Published: 2021
Author & Illustrator: Alina Chau
Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Sports, Comics, Disability, Animals, Fiction, Childrens, Friendship
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle Grade / Grades 4-6
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: Marshmallow & Jordan
Triggers: None
Review By: Denice Buchanan
Publisher’s Summary:
Jordan’s days as star player for her school’s basketball team ended when an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Now, she’s still the team captain, but her competition days seem to be behind her…until an encounter with a mysterious elephant, who she names Marshmallow, helps Jordan discover a brand new sport.
Will water polo be the way for Jordan to continue her athletic dreams–or will it just come between Jordan and her best friends on the basketball team? And with the big tournament right around the corner, what secret is Marshmallow hiding?
Review:
This graphic novel is just plain stunning – I was drawn to pick this one off the shelf because of its beautiful, soothing watercolor cover. Each page captures the rich culture of the setting, Indonesia, and includes many fantastic details to immerse you in the story.
We are first introduced to the students at Kahawaii Multicultural School during the first week of the fall semester, and Jordan, named after famed Michael Jordan, is leading her basketball team as they finish up practice. We quickly learn that Jordan is the star of the team, but that she was involved in an accident that left her in a wheelchair. On the way home, Jordan finds an adorable and easy-to-love white baby elephant, whom she brings home and convinces her family to keep, naming him Marshmallow. Marshmallow very quickly becomes part of the family and basketball team, but most importantly understands Jordan and the struggles she faces. Marshmallow knows how much Jordan misses the competitive aspect of basketball, and leads her to find a new sport, water polo. With a lot of practice and sacrificing some friend time, Jordan excels at the new sport. Chau’s illustrations of the various games and matches are exciting and easy to follow. In the end, the reader is drawn into the fascinating backstory of Marshmallow, and a beautiful and heartfelt conclusion leaves readers captivated and wanting more!
I enjoyed this story so much, and wanted it to last longer. It was a quick read despite being over 360 pages. So much of the story is told through the illustrations, and for me the text played the supporting role. The sections of the book are separated with small vignettes that introduce the next part of the story – these are so eye-appealing they could be framed artwork! I also loved that at the end of the book is Marshmallow’s Mini Dictionary of common phrases, Indonesian food recommendations by the characters, facts about Indonesia and saving its environment, visual development paintings and character concept art. Make sure to stick around to the very end – there is a short 2-page epilogue!
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies & World Cultures: Captures the rich culture of Indonesia, providing excellent ties to geography, environmental conservation studies, and global communities through the included cultural facts, phrases, and food recommendations.
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Deeply explores navigating a life-altering disability, adaptive sports, overcoming physical limitations, resilience, and managing the emotional dynamics of changing childhood friendships.
- Art & Visual Literacy: Since the text serves a supporting role to the artwork, this graphic novel is a brilliant asset for analyzing sequential art, character concept design, watercolor mediums, and visual storytelling.
Extension Activity / Library Application:
- Cultural Exploration & Language Journal: Utilizing the backmatter resources (“Marshmallow’s Mini Dictionary”), have students practice common Indonesian phrases, research the country’s local ecology and environmental needs, and create an informational poster or travel guide layout.
- Adaptive Sports Research Project: Inspired by Jordan’s transition from basketball to water polo, invite students to look into modern adaptive athletics or Paralympic sports. Pair this with a creative writing or drawing task where students map out how a favorite sport can be modified to maximize inclusivity.
Diversity & Representation:
The novel stands out for its wonderful intersectional representation, providing an empowering mirror for young readers with physical disabilities by focusing on a determined, athletic protagonist who uses a wheelchair. Set in Indonesia, it elevates Asian voices and global perspectives in an authentic, beautifully normalized multicultural school environment.
Readalikes:
- Tidesong by Wendy Xu
- Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks
- Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
