like thinking that touch and couch rhyme. Or asking the teacher when they are going to visit Jim (actually gym class). The adorable illustrations pop on nearly every page and remind me of the Powderpuff Girls. Kids are going to love Jo Jo. Can't wait to see her next adventure. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
June 11, 2021
Great book for young readers.
*Reread with my kids. They really loved Jo Jo's story.
*Reread with my kids. They really loved Jo Jo's story.
Read
February 11, 2021This book is SO CUTE AND FUNNY!!! I will never get over the Mimi rhyme. :) This series starter features a first grade Ojibwe girl living on a reservation. I'd hand it to fans of Lola Levine or Junie B. Love it, love it, love it, can't wait for more!
July 29, 2021
Say Boozhoo to a spirited 7-year-old who moves through the world a little differently than anyone else on her Ojibwe reservation.
November 6, 2022
Delightful! I read this in public and kept chuckling out loud. Jojo is a fun, lively 7-year old Ojibwe girl. I’m excited to read the 2nd in the series. I will definitely recommend this adorable chapter book to my younger students who are fans of Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby and to classroom teachers looking for a fun quick read aloud.
July 8, 2021
Loved this beginning chapter book and can’t wait to share it with students and teachers.
December 30, 2021
Such a cute chapter book and I'm so glad to see Indigenous representation (specifically Ojibwe) for this age of readers.
December 8, 2025
What a fun read, I need to treat myself to beginner chapter books more often especially ones from diverse authors with a hilarious protagonist.
Read
May 29, 2021Great read aloud with my children! They are still laughing about Jo Jo’s rhyming.
July 16, 2021
This is one of those books where I wanted to like it more than I actually did :(
Other reviews compare it to Junie B. Jones and I can definitely see that. JoJo misunderstands in hilarious ways like Junie (like going to see Jim instead of going to the gym), but JoJo is way less of a brat.
I think the real reason I didn't like it as much as I thought I would is that there are some inconsistencies. Like how the teacher says their grade (first grade) is in charge of doing the artwork for the yearbook but then a 4th grader wins the contest...
(This one is a little bit the illustrators fault) The first time we see the tipi, it's about the size of a glue bottle but yet the cat is able to climb around inside it.
Umm... I don't know about you but I have never had to LICK a sticker. They are already, you know, sticky.
So yea, those things really took me out of the story.
Also, the Ojibwe words were cool to have in the story but I wish they were integrated more organically instead of a big info dump at the beginning of the book.
I'm reading a book about culturally responsive teaching so it was interesting when JoJo talks about the math problem in relationship to her community (5 people want to share a bunch of 4 bananas, how many people won't get a banana? JoJo says everyone will get some banana because they will all share. The teacher is looking for the answer of 1).
And I don't know, the story just didn't really seem to flow great chapter to chapter. There seemed to be a few subplots that didn't quite mesh nicely (the cat going to the vet, JoJo worried about her best friend).
So yea, I still recommend this book but I didn't love it like I thought I would.
Other reviews compare it to Junie B. Jones and I can definitely see that. JoJo misunderstands in hilarious ways like Junie (like going to see Jim instead of going to the gym), but JoJo is way less of a brat.
I think the real reason I didn't like it as much as I thought I would is that there are some inconsistencies. Like how the teacher says their grade (first grade) is in charge of doing the artwork for the yearbook but then a 4th grader wins the contest...
(This one is a little bit the illustrators fault) The first time we see the tipi, it's about the size of a glue bottle but yet the cat is able to climb around inside it.
Umm... I don't know about you but I have never had to LICK a sticker. They are already, you know, sticky.
So yea, those things really took me out of the story.
Also, the Ojibwe words were cool to have in the story but I wish they were integrated more organically instead of a big info dump at the beginning of the book.
I'm reading a book about culturally responsive teaching so it was interesting when JoJo talks about the math problem in relationship to her community (5 people want to share a bunch of 4 bananas, how many people won't get a banana? JoJo says everyone will get some banana because they will all share. The teacher is looking for the answer of 1).
And I don't know, the story just didn't really seem to flow great chapter to chapter. There seemed to be a few subplots that didn't quite mesh nicely (the cat going to the vet, JoJo worried about her best friend).
So yea, I still recommend this book but I didn't love it like I thought I would.
December 29, 2022
Thank you to Kim --- Native Lady Book Warrior for the Skoden Readathon and to Cozy Reader Kelly for all the Indigenous shout outs on your channel.
I had the audiobook for this, and then kept searching until I found the E-book (Kelly had the physical.).
I enjoyed the story. It starts by explaining JoJo's native language, and gave a word or two that I repeated out loud. In addition, JoJo speaks English. The story is comprised of a 7-8 year olds angst. There were a couple funny moments that I laughed out loud, there were several cute moments as she is learning and growing. Knowing what a friend is and how to be one are the primary focuses.
Her language and a scene with a teepee are all I noticed marking this as an indigenous author read.
I did find the E-book and the illustrations are minimal, and are black and white only.
I thought the audiobook stood at five stars on its own. While the narrator performed I looked at the adorable cover.
I had the audiobook for this, and then kept searching until I found the E-book (Kelly had the physical.).
I enjoyed the story. It starts by explaining JoJo's native language, and gave a word or two that I repeated out loud. In addition, JoJo speaks English. The story is comprised of a 7-8 year olds angst. There were a couple funny moments that I laughed out loud, there were several cute moments as she is learning and growing. Knowing what a friend is and how to be one are the primary focuses.
Her language and a scene with a teepee are all I noticed marking this as an indigenous author read.
I did find the E-book and the illustrations are minimal, and are black and white only.
I thought the audiobook stood at five stars on its own. While the narrator performed I looked at the adorable cover.
July 21, 2021
For first grader Jo Jo Makoons Azure, a young Ojibwe girl, life can be pretty perplexing sometimes. Like why does her cat, aka her best friend, refuse to talk to her before she leaves for school? Why does Teacher insist that couch and touch don’t rhyme? Why does her best friend abandon her to sit with a bunch of other kids and then leave an empty space at the table? Oh. Ohhhhh.
Jo Jo is a lovable protagonist who is unintentionally very funny and also tries very hard to be a good friend (sometimes being friendly is easier than other times, though). Readers will laugh, cheer, and relate to her.
Jo Jo is a lovable protagonist who is unintentionally very funny and also tries very hard to be a good friend (sometimes being friendly is easier than other times, though). Readers will laugh, cheer, and relate to her.
June 8, 2023
This chapter book meanders from topic to topic without a central goal for the protagonist. The title is misleading though the book is loosely organized around friendship, but it does not maintain this focus enough to tie all the tangents together. While the ending is heartwarming, it is not earned by the protagonist, so it is not deeply felt by the reader.
The humor is based on JoJo's misunderstandings which, when strung together one after another, make her seem clueless and unintelligent. This book, which is the series introduction, is so focused on trying to be funny that the reader doesn't get a strong sense of what daily life is like on this reservation through the eyes of a child, which feels like such a missed opportunity.
The humor is based on JoJo's misunderstandings which, when strung together one after another, make her seem clueless and unintelligent. This book, which is the series introduction, is so focused on trying to be funny that the reader doesn't get a strong sense of what daily life is like on this reservation through the eyes of a child, which feels like such a missed opportunity.
November 4, 2021
Absolutely love this early chapter book with Native (Ojibwe) representation!! Funny, relatable story about friendship & school struggles of a 1st grader interspersed with helpful education on terms & traditions that would likely be unfamiliar to the majority of students. Having this kind of representation will be so valuable in helping kids start to see a more complete picture of Native identities grounded in the contemporary. Will definitely be adding to my elementary library collection.
February 1, 2022
Some cute concepts, but at times a little inconsistent. Jo Jo didn't always seem like a first grader.
March 16, 2022
Jo Jo is a seven year old first grader, Ojibwe girl who lives on the reservation with her mother and grandmother. Her best friend #1 is her home best friend, Mimi, her cat. Hoping to find more friends, Jo Jo goes to school and works on being friendly to all the kids, even those that aren't so kind to her.
This is such a funny read, as we are able to see the world through Jo Jo's eyes. As she narrarates, it's nothing but a chuckle to hear her thoughts, observations, feelings, processing, and her decisions. She reminded me of a nicer, less brattier version of Junie B. Jones. Jo Jo tries to do what's right, so getting to hear her thought process as she takes into consideration what she wants to do versus what she should do is a good one. She isn't perfect though, as she also reminded me of Amelia Bedelia as she takes some things quite literally, making us chuckle as she does it. Also, it's really nice to be able to read a book with a native american main character as the narrator.
This is such a funny read, as we are able to see the world through Jo Jo's eyes. As she narrarates, it's nothing but a chuckle to hear her thoughts, observations, feelings, processing, and her decisions. She reminded me of a nicer, less brattier version of Junie B. Jones. Jo Jo tries to do what's right, so getting to hear her thought process as she takes into consideration what she wants to do versus what she should do is a good one. She isn't perfect though, as she also reminded me of Amelia Bedelia as she takes some things quite literally, making us chuckle as she does it. Also, it's really nice to be able to read a book with a native american main character as the narrator.
June 17, 2021
4.5⭐️ Jojo Makoons is a delight. This series opener is full of joy and hijinks and sweetness.
I loved how Jojo’s family life shines through so clearly in the book. Her happiness and pride in her community is at the center of everything, giving her a strong sense of identity that is a treat to experience on the page.
There are great laugh out loud moments, reminiscent of favourite early chapter book heroines who have a talent for trouble - like Clementine and Ramona. Jojo fits right in.
I listened to this, and my only regret is not being able to see the illustrations, which I hear are wonderful. The audio is wonderfully narrated.
Press this into the hands of kids you love!
I loved how Jojo’s family life shines through so clearly in the book. Her happiness and pride in her community is at the center of everything, giving her a strong sense of identity that is a treat to experience on the page.
There are great laugh out loud moments, reminiscent of favourite early chapter book heroines who have a talent for trouble - like Clementine and Ramona. Jojo fits right in.
I listened to this, and my only regret is not being able to see the illustrations, which I hear are wonderful. The audio is wonderfully narrated.
Press this into the hands of kids you love!
October 11, 2021
This was an interesting book. The main character, JoJo Makoons is a member of the Ojibwe Nation. She is in first grade and through the book she teaches us vocabulary and includes the pronunciation guide of the Ojibwe and Michif. The book is written in first person and is a fantastic introduction to chapter books. The print is large and there are illustrations on almost every page. Add this one to your collection.
June 5, 2021
This is a great book for new readers. I love the cultural aspect and the language that is incorporated through the story and the story is relatable to many first graders and the worries that they have.
I read this book to my grade 3 class, and they absolutely loved it. Despite the language that was infused throughout the story, none of them were jarred by it and if anything they wanted more.
I read this book to my grade 3 class, and they absolutely loved it. Despite the language that was infused throughout the story, none of them were jarred by it and if anything they wanted more.
July 26, 2021
Jo Jo Makoons Azure, a member of the Pembina Ojibwe Band, navigates 1st grade: choosing to be kind, finding friends, and dealing with disappointment. Spunky and authentic, Jo Jo does her best to be friendly, and after a few mistakes, succeeds!
A wonderful introduction to Ojibwe culture in a light-hearted and fun way.
A wonderful introduction to Ojibwe culture in a light-hearted and fun way.
December 28, 2023
This book was pretty good but not the best. This is about a girl who has a best friend at home (her cat) and her school friends are all a little sketchy. She thinks people don't like her then finds out they do. There is some ugliness and name calling, but not a TON. I would consider reading more in this series, but I'm not running to do it.
January 27, 2022
A fun early chapter book!
October 15, 2021
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!
February 17, 2024
This was my least favorite of the AK Battle of the Books titles. The only redeeming quality is that it took less than an hour to read.
The storyline was so disjointed, and I felt like her character was more frustrating than endearing...the part about Mimi getting shots was too drawn out, and it's highly unlikely that any teacher wouldn't notice a cat in the classroom. 🙄
The storyline was so disjointed, and I felt like her character was more frustrating than endearing...the part about Mimi getting shots was too drawn out, and it's highly unlikely that any teacher wouldn't notice a cat in the classroom. 🙄
June 24, 2021
This book brought me back to my Junie B. Jones days. It is SO cute and funny. 100% made for a younger audience who are just getting into chapter books. But it reads really easily and any unusual words (many native words used during the story which is amazing!) Jo Jo makes sure to explain so it allows the reader to not be embarrassed having to sound new words out.
Excited to see if this becomes the newest Junie B. Jones level of fandom! Highly recommend for young readers =)
Excited to see if this becomes the newest Junie B. Jones level of fandom! Highly recommend for young readers =)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews