Jo Jo is an exuberant seven-year-old who’s attending first grade on her Ojibwe reservation. She considers her cat, Mimi, her number-one best friend, while Fern is her best school friend. But lately Fern has been sitting with other kids at lunchtime, making Jo Jo feel less secure at school. Her kokum tells her she doesn’t have to be friends with everyone, but she should try to be friendly with everyone. Still, Jo Jo struggles at school, with her friends, would-be friends, and with her white teacher, who doesn’t always appreciate her buoyant humor. The episodic chapters center such things as Jo Jo learning to rhyme, sneaking her cat into school, entering an art competition, and worrying about her cat going to the vet for a shot. There are Ojibwe words and cultural references throughout, and occasionally Jo Jo speaks directly to the reader to translate a word and explain how it’s pronounced. There’s a lot of heart and humor in this easy chapter book about a memorable character. (Ages 5-8)