Publishers Weekly
★ 11/21/2022
In Georgia, Black middle schooler Maya “MJ” Jenkins is a lot of things—a flautist, a soccer player, and a collector of fortune-cookie fortunes. Feeling that she had to choose between the instrument and the sport, MJ chose soccer (“Daddy’s favorite thing”). But she continues to secretly play the flute in her closet, employing what she calls “Quiet Mode” to engage with the music that centers her. She also regularly consults the Wheel of Fortunes her family made from fortune-cookie slips, spinning it for insight into life events. Most immediately, MJ hopes to be named her soccer season’s MVP, which would bring her closer to joining the club team on which her father once played. When MJ’s best friend wins instead, their bond takes a turn for the worse—just as her parents, who’ve been “whisper-fighting” for months, break the news that they’re separating for the summer. 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. Ages 8–12. Agent: Danielle Chiotti, Upstart Crow Literary. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"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
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2022-10-26
A Black girl learns to listen to her own voice.
Maya Jenkins is a Black middle schooler living in Georgia who enjoys soccer, collecting fortune-cookie fortunes, and playing her flute. She’s good at soccer and works hard to keep improving her game, but a major motivation is how much her father loves the game and encourages her success. Although music makes her heart happy, Maya, feeling she must choose between the two activities due to time pressures, settles on soccer—although she continues to play her flute in secret. Now she’s ready to take on soccer camp and get one step closer to making the team her father used to play for. But the summer brings plenty of changes, and Maya finds herself spiraling as her world is upended when her soccer plans go off course, and her parents make a decision that devastates her. As challenges mount, will Maya be able to keep her head in the game? Collier masterfully delivers a multidimensional protagonist with a clear and relatable voice. Maya’s story includes heartbreak, healing, and explorations of strained friendships and familial relationships with moments of fun and joy interspersed. Each chapter opens with a fortune-cookie aphorism that highlights the emotional themes that are developed. 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.
A sincere story that will leave readers feeling warm and hopeful. (Fiction. 8-12)
