I wish there had been a character like Maya in middle-grade books when I was the age for them - I’m not autistic, but I can absolutely relate to being “too much” for everyone around you. And I also loved (and still love!) musical theatre! Plus - and I can’t believe this needs to be said - it is so refreshing to make it through a whole book about an eleven year old girl without her obsessing over - or even mentioning - her appearance, weight, clothing, or romantic prospects. This book gives friendship the respect and centering it deserves, and I love that.

All that said, however - the pacing is an issue. Perhaps it comes across differently in the print version, but in the audio it takes a LONG time to get to the plot points that are pretty obviously telegraphed from the beginning. The passages where it felt the most like we were hearing the “real” Maya (as opposed to Maya in Public) were those that tied the story to the musical format - intermission, curtain call, etc. I think that cleaving more closely to the musical genre conventions throughout the book might have helped with keeping things moving - plus it would have given Maya even more opportunities to show off her knowledge to young readers who might be learning about musicals for the first time.

Overall, despite the pacing issues, this would be a good pick for any middle-grade reader who might feel a little extra when it comes to the theater.

Thank you to NetGalley for the 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.

I read the book earlier in the year, but when I had a chance to listen to the audiobook, I jumped at the chance. Mason McDonald does a fantastic job of capturing Maya's youth and exuberance. The talented actress varies her voice enough to easily differentiate the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reexperiencing this story. No matter which format you choose, this story is a delight.

This is one of the books i had to take a little while to post a review for, cause i had to sit down and fully digest the information written in it.

Maya plays the part is a book about a young girl with autism, who has a passion for theater and this specific play that the summer theater program will perform. But what happens when she doesn't get the part she wants, scratch that, needs? It shows how some aspects of life can be difficult for people with autism, and different things everyone, including the autistic person themselves, can do to help make everyones days and lives easier and more comfortable.

The book was written by a neurodivergent author who wanted to create something that was accessible to children, so that they can read about, and understand one of the many ways autism can be challenging to someone. This can, and in my opinion should, be things that children in school read as a part of their curriculum. Its so important to be exposed to all different types of people throughout schooling, so that kids can see that everyone is different, but they all have an equal spot in this world, regardless of interests, background, or being neurodivergent like maya is.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Maya Plays the Part is a lovely middle grade/juniour audio book about an 11-year-old child who narrates her journey to the stage.
She is autistic and has challenges and positive experiences which she shares with us.
It has a great level of tension and pacing, and it was great to hear Maya's inner thoughts.
A great book about friendship, neurodiverse experience, the stage and families.

Maya Plays the Part
Calyssa Erb
The target audience for Maya Plays the Part is middle school.
Maya is autistic and has trouble controlling her emotions. She loves musicals and spends hours listening to them. Maya is attending summer theatre camp. She auditions for the lead in The Drowsy Chaperone, she thinks she is the perfect candidate because she loves musicals. Unfortunately, the part goes to someone else. Maya’s reaction is unkind to her new friend. It doesn’t take long for Maya to drive her new friends off; she is left feeling bewildered and mad. The camp director asks Maya to be the assistant director of the musical; this is a growing experience for Maya. She wants to make friends and learns she must adjust her behavior and attitude; she must learn to control herself. Control means learning how to control her facial expressions, body language, and verbal language. Maya learns how to share her knowledge without hurting others. She learns how to deal with disappointment. She learns how to deal with setbacks, making new friends, and the value of the supporting cast and backstage crew.
This book is character driven. The author has focused on Maya a child with autism; Maya faces the same type of situation any child may struggle with. I also felt like the author demonstrated the way a parent might react. Author Calyssa Erb is also autistic. I feel she is bringing her experiences to this book in an effort to assist others. Kudos to Calyssa Erb.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of Maya Plays the Part for review.

Oh Maya! How do I love you! As the parent of a theater kid, I couldn’t wait to get my headphones on and dive in to this middle grade novel about a young girls first real experience producing a musical.

Maya is a theater kid with autism who adores musicals. She’s waited for years to be able to participate in a summer theater camp, and she is certain that she is landing the lead role.

Maya works through changing friendships, peer relationships, expectations and conflict in this authentic story written by autistic author Calyssa Erb. Things are not going as planned when her best friend moves away, her parents are distracted, and the theater director is not making decisions that align with Maya’a vision for the musical.

The narration of this audiobook is engaging. Voices are believable and natural and add to the story.

Will be adding this one to our school library immediately.

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 for what Canadian author Calyssa Erb writes next! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!!