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
Link to Review
Link to Review
Link to Review
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Link to Review
Educator Guide
This guide to Indigenous literature, created by Muskogee educator Jenna Wolf in association with Heartdrum, includes discussion questions for Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-To-Be-Best Friend as well as a general introduction to the importance of Indigenous books.
