This is a charming middle grade novel about Maya, a young girl with autism who loves musical theater. The story follows Maya during her experience at a summer musical theater camp, where she is challenged to make new friends and find her place within this new experience. The author does a great job of showing how Maya’s unique way of looking at the world presents both challenges and opportunities. Although Maya dreams of being on stage, she is asked to take a behind the scenes role that at first, disappoints her but ultimately, gives her the space to shine and use her unique talents. I think this is a great middle grade novel to help kids (and adults) better understand and empathize with individuals with autism. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

“Maya Plays the Part” is a fantastic coming of age story about a young autistic girl who copes by following the script of how to behave. This “own voices” novel written by debut author Calyssa Erb portrays the character in a way that rings true because it was written by someone who has lived the role. Erb captures many of the typical problems of growing up and some of the specific issues of being neurodivergent. Maya’s trouble reading social cues, and her obsession with doing things exactly as she expects can cause problems with friends. But Maya also has a passion. She loves Musical Theatre. She is finally old enough to go to Theater Camp and they are going to be performing her favorite play. She is sure that this will be her opportunity to shine. When things don’t play out exactly as she has scripted, Maya learns to adapt and shines in a way she never expected. The author brings the reader into the world of children’s theater, a world where many misfits have found acceptance, friendship and a second home. Having grown up as a theater geek myself and also being the parent of a neurodivergent, I could identify with both Maya and her mother. Any reader who is atypical or any theater kid will absolutely love this book. Other children will be able to see that every kid has something to offer.

Maya Plays the Part
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.28/10 overall

Characters - 7
The characters in this book were enjoyable; their actions and emotions felt realistic. However, I felt like they lacked some depth and personality. I liked that the focus was on how the different characters were important to Maya, rather than the plot.

Atmosphere - 8
I enjoyed the atmosphere that this book had. I felt like I could easily understand why Maya was so enthralled by the theater and musicals in general. There were some points where I would have liked a bit more description about the setting, but the book definitely kept the medium pace the whole time which was good.

Writing - 8
The writing style did a good job at focusing on the action while also paying attention to the thoughts and feelings of Maya. I liked that the book tended to focus on a few bigger storylines instead of grasping for small details to pull the reader in.

Plot - 7
I felt like the plot jumped around a bit, so it was hard to completely wrap my head around the timeline of events. There wasn't really any indication, besides it being the summer, of when and where the story was occurring either. On the one hand, that helped to make it feel more timeless, but on the other hand, it made the story more bland and less nuanced. Overall, the plot was enjoyable but not out of this world unique.

Intrigue - 7
I felt thoroughly immersed in the story and was intrigued as to where it would go next, but not to the point where I couldn't put the book down. The plot was fairly tame, so it didn't have the sort of "wow" factor that books based on flash might, but it still wasn't obvious how the events were going to unfold.

Logic - 7
The book was logical and sound. I could follow the plot with minimal effort.

Enjoyment - 7
The description really drew me to pick up this book. I'm glad that this exists for the accurate autistic rep alone, but the musical theater element was a plus as well. :)

I have a lot of theater students who would be entertained by Maya. It did a good job of telling things in Maya’s voice. She sure has a lot to
cope with over the summer! Written by an autistic author, it’s a great book to build autistic representation in the classroom.

So, I went into this book with baggage. A former precocious theatre kid myself, I was intrigued to see Maya's journey and how, as the author stated, so was supported by the people around her. I will admit - I really felt the emotions along the ride! I was so angry with her Mother's rules at the beginning, as well as her attitude - to be honest, it didn't seem supportive at all. However, having not been in a caregiving for an autistic child previously, I'm sure her behavior is truly consistent and honest with what it feels like to be an almost single parent to Maya while trying to embark on her own journey of becoming a lawyer. I know I was often told I was "too loud" and "too strange" by peers and adults, so its nice to see that Maya not only embraces her experience, which is not at all like she had envisioned it to be, and flourishes. I also loved watching her relationship with her best friend, who had moved, and her budding friendship with another theatre geek, Ash, blossom. It was also nice to see that Maya's mom, who originally seemed course and judgmental, shake off her own "mask" and connect with her daughter during the middle of the book, and help her right the course when she felt incredibly alone. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves theatre (Maya is truly a connoisseur) or deals with issues of feeling like an outsider and trying to find your place.

What a delightful read. A story about a young person with autism and her love of musicals. This book is full of representation and heart, and hit all of the right notes.

Maya Plays The Part is a charming middle grade novel all about self discovery and acceptance. Everyone can find a piece of themselves in Maya’s story, and this book truly has wonderful and authentic representation.

I loved evey minute of this story, and it is one that will stick with me for a long time. I recommend this story to anyine who longs for a book that will leave you feeling a little more compassionate and understanding of all of those around you.

Thank you Annick Press Ltd for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A fantastic #ownvoices middle grade debut featuring Maya, a theatre-loving autistic girl who struggles with controlling her emotions and being a good friend. This story revolves around Maya's time at a summer theatre camp where she makes new friends, experiences disappointments and learns there's more to theatre than being the star of the show.

This book does such a great job depicting common aspects of autism, including stimming and masking and is such a heartfelt, wonderful read for young neurodivergent readers! I am so excited to read what Canadian author Calyssa Erb writes next! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!!

Maya, who’s autistic, is going to musical theater camp and is convinced she'll get the lead. After making a new friend Ash, the girls help each other with their lines. When the cast list is posted, Ash is the lead, and Maya is upset. When the director asks Maya to be the assistant director, she decides to do it. During the play something happens, and Maya has an idea. Do the cast members listen to her?

I received a free copy of, Maya Plays the Part, by Calyssa Erb, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Maya loves musicals, and plays. Maya does not always understand social cues, and norms. Maya is excited to go to play camp, and be in a real musical, nut its hard being public Maya. I really enjoyed this book, its a great book for kids.

What a lovingly crafted, magnificently written book! Maya Plays the Part is about an autistic girl struggling to understand what “rules” apply to her as she interacts with her peers - how to be “Maya in Public.” While all pre-teens have some difficulty relating to others their age and attempting to make new friends, Maya has unique tendencies relating to her autism, some good and some not as good. Calyssa Erb, the author, is autistic and, as such, brings a significantly realistic and loving voice to Maya. Maya is no different than her friends; she just has a few small quirks. This novel is a marvelous teaching tool wrapped in an engaging story about musicals, which is also an instructive element. If children this age read this book, I believe they will view people slightly differently from them with a more compassionate eye. Bravo, Ms. Erb, for an outstanding and helpful book! And, once again, thank you, Annick Press, for publishing books promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, Annick Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.