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. Now Jo Jo must figure out what to do when Fern, her best friend at school, may not want to be friends anymore.
Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend
Discuss the Book
About Me
Chapters 1–2
- Important Moment: Jo Jo’s moushoom (translation: grandpa) chose the name Makoons (translation: bear cub) for her because she growled and had short black hair like a bear when she was a baby.
- Ask and Share: How did Jo Jo Makoons get her name? Is there a story or special meaning that goes along with YOUR name?
Rhyme Time
Chapters 3–4
- Important Moment: When Jo Jo messes up her first attempt at making rhyming pairs in class, her face gets hot and red, her tummy gets “roll-y up and down,” and her lip quivers.
- Ask and Share: How do you think Jo Jo feels when the teacher tells her that her first rhymes don’t rhyme? Why is trying new things sometimes difficult? Is it OK to mess up? Why?
Happy Memories
Chapters 5–6
- Important Moment: Jo Jo and her classmates have been invited to make pictures for the school yearbook. Her teacher says the pictures should capture fun experiences and memories from the year.
- Ask and Share: If you were given the same task as Jo Jo, to make pictures for the school yearbook, what memory or experience would you choose to share? Why? What would be in your picture?
Best Friends
Chapters 7–8
- Important Moment: Jo Jo isn’t sure where she stands with her best friend, Fern. Through actions and words, Fern reassures her they are best friends. Other kids show Jo Jo they want to be friends too.
- Ask and Share: Have you ever felt like you weren’t sure if you were best friends, or friends, with someone or not? What could you do if you want to be friendlier with someone?