The Many Fortunes of Maya
In this lyrical novel that will appeal to fans of Meg Medina, Maya turns to her trusty "wheel of fortunes" for guidance on the toughest questions--like why her best friend suddenly feels far away, or when her daddy will move back home. But can Maya find the courage to write her own fortune?
Maya J. Jenkins is bursting with questions:
- Will she get the MVP award at this year's soccer banquet?Who will win the big grill off between Daddy and Uncle J?When will she pass the swim test and get a green bracelet?
For answers and a dose of good luck, twelve-year-old Maya turns to her Wheel of Fortunes, a cardboard circle covered with the small slips of wisdom she's collected from fortune cookies.
But can the fortunes answer her deep-down questions? The ones she's too scared to ask out loud? Like, where did Mama's smile go, the real one that lit up everything around her? When will Daddy move back home? And most of all, does she have enough courage to truly listen to the voice in her heart?
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Nicole D. Collier, PhD, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, the child of an accountant and a public school librarian. She taught fourth grade before becoming an author and leadership coach. In all her endeavors, she enjoys helping people mine the creativity, wisdom, and courage for change. The author of Just Right Jillian and The Many Fortunes of Maya, her writing illuminates the challenges and rewards that come from learning to be true to yourself. A self-proclaimed ever-victorious woman, Nicole has been known to run, dance, and turn cartwheels from time to time. She currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Phillip.
"Collier masterfully delivers a multidimensional protagonist with a clear and relatable voice. . . . Maya's journey as she learns to adjust to life's curveballs and listen to her inner truth will keep readers hooked from start to finish." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Beginning each chapter with a fortune, Collier (Just Right Jillian) delivers another immersive novel, and its emotionally tinged first-person voice offers fresh observations about parental tensions and changing friendship dynamics." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This book is filled to the brim with relatable characters who can demonstrate to readers how to navigate the complexities of friendship and family." -- Booklist
"This is my kind of book! If you like stories about family, friendship, and learning to listen to your heart to figure out what's true for you, then this will be your kind of book, too!" -- Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Sweet and Sour
"With sweetness, humor, and an abundance of heart, Collier paints an authentic and layered portrait of what it means to ask questions that don't have simple answers, to be true to oneself, and to grow with and because of the love that surrounds us. A soul-satisfying treat!" -- Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of Operation Sisterhood
"Nicole captures the beauty in the absolute messiness of being a 12-year-old. Maya's struggle to be loyal to what her parents want for her vs. what she wants for herself is the lesson we all need." -- Paula Chase, author of So Done
"In Maya Jenkins, Nicole D. Collier has created a voice that's distinct and compelling, vulnerable and real. Maya will make her way into your heart from the very first page. And readers will see their own complex, tender, and strong extended families in Collier's lovingly drawn portrait. THE MANY FORTUNES OF MAYA is a delight."
-- Kate Albus, author of A Place to Hang the Moon
