by Dawn Quigley (Author) Tara Audibert (Illustrator)
It is good to follow the rules. But there are just so many! In this fourth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series, Jo Jo's talents may not quite include following her substitute teacher's rules...
Jo Jo and her classmates are excited that the Elders' Tribal Center has changed the rules for the talent show to invite the whole tribe to perform. But the rules have also changed in Jo Jo's classroom, where instead of their teacher, they have a substitute. Since Jo Jo has a knack for being helpful, she puts her mind to helping her classmates decide on their talents--but can she manage to follow the substitute teacher's rules?
Even if no one else quite understands Jo Jo's own rules (like that saying "please" makes words softer and fluffier to hear and that square foods are too pointy to be yummy), her undeniable talents for celebrating, curiosity, and class keep her happily hop-skipping in step with her Ojibwe community.
The first book in this acclaimed chapter book series was an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; a best book of the year from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, American Indians in Children's Literature, and the Chicago Public Library; a Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book; and a Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices selection.
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Gr 1-2--Rules dictate what is and isn't allowed; sometimes rules can be confusing or overwhelming. Seven-year-old Jo Jo Makoons has her own set of rules too; for example, round foods are superior to square foods! But things get confusing when a substitute teacher sets new rules, and even though Jo Jo technically follows them, she is sent home with a letter. Unconcerned about the letter, her concern is on the Tribal Talent Show. What will she do? How can she help her classmates figure out their talents? It's soon time for the talent show and it is packed by the community with performances of Ojibwe dancing and singing. From the developing perspective of curious Jo Jo, readers can relate to the anticipation of exciting things, like a talent show, or exploring the boundaries of rules they may or may not agree with. Included are comical illustrations that capture the joy and antics of a spirited seven-year-old, an Ojibwe glossary with pronunciations, and an excerpt of the next installment in the series. VERDICT An adorable, easy chapter book reminiscent of "Junie B. Jones" that cherishes the curiosity and learning curves that come with change.--Kaitlin Srader
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
An adorable, easy chapter book reminiscent of "Junie B. Jones" that cherishes the curiosity and learning curves that come with change. — School Library Journal