Marshmallow & Jordan

Written and Illustrated by Alina Chau

First Second, 2021. Graphic Novel.

Jordan is a young girl from Indonesia who loves basketball and playing on the basketball team. One day a terrible accident leaves her partially paralyzed, and now Jordan must navigate the world in a wheel chair. Jordan is still the captain of her basketball team but she can't compete which means no more playing basketball. One day she rescues an injured baby elephant and she names him Marshmallow. Marshmallow can see that Jordan needs a new challenge so he convinces her to try a new sport. Jordan joins the water polo team which brings new challenges but rewards as well. As she takes on new responsibilities and learns some new skills she must also navigate new friendship issues.

Gorgeous watercolor art fills this book with pictures of the beautiful Indonesian countryside. Indonesian words are sprinkled throughout the story and there is a fact page at the end of the book about the country as well as a glossary of Indonesian words. This is a sweet story with a message that encourages readers to be a good friend and not let anything stand in the way of trying new things. An excellent middle grade graphic novel.

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