It is good to follow the rules. But there are just so many! In this fourth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series, Jo Jo’s talents may not quite include following her substitute teacher’s rules…

Jo Jo and her classmates are excited that the Elders’ Tribal Center has changed the rules for the talent show to invite the whole tribe to perform. But the rules have also changed in Jo Jo’s classroom, where instead of their teacher, they have a substitute. Since Jo Jo has a knack for being helpful, she puts her mind to helping her classmates decide on their talents—but can she manage to follow the substitute teacher’s rules?

Even if no one else quite understands Jo Jo’s own rules (like that saying “please” makes words softer and fluffier to hear and that square foods are too pointy to be yummy), her undeniable talents for celebrating, curiosity, and class keep her happily hop-skipping in step with her Ojibwe community.

The first book in this acclaimed chapter book series was an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; a best book of the year from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, American Indians in Children's Literature, and the Chicago Public Library; a Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book; and a Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices selection.

What happens when being helpful means breaking all the rules?

School Stories for Kids: A hilarious classroom adventure with a substitute teacher who just doesn’t understand Jo Jo’s special way of being helpful—especially from her time-out spot in the coat cubbies.
Celebrating Ojibwe Culture: Join Jo Jo, a lovable Ojibwe first-grader, as she prepares for the all-ages Tribal Talent Show and shares her unique view of the world, rooted in family and community.
Books About Friendship: Follow Jo Jo as she helps her friends Fern and Ferris find their talents, proving that being a good friend sometimes means nibbling the pointy corners off their square crackers.
Heart and Humor: A charming story perfect for young readers, celebrating curiosity and a unique way of thinking—where “please” is a pillow word and square foods are just too pointy to be yummy.

Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School

Jo Jo Makoons: Rule School