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Maya Plays the Part
A heartwarming middle-grade debut with autism representation and a musical flair. Maya lives and breathes musicals. When her chance to finally be a part of the summer musical program at the community theater comes up, Maya is convinced she will get the lead. After all, who knows The Drowsy Chaperone better than she does? However, things don’t turn out exactly the way Maya’s planned, and the summer turns out to be jam-packed with dealing with her best friend’s move, her parents’ busy jobs, and―since her autism diagnosis―the ongoing puzzle of how to be Maya in Public. But perhaps most important of all, Maya has to figure out how to play the part that truly feels like her own.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
2 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 1, 2024
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!!
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!!
January 30, 2024
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.
March 13, 2024
This is such a sweet, kind-hearted story, and Maya is such a precious main character. I might be an adult, but I found her character arc so relatable. I loved that she was given space to grow, and how the acting camp was such a supportive environment. At times I wanted to give Maya a hug, but it was also amazing to see her figuring everything out, I ended up feeling so proud of her.
September 21, 2023
What a sweet book that perfectly blends great autism rep with the ebbs and flows of middle school friendships. It was my absolute delight to blurb this book in advance of its 2024 release and I hope it finds a wide and appreciative readership.
February 18, 2024
Thank you to Annick Press for letting me read an ARC of this book through NetGalley!
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. :)
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. :)
April 21, 2024
I loved this book for what it is: a story about an autistic kid going through perfectly normal days and the struggles she goes through fighting her own brain to exist in a world not made for it.
The book's focus on her personal struggles rather than her struggles and a big demanding plot is both a great choice and yet almost boring. Could this be because I'm not a huge fan of realistic fiction? Because I struggle to function too? Whomst can say!
This book is well written though and the format of the story - calls, scenes, acts, asides, etc.- really made this an easy and entertaining read.
(Read during a five hour tattoo session)
The book's focus on her personal struggles rather than her struggles and a big demanding plot is both a great choice and yet almost boring. Could this be because I'm not a huge fan of realistic fiction? Because I struggle to function too? Whomst can say!
This book is well written though and the format of the story - calls, scenes, acts, asides, etc.- really made this an easy and entertaining read.
(Read during a five hour tattoo session)
October 16, 2024
“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.
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.
August 12, 2024
An awesome debut novel by a Canadian queer autistic author.
Maya is eleven years old and autistic. She joins musical theatre camp because she knows more about musical theatre than anyone else. Plus, Maya is autistic, and so she feels even more capable of portraying a character believably, because she has a "Maya in Public" persona that she uses every day when she masks to fit in socially. Things don't go the way Maya plans, and therein lies a story of growth.
I loved this so much, I hope it gets lots of attention from readers!
December 4, 2024
I think I may’ve judged this book by the cover and expected not to like it. On the contrary, I loved it. 12 year old Maya anticipates a super fun summer at theater camp. Why wouldn’t it be? They’re showcasing her favorite musical of all time—The Drowsy Chaperone! (Yes, it’s a real musical, just an old one.) Turns out, the summer, in general, isn’t as fun-filled as she thought. On top of negotiating theater camp, she’s making new friends, staying connected to her best friend who’s recently moved away and missing her dad—all while managing her own autism. Her parents (especially mom) are wildly supportive and have raised her with lots of coping skills to help make her successful but let’s face it, being 12 is hard no matter what. I gained some important insights into autism from a kid’s (and parents) point of view. Very impactful, engaging. A significant window into another way of life.
July 31, 2025
amazing autisme rep. loved any minute of it.
December 11, 2024
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.
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.
April 24, 2024
8.43/10 or 4.5/5
Characters-9
The characters in this book were great. I enjoyed the interactions they had, and how they grew as people throughout the story.
Atmosphere-9
As a theater person, I loved the atmosphere of the story. Reading the story sent me back to a similar camp I went to, and I loved how much theater filled this story. Maya Plays the part also read theater people hanging out, and talking about theater like friends, which is what theater is all about. I've read theater stories before, but I loved how much of a theater camp atmosphere this story had.
Writing-8
I thought in this writing was fun. I think ti worked well for the story, and was a great way of keeping the flow of the story. I loved how much theater was in this story in the writing.
Plot-8
The plot was fun. I enjoyed how the characters interacted at the theater camp. I wanted more of the theater bonds, and I wanted Maya and her mom to talk more, and work out what was going on with Maya. This was a short book, so I wish it was longer so we could get some more exploration.
Intrigue-8
This was an interesting story. I wanted to know what was going to happen, and how the showcase was going to go.
Logic-9
I could follow the logic in this story. I really enjoyed how Maya explained what was going on in her head to the reader.
Enojyment-8
A fun theater story with a lot of heart. I also enjoyed the message this story sends to not only theater kids, but any person who reads it, that they need to be unapologetically themesvles.
Characters-9
The characters in this book were great. I enjoyed the interactions they had, and how they grew as people throughout the story.
Atmosphere-9
As a theater person, I loved the atmosphere of the story. Reading the story sent me back to a similar camp I went to, and I loved how much theater filled this story. Maya Plays the part also read theater people hanging out, and talking about theater like friends, which is what theater is all about. I've read theater stories before, but I loved how much of a theater camp atmosphere this story had.
Writing-8
I thought in this writing was fun. I think ti worked well for the story, and was a great way of keeping the flow of the story. I loved how much theater was in this story in the writing.
Plot-8
The plot was fun. I enjoyed how the characters interacted at the theater camp. I wanted more of the theater bonds, and I wanted Maya and her mom to talk more, and work out what was going on with Maya. This was a short book, so I wish it was longer so we could get some more exploration.
Intrigue-8
This was an interesting story. I wanted to know what was going to happen, and how the showcase was going to go.
Logic-9
I could follow the logic in this story. I really enjoyed how Maya explained what was going on in her head to the reader.
Enojyment-8
A fun theater story with a lot of heart. I also enjoyed the message this story sends to not only theater kids, but any person who reads it, that they need to be unapologetically themesvles.
July 10, 2024
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 this book for review.
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 this book for review.
February 6, 2024
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. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
April 2, 2024
Maya LOVES musicals. Luckily, she’s signed up for a musical theater camp and they’re even doing a showcase of her favorite musical, The Drowsy Chaperone! Maya is autistic and has clear rules for how to be “Maya in Public” so she acts appropriately. She’s SURE she’s going to get the lead and isn’t afraid to share her confidence with others, including her best friend Jules, who recently moved away, and her new friend Aislinn, who is also at the theater camp. But then everything goes sideways: Maya doesn’t get the lead and Aislinn does. Even worse, Maya’s reaction in the moment is hurtful to her new friend. Soon Maya has alienated both her friends and is left feeling confused and angry. When the camp director asks her to be assistant director for the show, Maya at first hesitates, but soon finds that this is an opportunity to share her knowledge, help others, and improve her social skills at the same time. After all, the show must go on!
Reading Maya’s experience in first person by an author who is autistic herself is both revelatory and at times very difficult. Maya wants so badly to be liked and to achieve her goals, but she often doesn’t see how her facial expressions, body language, and statements affect others. Maya’s discovery that there are other ways to be creative and share in the magic of musical theater makes for a wonderful read.
Maya is white; the director Irene Brown is Black, and other characters are racially diverse.
Reading Maya’s experience in first person by an author who is autistic herself is both revelatory and at times very difficult. Maya wants so badly to be liked and to achieve her goals, but she often doesn’t see how her facial expressions, body language, and statements affect others. Maya’s discovery that there are other ways to be creative and share in the magic of musical theater makes for a wonderful read.
Maya is white; the director Irene Brown is Black, and other characters are racially diverse.
January 25, 2024
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.
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.
October 5, 2024
Maya has high hopes for her musical theater summer camp, but even though Maya follows all of the rules her mom has given her for her Maya in Public performance, no one else seems to be following rules at all. Maya is used to playing a part since her autism diagnosis, but no one else is playing the parts she gives them. Maya's best friend Jules has moved away for the summer and doesn't seem to want to connect with Maya anymore. Irene Brown, the director of the camp program, not only didn't cast Maya as the lead in the musical, she didn't even give her a stage part. Aislinn, Maya's new friend, doesn't want to talk to her, Maya's mom is busy studying and no longer has time for her, and no one likes to be on the receiving end of Maya's advice for improving their theatricality. I enjoyed the high emotion of the story and Maya's attempt to follow the rules such as not 'being too much' and 'fix my face,' and 'listen and not get emotional.' When Maya is finally able to really talk to her mother about how her summer is going, she and Maya talk through how to deal with all of the emotions and problems in a way that helps her understand others better.
September 7, 2024
Maya Plays the Part: three stars. Very believable portrayal of an autistic girl! Maya's personality and choices are pretty different from mine, but I could relate so so much to being an autistic kid obsessed with musical theater and coming to the painful realization that this activity isn't very inclusive to me. Except... Maya doesn't seem to think about this? I was hoping the book would explore the conflict of being autistic and trying to participate in something that judges you on your ability to emote in an NT-understandable way. I was at least hoping that Maya would acknowledge how condescendingly Irene Brown was treating her. (I also can relate to being the autistic kid who gets assigned a made-up "special job" to keep me out of the way of the NT kids doing the real activity.) But maybe that would all be too cynical for a lighthearted kids' book.
Anyway! This is a solid autism depiction, with an interesting friendship plot and a strong narrative voice. Looking forward to seeing what Erb will write next.
Anyway! This is a solid autism depiction, with an interesting friendship plot and a strong narrative voice. Looking forward to seeing what Erb will write next.
July 5, 2025
This title is nominated for the 2026 Hackmatack Award in the English fiction category. Our main character, Maya, has autism and one of her special interests is musical theatre. When we first meet Maya, she is eager for her first summer at theatre camp because they are doing her favourite musical and she just knows that she will be perfect for the lead role. After all, she has the entire musical memorized! As you can imagine, things don't work out exactly as Maya imagined they would.
In addition to the camp experience, we see Maya dealing with her evolving friendships with Jules (aka "best friend") and Ash ("regular friend), as well as dealing with her mother's busy schedule as she takes on going to law school. As a 'neurotypical' person I found it very interesting to read from Maya's perspective, especially when she distinguishes between 'public Maya' and 'private Maya'. I can think of a few teenage patrons who would have really benefited from reading a character that is so close to their reality. I would absolutely recommend this for grades 4-6.
In addition to the camp experience, we see Maya dealing with her evolving friendships with Jules (aka "best friend") and Ash ("regular friend), as well as dealing with her mother's busy schedule as she takes on going to law school. As a 'neurotypical' person I found it very interesting to read from Maya's perspective, especially when she distinguishes between 'public Maya' and 'private Maya'. I can think of a few teenage patrons who would have really benefited from reading a character that is so close to their reality. I would absolutely recommend this for grades 4-6.
May 31, 2024
It took me a bit to get into this. The whole intro where Maya pretends she's in the audience with us readers watching her life play out on stage makes sense for her character, but felt a bit too artificial to draw me in.
But I'm glad I stuck with it. It was good to see Maya grow in this story, and learn to be more considerate/less self-centred/a better friend. I felt for Jules and Ainsley who were going through their own stuff that Maya just kinda barrelled past, so I'm glad Maya learned from her experiences.
And I especially like how Maya learned that even though things may not happen as she hoped/planned, they may still turn out better than she expected. I like how she formed good friendships at the theatre camp, and also figured out potential other paths for her to pursue her interest in theatre.
But I'm glad I stuck with it. It was good to see Maya grow in this story, and learn to be more considerate/less self-centred/a better friend. I felt for Jules and Ainsley who were going through their own stuff that Maya just kinda barrelled past, so I'm glad Maya learned from her experiences.
And I especially like how Maya learned that even though things may not happen as she hoped/planned, they may still turn out better than she expected. I like how she formed good friendships at the theatre camp, and also figured out potential other paths for her to pursue her interest in theatre.
March 9, 2025
Thank you to Annick Press for having a contest and giving me the chance to win and read this book.
I really enjoyed Maya as a character. I enjoyed seeing her grow and learn how to manage her quirks. It was also interesting so see how she had acted and what the consequences were and how she could right those actions. Just seeing that growth was huge because it’s hard for anyone to admit when they are wrong and have been a bad friend. I liked seeing her also learn that even though she had her mind set on a part to broaden her horizons and see what else she can excel at and she did that in the end. I’ll be keeping this one around for my daughter to read when she’s a bit older. I also don’t think I’ve read an own voices about an autistic character so it was new to me.
I recommend this one to everyone.
I really enjoyed Maya as a character. I enjoyed seeing her grow and learn how to manage her quirks. It was also interesting so see how she had acted and what the consequences were and how she could right those actions. Just seeing that growth was huge because it’s hard for anyone to admit when they are wrong and have been a bad friend. I liked seeing her also learn that even though she had her mind set on a part to broaden her horizons and see what else she can excel at and she did that in the end. I’ll be keeping this one around for my daughter to read when she’s a bit older. I also don’t think I’ve read an own voices about an autistic character so it was new to me.
I recommend this one to everyone.
February 1, 2024
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.
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.
March 15, 2024
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.
May 27, 2024
This is a novel for musical & theatre lovers!
I will definitely be recommending this delightful book to my students involved with school plays & musical theatre. Our main character Maya is so relatable in many ways, while also giving us a very personal peak into what it feels like to her to be neurodivergent. She is constantly having to use her “Maya in public” persona, and we see how it is such a challenge for her to really “fit” into how her camp mates & the adults around expect her to behave. I really appreciated how the novel dealt with her friendship issues in an honest way, and how although it didn’t work out as she hoped/planned, it was real & taught her a lot.
Perfect for readers grades 3-6 I feel!
I will definitely be recommending this delightful book to my students involved with school plays & musical theatre. Our main character Maya is so relatable in many ways, while also giving us a very personal peak into what it feels like to her to be neurodivergent. She is constantly having to use her “Maya in public” persona, and we see how it is such a challenge for her to really “fit” into how her camp mates & the adults around expect her to behave. I really appreciated how the novel dealt with her friendship issues in an honest way, and how although it didn’t work out as she hoped/planned, it was real & taught her a lot.
Perfect for readers grades 3-6 I feel!
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July 28, 2025What a great little book! I love middle grade books about summer camps so that alone is a great start, then on top of that we have a main character who is autistic and we follow her experiences from inside her head. This sometimes gets frustrating and annoying, but if that's how I feel just reading about it, she must have been twice as exhausted, so this book did a great job showing that! I also really liked how her mother supported her and helped her out when she needed it. Overall a great, wholesome read, with an ending that may leave you feeling bittersweet, but that's how life is. Highly recommend!
July 29, 2025
*4.5* This book offers a strong character representation of someone on the autism spectrum, navigating social challenges with authenticity and heart. It provides valuable insight for readers who may not be familiar with autism, all through the perspective of 12-year-old Maya. As she attends theatre camp, copes with her best friend moving away, and learns to build new friendships, readers see her struggles and growth. Maya’s need for control, which might be misunderstood by others as selfishness, is actually a reflection of one of the common traits of autism, being hyper-focused rather than controlling.
August 15, 2024
I deeply deeply loved this book. As a drama nerd with ADHD growing up I really connected with this one. I understand the disappointment Maya faces and the obsessive need to talk musical theatre to everyone (I did the same. I blared musical theatre from my burned CDs to anyone and everyone not at all caring whether they liked it or not). I loved the authentic neurodiverse representation. My students will love this one. So much heart here. So much deep love for theatre. Loved everything about this.
July 11, 2025
MAYA PLAYS THE PART by Calyssa Erb
I found this book accidentally, searching the library catalog for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and I’m so glad I did! I love Maya, her love of musicals, her desire to be center stage, her struggle to make friends, her personal quirks, and her loving, generous heart. I also love her caring parents and her wonderful, inspiring director.
Lessons abound, listening to others, facing disappointments, enjoying surprises, being oneself.
This is classified as a middle-grade novel, but I found it delightful . . . never too old to enjoy a good book.
I found this book accidentally, searching the library catalog for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and I’m so glad I did! I love Maya, her love of musicals, her desire to be center stage, her struggle to make friends, her personal quirks, and her loving, generous heart. I also love her caring parents and her wonderful, inspiring director.
Lessons abound, listening to others, facing disappointments, enjoying surprises, being oneself.
This is classified as a middle-grade novel, but I found it delightful . . . never too old to enjoy a good book.
July 12, 2025
A friend recommended this book to me (doom) and I picked it up but ended up putting it down in the pile. Got to a point where I needed a read, so did. The reason I put this down is because I found it very triggering due to the relationships that the main character struggles with; they mirror some of my own horrendous moments. Intellectually, I like the resolution, but I still felt the weight of what couldn't be finished. The main character is not charming, but a real person who does eventually draw the reader in. Worthwhile story.
July 8, 2024
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?
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