An American Indian Youth Literature Award Honoree There’s no “brave” without “afraid”! Jo Jo is back to face her fears, in her own special way, in the fifth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series.

Spunky Ojibwe first-grader Jo Jo Makoons knows a lot about bravery and boldness. Her cat, Mimi, is very brave when she tries new foods, and Teacher is very bold when he wears his ugly ties to school.

When Jo Jo is invited to her very first friend sleepover, it’s her turn to be courageous! Only she’s not quite sure how. Especially when scary puppets and dolls hide around every corner…

Full of spooky fun and after-school mischief, Jo Jo Makoons celebrates an Ojibwe girl with a big heart who finds her courage through the people she loves.

The first book in the acclaimed Jo Jo Makoons 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.

When you’re a first-grader, a sleepover can feel super-scary. Can Jo Jo find a way to be brave when she’s surrounded by spooky puppets, staring dolls, and strange new smells?

• First Sleepover Jitters: Jo Jo has never slept over at a friend’s house before! She has to figure out how to be courageous without her mama, her kokum, and her cat Mimi by her side.
• Funny School Stories: From Teacher’s ugly ties to after-school “freedom food,” Jo Jo’s view of first grade is full of hilarious observations and mischief.
• Native American Main Character: Spunky and imaginative, Jo Jo is a proud Ojibwe girl who navigates everyday adventures on the Pembina Ojibwe Nation with a big heart and even bigger personality.
• Facing Your Fears: Jo Jo learns from her kokum that you can’t be brave without being afraid first, a gentle lesson that helps her, and her friends, get through a dark and noisy night together.