Synopsis
Summary
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.
Notable Achievements
Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book; Amazon Best Books of the Month; School Library Journal Best Book; American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book
Reviews
School Library Journal: "The story playfully captures age-appropriate concerns and interests, as young Jo Jo navigates family traditions and shifting friendships... A sweet, slice-of-life series debut."
Publishers Weekly: “Quigley adeptly creates strong classroom scenes that convey an inclusive student body’s realistic dynamic and an endearing, assured seven-year-old protagonist who appreciates her cultural identity. B&W cartoon drawings by Audibert, who is of Wolastoqey/French heritage, emphasize characterization throughout.”
The Horn Book: “This series opener introduces Jo Jo Makoons Azure, a rambunctious first grader with “strong lungs” […] and a wish to make more friends. Through it all, the first-person narrative is consistently engaging, with just the right touch of primary-grade silliness to balance out Jo Jo’s fears about friendship.”
Link to Review
Link to Review
Educator Guide
This guide to Indigenous literature, created by Lakota educator Andrea Page in association with Heartdrum, includes discussion questions for Ancestor Approved as well as a general introduction to the importance of Indigenous books.
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