Alina Chau

After an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down, Jordan is no longer the star player for her school’s basketball team, even though she’s still captain, her competition days are over. After practice one day, Jordan encounters a small, baby white elephant, whom she names Marshmallow. The duo bond quickly and Marshmallow even helps Jordan discover a new sport.

This is so cute and I love it so much.

What a wonderful, positive representation of friendship, love, and different abled bodies. I absolutely appreciated how much support everyone was always giving Jordan. Sure, when the water polo team first met Jordan, they had some doubts but for the most part, everyone was still supportive of her.

The illustrations of this graphic novel were beautiful and sometimes intense (like the water polo games!). It also had really delightful setting panels of Indonesia.

Overall - this is a little long and sometimes a little choppy when it comes to the storytelling, but the elegant illustrations made up for it. It’s aimed at Middle Grade readers for sure - but if you want something cute and sweet, those of all ages will find enjoyment between these pages.… (altro)

Recommended Ages: Gr. 3-6

Plot Summary: Jordan hears something sniffling under the slide and discovers a white elephant. Immediately, Marshmallow and Jordan are best of friends and both are relieved when Jordan's parents can't find a missing elephant report. Marshmallow moves into Jordan's house, and also digs out a swimming pool in her backyard and fills it with water. Jordan is thrilled to have the pool because since the accident, she's been in a wheelchair and can't play on her basketball team anymore. Sure, they still think of her as captain and let her practice with them and she still has a great shot, but rules are rules and she's not allowed to play. So when the swimming pool comes along, with a basketball hoop on one end, a giant party is a great way to celebrate. Jordan loves getting back in the water and feeling almost like she did before the accident. After seeing her in the water, Jordan's coach recommends her to the water polo coach. Kemala isn't exciting a warm, inviting team captain--she makes Jordan stay late at practice and miss the first basketball game of the season. Her basketball friends are everything, so when they give her the cold shoulder she struggles, but puts herself into learning how to swim and play water polo. At the first water polo game, basketball friends Dea and Alyssa come with on the bus and support Jordan 100%. At their urging, Jordan gets the ball at the very end of the game and throws a very far goal, much to the surprise of everything, except Dea and Alyssa. Will she finally feel like she belongs on the team? Will the team finally accept her?

Setting: Ketut, Indonesia

Characters:
Jordan - named after Michael Jordan, loves sports, very positive and upbeat, determined
Hans - Lynn's older brother
Chloe, Alyssa, Louise, Kris, Sienna, Ada, Mia, Dea, Emmy Lin, Lynn, Tala - basketball team
Wayan, Paola, Lee Min Jun, Sarah, Amanda young, Kemala - water polo team
Marshmallow - white snuggly elephant

Recurring Themes: drought, friendship, positivity, basketball, water polo, family

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: Absolutely beautiful story of someone who is only looking forward after facing a life-changing accident. Love the author's note explaining that Jordan has almost super-natural athletic abilities. I also love that that it takes place in Indonesia so this book can be an accessible window to many readers.

Genre: fantasy, but a lot of it reads like realistic

Pacing: fast, graphic novel
Characters: good balance of action and character development
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity:… (altro)