Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day by Dawn Quigley & Illustrated by Tara Audibert (2023)

What is there to love about the chapter book series: Jo Jo Makoons? Well, Jo Jo Makoons, naturally! Jo Jo is a spunky, spirited character. She reminds me a bit of the Ojibwe version of Bean from the Ivy & Bean series. She truly has the best interest of her friends, family and community at heart, but she is outspoken and sometimes oblivious to “Teacher’s” irritation, which leads to some pretty funny scenarios. In Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day, the third book in the series, Jo Jo’s Ojibwe reservation and school are shut down due to a snowstorm. Jo Jo makes it her job to use her recent knowledge from school about healthy living to check on her neighbors, deliver frybread, and play with friends.  My favorite part is the chapter titled “Tuna and Tears.” She thinks her “sad-stinky” tuna sandwich was actually intended for her cat, Mimi, not her. This series is great for 2nd-4th graders! 

Heart: Jo Jo is such an endearing character. Every children’s writing workshop I attend stresses the importance of characters that connect with the reader. Jo Jo is the perfect example! You will love her. 

Head: I review books that have STEAM or civics/geography themes, and this book really illuminates a lot of civics themes for me! When I taught 7th grade social studies, one of my favorite resources was a document from iCivics called, “Limiting Government.” Essentially, the key components needed to avoid abusive, authoritarian government are: Constitution, Rule of Law, Separation of Power, Consent of the Governed and Rights of the Minority. All are equally important; however “rights of the minority” has always piqued my interest, particularly as a German major who studies the Holocaust extensively and learned how Hitler targeted Jewish, Gay, Disabled, Roma and other minority groups. We currently see minority groups, most often the transgender community, being targeted on national media outlets and by politicians. How do we learn from historical events and protect the rights of small groups? I believe that learning about these groups and honoring their unique humanity is the key to protecting the rights of the minority. Jo Jo Makoons is a book about an indigenous girl written and illustrated by indigenous women. We know the indigenous peoples of the Americas endured horrific violence - nearly erasing their peoples and cultures. When we learn about cultures like the Ojibwe, and beyond, we raise our children to appreciate all of humanity, and hopefully, in turn, raise a generation interested in protecting the rights of the minority.