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meganleebee's review
2.0
I expected more of marshmallow in this. This should be called ‘Jordan and Oh Ya There’s an Elephant Sort Of.’
Cute drawings though.
Her friends are kinda dumb.
Cute drawings though.
Her friends are kinda dumb.
e_ckv_p's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marshmallow elephant where to buy???
zabcia's review
2.0
50%
For a book with a title including two main character names in it, I would've expected a more balanced focus on both of them, but this was mostly about Jordan "overcoming" disability (because we all know people with disabilities have no inherent value /megasarcasm), and Marshmallow was just kind of....there.
The author notes at the end state that Marshmallow was inspired by Indonesian folklore, and I really wish more of that folklore would've gotten the chance to shine through. We don't really learn much about Marshmallow until the end of the book, which is a shame because I'm sure the source material there is rich (and also he's the cutest damn elephant I ever laid my eyes on).
As for Jordan....well, let's just say it was disappointing to see that her "worth" revolved entirely around her ability to play some sort of sport. There is nothing shameful about disability, and I feel like this book kind of missed that point.
For a book with a title including two main character names in it, I would've expected a more balanced focus on both of them, but this was mostly about Jordan "overcoming" disability (because we all know people with disabilities have no inherent value /megasarcasm), and Marshmallow was just kind of....there.
The author notes at the end state that Marshmallow was inspired by Indonesian folklore, and I really wish more of that folklore would've gotten the chance to shine through. We don't really learn much about Marshmallow until the end of the book, which is a shame because I'm sure the source material there is rich (and also he's the cutest damn elephant I ever laid my eyes on).
As for Jordan....well, let's just say it was disappointing to see that her "worth" revolved entirely around her ability to play some sort of sport. There is nothing shameful about disability, and I feel like this book kind of missed that point.
bookishcori's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
A sweet middle grade graphic novel about a young girl who uses a wheelchair and her pet elephant in Indonesia. Good if you like books about friendship, sports, and a side of knowledge about climate change.
rikkir77's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
kristinajean's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
erine's review against another edition
5.0
The illustrations in this graphic novel just pulled me right in. Every panel filled up with detail and bright color and I could not stop looking at the pictures. The story is a reliable one: Jordan's dreams focus on basketball -- have always focused on basketball -- but an accident has left her without the use of her legs. So what now? She's still captain of her basketball team, but is unable to compete. Thus a need for a new dream.
To that end, a mysterious and adorable white elephant appears, who helps Jordan find new ways to harness her old dream.
What I like about this is while there are side-eyes from a few characters at Jordan due to her disability, the story itself zeroes in on Jordan as a complete person. The practical realities of her changed circumstances certainly are limiting her, but that does not prevent Jordan from feeling full feelings, from having typical friendship difficulties, from determinedly exploring her options.
While I doubt this is a perfect representation story, it is wildly refreshing to have Jordan as the front-and-center character in this story firmly set in Indonesia. Backmatter includes an author's note, short glossary of non-English words used in the text, some information about Indonesia, and some extra sketches.
To that end, a mysterious and adorable white elephant appears, who helps Jordan find new ways to harness her old dream.
What I like about this is while there are side-eyes from a few characters at Jordan due to her disability, the story itself zeroes in on Jordan as a complete person. The practical realities of her changed circumstances certainly are limiting her, but that does not prevent Jordan from feeling full feelings, from having typical friendship difficulties, from determinedly exploring her options.
While I doubt this is a perfect representation story, it is wildly refreshing to have Jordan as the front-and-center character in this story firmly set in Indonesia. Backmatter includes an author's note, short glossary of non-English words used in the text, some information about Indonesia, and some extra sketches.
gmc16's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
school_librarian60's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
wstjwstj's review against another edition
5.0
Finished in one sitting at the library. A comforting read for topics like disability, sports, climate change and FOOD!