Maya Plays the Part
by Calyssa Erb (Author)
A heartwarming middle-grade debut with autism representation and a musical flair.
Maya lives and breathes musicals. When her chance to finally be a part of the summer musical program at the community theater comes up, Maya is convinced she will get the lead. After all, who knows The Drowsy Chaperone better than she does?
However, things don’t turn out exactly the way Maya’s planned, and the summer turns out to be jam-packed with problems: dealing with her best friend’s move, her parents’ busy jobs, and—since her autism diagnosis—the ongoing puzzle of how to be Maya in Public. But perhaps most important of all, Maya has to figure out how to play the part that truly feels like her own.
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-6--Ever since her autism diagnosis, Maya has performed the role of "Maya in Public," everywhere she goes. She works with her parents to follow rules that are supposed to make life easier for her and help her blend in with everyone else. The one place Maya really feels at home is at the theater, so when she has the opportunity to participate in a summer camp at the local community theater, it seems like it's finally her time to shine. Even better, the camp will perform her favorite musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and no one knows it better! Maya feels destined to play the lead. Unfortunately, the summer doesn't go quite the way Maya has planned as she faces tons of drama offstage. Her best friend moves away, her parents are both too busy with their jobs, and Maya is always struggling with how to be Maya in Public. She is shocked and disappointed when she is not given the lead. As Maya navigates through the unexpected, she learns a lot about herself and also gains some important perspective about the world around her. Erb's middle grade debut offers a realistic representation of a young autistic girl who is experiencing the universal stresses of life and summer camp. Readers will relate and find inspiration in Maya's journey. By the end of the summer, Maya learns how to shine in the most important role: in being herself. VERDICT A relatable middle grade read with authentic autism representation and important lessons for readers everywhere.--Elizabeth Blake
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
CALYSSA ERB is a queer, autistic Canadian writer of books for young readers. When not writing, she enjoys a tall mug of tea and hanging out with her Animal Crossing villagers. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.
JUV031060 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Theater
JUV077000 - Juvenile Fiction | Neurodiversity
Autism
Musicals
Novels
Romans
