Marshmallow & Jordan

Transportive watercolor panels, middle school sports drama, and a touch of legend combine in Chau’s fantastical narrative, following a wheelchair-using paraplegic athlete in Indonesia. Basketball team captain Jordan Winarta-named after Michael Jordan-loves coaching and practicing with her teammates, ever since an undisclosed accident two years ago has left her unable to play in official matches. Early in fall term at Kahawaii Multicultural School, Jordan hears crying on the playground, discovering an injured white baby elephant. Dubbed Marshmallow, the uncanny blue-eyed pachyderm becomes Jordan’s sidekick and team mascot. After Marshmallow digs Jordan a swimming pool, Jordan joins the water polo team on her basketball coach’s recommendation, though she struggles to sustain old friendships and impress newfound cynics ("Does she know this is a leg sport?" one asks) as she develops her skills. Predictably, Jordan excels; in a less foreseeable twist, Marshmallow’s identity reveals a link to water and solutions to drought in the Lesser Sunda agricultural region. Indonesian terms and customs abound amid the cast of varying cultures, religions, and skin tones, and a tropical palette balances energetic action sequences and quiet wordless imagery in this feel-good graphic novel with sequel potential. Back matter features an author’s note, visual development paintings, a glossary, and Indonesian food recommendations and facts. Ages 8-12. 

Copyright 2021 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7-Jordan is a young basketball star in Indonesia. She's named after Michael Jordan and even sports the number 23 on her jersey. An accident left her paralyzed from the waist down, and Jordan now uses a wheelchair. She's allowed to play with her team at practice but not at games, a restriction that Jordan and her teammates find frustrating. Post-practice one day, she finds a wounded white elephant who follows her home. Everyone is charmed by Marshmallow, as Jordan names the adorable creature. She prays to Lord Ganesh, a Hindu deity with the head of an elephant, to help Marshmallow get better. The elephant becomes something of a mascot to the team and helps Jordan figure out how much she loves swimming. Her coach recommends her for an open spot on the water polo team, but the girls don't immediately take to her and question her capability at the sport due to her disability. There's a bit of friendship drama, but nothing an honest conversation can't fix. Marshmallow and Jordan remain very close, even when it comes to light that Marshmallow might have an astonishing backstory. Vibrant shades and precise watercolors define Chau's gorgeous illustrations. Jordan and most of the other characters are brown; some students are white. The story's back matter contains a short glossary of Indonesian terms, food recommendations, and a note on how the climate crisis is affecting the area. VERDICT An enchanting graphic novel about a girl and her elephant with truly lovely artwork. Highly recommended.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A sweet story greatly enhanced by whimsical, heartfelt art.