The Wall of Fame Game

The Magnificent Mya Tibbs #2

by Crystal Allen

The most fabulous nine-year-old cowgirl in Texas is back in this heartwarming and hilarious sequel to The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown! Perfect for fans of Clementine and Ivy and Bean.

Nine-year-old Mya Tibbs is in a triple heap of trouble. As the Tibbs household prepares for the new baby, Mya is extra excited to spend time with her mom watching their favorite Annie Oakley marathon before her new sister arrives. Until she’s cornered into a bet with her number-one enemy, Naomi Jackson, that she can beat her in the famous fourth-grade Wall of Fame Game—which means Mya is stuck studying every night instead of hanging out with Mom. As if that wasn’t enough, Mya just entered Bluebonnet’s annual chili cook-off, even though she doesn’t know how to cook! Holy moly!

Can Mya find a way to beat Naomi, win the chili cook-off, and get some special mom/daughter time before it’s too late?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Family, Humor

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2017

Reviews

[Tonya Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mya the Magnificent is back for more boot-scootin' fun in this second installment of the award winning series. This time she's facing not only mean girl, Naomi, but also feelings of being left out as her parents get ready for the birth of her new baby sister, Macey. Mom's almost ready to "download" baby sis and doesn't feel up to keeping their special mother-daughter traditions, and it seems like Dad's given up hope on big brother "Nugget," playing baseball and is waiting to share the past-time with his new daughter. To add to the stress, Mya signs up for both the Wall of Fame Game academic challenge and the chili cook-off, for all the wrong reasons, and feels the world will crumble if she fails. Once again, author Crystal Allen perfectly captures the conflicts and emotions experienced by nine-year-old Mya and her slightly older brother, adding in plenty of humor and shenanigans to boot. Kids ages 8-10 will love this heartwarming story about a sweet, spunky girl and her close-knit family.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun! Mya is a stand-out character, flawed in all the right ways, and her growing friendship with Connie is wonderful. Even better was getting to know Nugget in this book, and see his character develop.
A perfect series for early elementary, and a great read-aloud.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute coming of age story. book two in a series, but no need to have read the first book to enjoy this. The book prizes learning, and learning things right, above all else. This was a really cute and fun story. I highly recommend this for a young reader or anyone else. I love Maya's over the top cowgirl lifestyle and her determination. She is a girl of true grit.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magnificent Mya Tibbs is at it again! This time her plate is overflowing with a school academic competition, her brother Nugget's baseball dilemma and the annual chili cook-off. On top of that her mom's about to "download" Mya's baby sister any minute. This book is so Mya. Fun for anyone who loves nine-year-old cowgirls, humor and a good old fashioned "Ka-Clunk!" Yee-hah.

Many thanks to Crystal Allen for sharing Mya,
Al Monte

[Sarah Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** Nine-year-old Mya Tibbs is the sassy protagonist you need in your life. Perfect for middle school and elementary kids, this book is easy to read, filled with great lines, and has a wonderful message: Be true to yourself and don't do something just to spite someone else.

Dealing with the hard concept of a new sibling, Mya feels as though her life with her family is going to fall apart, and that her mother will have no time for her with the new baby. Mya is terrified of losing time with her mom, and is moreso when she realizes that she's made a terrible bet with her enemy that forces her to spend all her free time studying, and THEN she decides to enter a chilli cook off against her mother's disapproval because she's mad that someone might take their winning spot. Mya has a "win or die trying" type of nature and she really learns a lot about dealing with that, and learning how to win in a positive way.

I'd recommend this book to anyone with a child or who knows a child that's got an "I MUST WIN" streak, or anyone who's competitive in a negative way with others. I'd also recommend this book to children who have new siblings on the way and are struggling to deal with how that may change their family life.

[Russell Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Controller of the Universe needed a gift for children, he sent them Crystal Allen. Allen’s books are clever, funny, and instructive. Her beloved character Mya Tibbs is back in The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: The Wall of Fame Game, the second in the Tibbs series. In this one, nine-year old Mya is determined to win her place on the Wall of Fame by answering a series of hard question in one week, plus she also sets her sights on winning the local chili cook-off. Her reasons for both are not the best, but Allen’s mastery shows by bringing Mya around to the best of intentions. All the while, we are laughing at Mya’s over-the-top antics. Children who read this book will love Mya—even more if they have read the first Mya Tibbs book—and they will be enchanted by Allen’s imagery, imagination, and outright outrageous humor. The good news is that a third installment of the series was released in 2020, so the laughter goes on.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great middle grade book about hard work and determination. Crystal Allen addresses a lot of family issues and friendship circumstance. Bullying, breaking promises, and integrity are all part of the dynamics with Mya and her friends. Second in the series, but could be a stand alone.

[Elaine Donadio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for 8-10 year old readers.

What a delightful book! We meet 4th Grader Mya Tibbs from Bluebonnet, Texas who is filled with a zest for life and a cowgirl spirit that keeps her going through all situations. When Mya is challenged by the class mean girl, Naomi, to participate in the school Wall of Fame Game Mya is motivated by the challenge as she thinks, 'Everybody is looking at me. Naomi just called me out like the bad guys called out Annie Oakley, back in the Wild West, for a duel in the middle of the street.' "I have no choice," Mya announces to her best friend, Connie. Yee-haw!

Mya's competitive spirit leads her to study daily for the Wall of Fame Game. Mya  also practices every day to re-create her mom's chili recipe until she gets it right so she may win the community contest. Mya's mom has won the last two years, but her baby girl is due to be born any day, and she must stay off her feet. Mya accepts this challenge so mean Mrs. Frazier won't win. Cowgirl Mya is intent upon stealing the show at the chili contest by performing a cowgirl chili song.

Mya, her brother, and their friends all help to prepare the room for the new baby girl, Macey so it will be ready when she is brought home from the hospital. All of the friends also display a generosity of spirit in helping without expecting anything back.

Mya wins one contest, but not the other. Her mother explains that the beauty of entering both contests gives a reason for the family to work together as a unit so they can help one another practice to accomplish their goals. While Mya is determined and has a one track mind about winning, her older brother, Nugget, is a wonderful example of another way to handle challenges. Nugget tries repeatedly to make the baseball team, but once he realizes his strength lies in coaching, he graciously announces to his family, friends, and coach that he excels at coaching and would like to act as an assistant coach to bring his team to victory. And that's what he does.

I loved this book for showing readers how a functional family and community work with healthy competitiveness and a generous spirit in helping loved ones achieve their goals. Everyone in this story worked hard for what they wanted to achieve. No whining allowed!

Lesson Ideas—

The author included the following website as provided by Mrs. Heather Renz who provided information from the Mastery Club as a reference for anyone interested in playing the Wall of Fame Game or looking for other teaching tools to use in the classroom or at home. Go to http://www.mrsrenz.net/forstudents/ma....

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childrens realistic fiction. Mya Tibbs has come across my mind several times since I listened to the first book in the series, which was 9 months ago. She is such a unique character-- a young black girl who unabashedly loves cowgirl culture. She's very genuine and loves with her whole heart. In this story, her class is participating in the Hall of Fame Game-- a memory contest where you are given three trivia question and asked the answer the next day. Each day it gets harder, so on Friday she has 3 questions with 5 answers each. Mya at first doesn't want to participate because it sounds like more studying, but her continued rivalry with Naomi leads her to sign up. As she learns the trivia answers, she becomes fascinated with the information, and discovers some other reasons to excel besides beating Naomi.

Meanwhile, at home, her mother is getting closer and closer to "downloading" her baby sister. Her mother is low on time and energy, and Mya is feeling neglected and resentful of her future sister. Her brother Nugget is suffering through resentment on his own, thinking their father doesn't believe in him. While the children take matters into their own hands, they are eventually able to open up to their parents and see their good intentions.

The relationships are the true strength in this series. From Mya's relationships with her family, to her friends in her classroom, to various people in the school and community-- connecting with others is very important for these characters. Another great entry in this early middle grade series. I have already started the last book in the series and will be sad to say goodbye to Mya tibbs.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen, Crystal The Wall of Fame Game (The Magnificent Mya Tibbs #2). 272 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Balzer + Bray (HarperCollinsPublishers), 2017. $16.99. Content: Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G.

Mya Tibbs is a fourth grade student living in Bluebonnet, Texas. She decides to participate in the Wall of Fame Game, a question-and-answer fact game, after classmate Naomi challenges her. If she masters the game, she will get her name placed on the Wall of Fame and Naomi will have to wear a lame T-shirt. If she loses, then she’ll have to admit that Naomi is smarter than her and wear the shirt. The annual chili cook-off is also approaching. Maya enjoys helping her mom, who has won first place for the past two years, cook her chili. But this year her mom doesn’t enter because she is pregnant and not feeling well. Mya decides to enter on her own, even though she knows nothing about cooking. Mya is very busy and has a lot to worry about!

This is the second book in the Mya Tibbs series and takes place approximately three weeks since the events of the first book. Enough background is given that you don’t need to have read the first book though. Mya is a spunky, creative, caring character who learns many lessons throughout this book. Readers will hopefully get some valuable takeaways learning from Mya’s mistakes.

EL – ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Nancy W.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mya Tibbs is a spunky African-American 4th grade student at her school in Texas where her family owns a store. She has an older brother in the 5th grade. Both of her parents attended the same elementary school. Mya's mom is expecting a baby soon, a younger sister to be named Macey. Mya is already feeling a change in her relationship with her mom and the time and activities they used to do together. Mya decides to enter the Wall of Fame Game, a well-known competition for fourth graders at her school. Her initial reason is due to a bet with her worst enemy in her class. Then Mya also decides to enter the annual chili cook-off in her mom's place. She has a lot going on and a lot of stress to go with all of these commitments. Eventually, Mya comes to several realizations about her undertakings and what is truly important in her life. There are important lessons here about over-committing, jealousy, family, and friendship. A very satisfying read for girls in grades 3-6, particularly African-American girls.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too much cowgirl for me. I had a hard time getting through the first couple of chapters-the cowgirl elements felt way overdone. But I like Mya's slow discovery of cooking (the first attempt was hilarious), especially with her mom and realizing she had those elements with her mom in other areas of her life. I also like her transition from just wanting to beat a competitive schoolmate to wanting to win for herself and her new baby sister. I love the close relationship of Mya and her brother Nugget (poor kid with that nickname!) but it felt unrealistic as a sibling relationship!

[Claire Bobrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the spunky character of Mya Tibbs, as well as her family members, plus...a chili cookoff! I thought the academic challenges presented to Maya in the form of the Wall of Fame Game were a lot of fun, and her struggle to understand her motivation(s) for competing felt real and relatable. The secondary story of her brother's relationship with their dad also rang true.

[Julie Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mya Tibbs is my kind of gal -- rootin' tootin' teller of tarrydiddles. She gets in a pinch when she enters two contests at once, has a new sister on the way, and her brother's in a pickle too. What does Mya do -- comes out on top due to her hard work and can-do attitude. Younger Middle Grade readers will adore this great new character.

[Clare Doornbos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stuff. Mya tries to do the right things for the wrong reasons and gets unexpected results. She's a great, complex character and those around her are well realized too.

[Dutchbaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun main character who uses great expressions.

[Jnase1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Mya Tibbs book! I love the messages of family and friendship in this series, and this book added a message of determination. Can’t wait to read book 3.

[Mikela Alvarado]

It was great!!

[Alvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mya Tibbs is a complete character and this was fun to read. Read this with one of our daughter's and she enjoys Ms. Tibbs theatrical ways.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boo-yang! Mya and Nugget figure out that motivation makes all the difference in the competitions they've entered, and baby Macey is born.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun to read! These are very real middle schoolers and the characterization is spot on.

[Dixie Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Allen's energetic young 4th grade protagonist arrives on the scene again as she becomes the middle child in her family! Mya's personality boot scoots into our hearts as she worries about her mom who is about to give birth and as she navigates an academic competition at school. From family to friends to frolic and fun, Mya's exciting life events (along with her unique spirit) provides lower grade middle schoolers with a relatable story relevant to today's classrooms and the lives of families and the community. This second book in the series is just as fun and inventive as the first--third to fifth graders will find a new friend in Mya--one of my favorite new characters who is real, who asks lots of questions, and who loves herself, her friends and her family!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mya is a whirlwind of 9 year old energy wrapped in cowgirl glamour. She has a lot in her saddle bag in this book and she manages to handle all her of obligations with much success. Between competing in the Wall of Fame Game and preparing her mother's famous chili for the town's competition, Mya retains her sense of spirit and fair play. She's also eagerly waiting to become an older sister and explain the satisfaction of wearing pink cowboy boots. This is a wonderful book sure to please cowgirls wherever they may live. I received my copy from the publisher through edelweiss.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth grade continues and Mya keeps learning lessons about herself, her family, and her friends. The Wall of Fame competition is a major event but is she competing for the right reasons. Her brother, Nugget, also has to figure out why he's participating in baseball. The new baby arrives near the end of the book and everyone celebrates being part of a family.