Set in Indonesia, Marhsmallow & Jordan is a story of friendship and finding one's own way. Jordan is a middle schooler who loves basketball: even an accident that put her in a wheelchair can't stop her, mostly. She can't compete with the team like she used to, but still serves as captain. She's feeling a bit unfulfilled, when she rescues a hurt white baby elephant that she promptly names Marshmallow. The two new friends quickly become attached. Meanwhile, Jordan's basketball coach recommends she try out for water polo after Marshmallow digs Jordan a pool, letting her take to the water without worrying about her wheelchair weighing her down. The training isn't easy, but Marshmallow's loving support and her own determination keeps Jordan focused on practice and success. But Marshmallow is hiding a secret of her own. Rich with warm colors and Indonesian culture and a diverse group of characters, Marshmallow & Jordan is a great middle grade story that works as a book club pick and a realistic fiction piece. Back matter includes a glossary of Indonesian terms, an author's note, Indonesian facts, and food recommendations.

Loved the art style for this! The characters were so lovable and the story was engaging and thoughtful. Reminded me of Tea Dragon Society which is one of my favorite juv graphic novels. Definitely recommend.

To be posted on GoodReads Oct 12, 2021:

Jordan used to be the star player on her elementary basketball team, but after an accident put her permanently in a wheel chair she has been downgraded to assistant coach for her middle school team. She can still shot and score, and is still an integral part of the team, but the Regional division will not allow her to play. After Jordan rescues an injured baby white elephant on her way home from school and brings it home for her veterinarian mother to check out, Jordan finds a new friend and inspiration. Marshmallow makes Jordan a pool and encourages her to swim, helping the adults in her life realize that there may be another sport Jordan can play, water polo. But can Jordan balance both helping the basketball team and playing with the water polo team? And will her legs even let her succeed as a water polo player?

I absolutely love that this is set in Indonesia. I’m always on the hunt for more books featuring Asian characters and set in Asia since I teach at an international school in Thailand. Books set in Indonesia are exceedingly hard to find. Right now I can actually only think of one other fiction book set there off the top of my head. For the most part, this graphic novel depicts what modern everyday life is like for middle schoolers in Indonesia. The very end of the story adds a touch of fantasy/mythology that will appeal to readers who enjoy Riordan press books. The art style is very attractive and absolutely delightful. You are completely justified in picking this up just to look at the pictures. What really shines through most though is the heartfelt message of a girl with a disability who isn’t letting that stand in the way of trying new things, encouraging her former teammates, being a good friend, or going all out to be the best she can be. Jordan has to navigate very realistic friendship issues, and then of course there’s Marshmallow the baby elephant who ads humor and tenderness to the story. An all-around excellent middle grade graphic novel. Highly recommended.

No content issues [based on the ARC].

<i>I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Wonderful book! I love that it shows both the real pain of Jordan's disability and the well-deserved triumph of still making the most of her remaining abilities. There's so much about it that is realistic even as this is ultimately magical realism/fantasy. And the details about Indonesia are interesting. I would love to do this with my Read Around the World Book Club.

An extremely interesting graphic novel that blends the culture of Indonesia with a modern tale of a girl trying to hang on to hope after an accident takes away what she thinks her future should hold. Jordan used to be the best basketball player at her school, but now her wheelchair means she can't play with the team. She finds a hurt baby elephant who she names Marshmallow, and Marshmallow and Jordan help each other to see what their futures could hold if they let go of their expectations and open their arms to what the future could hold.

What a sweet book. I loved Jordan and Marshmallow and many of the other characters as well as the disability representation. This book will sit in my heart for awhile.

The illustrations are beyond beautiful and so unique for a graphic novel! Marshmallow will steal your heart.

What an absolute gem of a book. This felt like a warm glow of a book. I loved the friendship story, the characters, the struggles of friendship groups that is so common in school, and the disability representation along with all the other changes Jordan is going through. I loved the distinct personalities all the characters had, from her school friends, to the parents and family members. So charming, and the beautiful ending got me feeling a beautiful ache of bittersweet joy. Loved it!