Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School

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.