Jo Jo is an exuberant seven-year-old who’s attending first grade on her Ojibwe reservation. She considers her cat, Mimi, her number-one best friend, while Fern is her best school friend. But lately Fern has been sitting with other kids at lunchtime, making Jo Jo feel less secure at school. Her kokum tells her she doesn’t have to be friends with everyone, but she should try to be friendly with everyone. Still, Jo Jo struggles at school, with her friends, would-be friends, and with her white teacher, who doesn’t always appreciate her buoyant humor. The episodic chapters center such things as Jo Jo learning to rhyme, sneaking her cat into school, entering an art competition, and worrying about her cat going to the vet for a shot. There are Ojibwe words and cultural references throughout, and occasionally Jo Jo speaks directly to the reader to translate a word and explain how it’s pronounced. There’s a lot of heart and humor in this easy chapter book about a memorable character. (Ages 5-8)

American Indian Youth Literature Award: Middle Grade Honor Book! Hello/Boozhoo—meet Jo Jo Makoons! Full of pride, joy, and plenty of humor, this first book in an all-new chapter book series by Dawn Quigley celebrates 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…

The Heartdrum imprint centers a wide range of intertribal voices, visions, and stories while welcoming all young readers, with an emphasis on the present and future of Indian Country and on the strength of young Native heroes. In partnership with We Need Diverse Books.