Maya Plays the Part

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.