The Many Fortunes of Maya
on Goodreads (195)
What’s inside...
In this lyrical novel, 12-year-old Maya Jenkins seeks answers to life's toughest questions by consulting her Wheel of Fortunes, a homemade device filled with wisdom from fortune cookies. As she grapples with her parents' separation and changing friendships, Maya wonders about deep, unspoken concerns such as her mother's fading happiness and her father's absence. Ultimately, she must decide if she can muster the courage to listen to her own heart and chart her own path.
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maya J. Jenkins
Discussion points
How did Maya's attitude towards the challenges she faced change throughout the story? What does that teach us about handling difficult situations?
Maya meets many different characters in the book, each with their own story. Which character did you find most interesting, and why?
What are some of the fortunes Maya discovers, and how do they affect her journey? Can fortunes always be measured by what we find?
If you could give Maya one piece of advice at the start of her adventures, what would it be and why?
How does the relationship between Maya and her friends influence the outcome of the story? What does this tell us about the importance of friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate Maya’s experiences to your child's own life. Ask them to compare when they have faced something difficult and how they resolved it.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Maya felt during key moments in the story, and why they believe she felt that way.
Discuss the concept of 'fortune' in the book and explore together what your child considers as 'fortune' in their own life.
Create a positive discussion environment where there's no right or wrong answer to opinions about the story. This can help in nurturing your child’s analytical and emotional skills.
After reading, engage your child in a creative activity like drawing one of the scenes or writing a letter to Maya, which can help them process the story's themes more deeply.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Maya learns to empathize with others, distinguishing herself through actions that demonstrate understanding towards her friends' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by acknowledging their friends' emotions and offering support during challenging times, fostering deeper connections.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Maya faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle obstacles with perseverance, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes building and maintaining strong friendships, as Maya relies on her friends and they on her to navigate their adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and invest in friendships, recognizing the role they play in personal happiness and emotional support.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving Skills
Explanation: Maya employs critical thinking and creativity to solve mysteries and challenges presented in the book.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use innovative thinking and decision-making skills in their daily challenges, enhancing their cognitive abilities.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to diverse cultures through Maya's interactions and the various settings she explores.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and respect cultural differences, promoting inclusivity and global awareness from a young age.