Mya's Strategy to Save the World

Gr. 4–7–Seventh-grader Mya lives in Vancouver with her parents and her eight-year-old sister. She and best friend Cleo founded the "Kids for Social Justice" club at their school because Mya has plans for a future career as a U.N. representative (and Nobel Prize winner). While working on current issues like the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Myanmar (where her mother has gone to take care of her ill grandmother), Mya also has to come up with a "multi-pronged strategy" to convince her dad that she is responsible enough for a cell phone. It's hard enough trying to solve the world's problems without adding cooking lessons from her aunt, a first crush, and her first period—but if anyone can do it, the plucky and endearing Mya can. The breezy narrative is broken up by recipes for traditional foods from Mynamar and Mya's emails to her mom and Cleo. Though tackling some tough topics (which are addressed in an author's note), Mya's witty voice and deep desire for a cell phone will keep tween readers engaged.