Parents' Guide to

JoJo and BowBow Take the Stage: JoJo and BowBow, Book 1

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

YouTube star gives peppy friendship lesson in series start.

Book JoJo Siwa Friendship 2018
JoJo and BowBow Take the Stage: JoJo and BowBow, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

In JOJO AND BOWBOW TAKE THE STAGE, JoJo Siwa's neighborhood is putting on a block party, and JoJo decides to perform her hit song to go along with the face painting, food booths, arts and crafts, and games. With her tiny dog BowBow and best friends Miley and Jacob, JoJo meets two new friends, Kyra and Grace, and the group starts planning the amazing party. But Kyra wants to exclude Grace, and her increased hostility threatens to ruin the block party. JoJo tries to help Grace and stands by her new friend, but it's up to Kyra to make things right again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (6):

Just past the overly peppy writing, references to JoJo's music and fans, and simplistic conversations, there are some strong messages here about friendship, ego, and why people act out sometimes. JoJo and BowBow Take the Stage won't be considered an epic literary work, but young readers likely will connect with her both because of her fame and because they have probably been involved in similar friendship issues. The vocabulary will be a slight challenge for more advanced readers, but the ideas are simple enough for young readers to grasp instantly.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the friend troubles in JoJo and BowBow Take the Stage. Do they seem like things you can imagine going through with friends? What do you like best about the story?

  • How have your friend groups changed over the years? Why do you think friendships change?

  • JoJo's dog BowBow never leaves her side. What other books have you read with great pets?

Book Details

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