The Many Fortunes of Maya: A Thoughtful Coming-of-Age Novel Filled with Soccer, Family, and the Power of Listening to Your Heart

by Nicole D. Collier

In this lyrical novel that will appeal to fans of Meg Medina, Maya turns to her trusty "wheel of fortunes" for guidance on the toughest questions—like why her best friend suddenly feels far away, or when her Daddy will move back home. But can Maya find the courage to write her own fortune?  Maya J. Jenkins is bursting with For answers and a dose of good luck, 12-year-old Maya turns to her Wheel of Fortunes, a cardboard circle covered with the small slips of wisdom she’s collected from fortune cookies. But can the fortunes answer her deep-down questions? The ones she’s too scared to ask out loud? Like, where did Mama’s smile go, the real one that lit up everything around her? When will Daddy move back home? And most of all, does she have enough courage to truly listen to the voice in her heart?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Juvenile, Childrens, Fiction, Divorce

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2023

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was a really sweet middle grade book. I think Maya (MJ’s) story is one that would be relatable to a lot of kids this age. I enjoyed listening to this one.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Anika Noni Rose
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Middle Grade
Length: 4h 54m

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Many Fortunes of Many is a heartfelt story about Maya, a 12-year-old who is juggling a bunch of life experiences: soccer, secretly playing the flute, her parent's separation, and trying to live up to what she thinks her parents want her to do.

Maya has watched her mom be unhappy and during her parent's separation, Maya discovers who her mom was before she became her mom. This discovery added depth to Maya's understanding of her mom.

The book captures the challenges and discoveries of growing up.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Anika Noni Rose
Length: 4h 54m

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

[Melissa Dassori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Many Fortunes of Maya is full of heart, joy and relatable emotions. As Maya struggles to decide between dedicating time to soccer or her beloved flute, the choice becomes even harder when her parents begin a trial separation and she worries about letting down her soccer-loving dad. As she did in Just Right Jillian, one of the many strengths of this novel is Collier's creation of a wonderful cast of fully-developed characters who support Maya's story while also adding real depth. I soaked this one up in a weekend, eager to see what came next and savoring the story since I didn't want it to end. A moving novel for middle grade readers with ample fun mixed in.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

[Ainun Zahra]

Thank you so much Netgalley and Nicole for the ARC!

The Many Fortunes of Maya is a lovely read, one that I enjoyed to the core. In the first chapter, we are introduced to some of the issues she is having with her family. For example- being forced to choose between what she wants to do and what her dad wants her to do. (A typical day in an Asian household)

Maya (called MJ by most), loves playing 'Flicker' the flute. But to make sure her dad doesn't suspect her loyalty to soccer, a sport both of them enjoy but is her dad's favourite thing in the world, she decides to play it in secret. It's her way of expressing her love and creating a special connection with her father.

She starts her day by spinning the 'Wheel of Fortune'. Each fortune acts as a compass, deciding her mantra for next 24 hours and gives the much needed push before a big event. But as her parents start the trial of separation, the biggest event/change in Maya's life, the fortunes don't seem to follow up. She starts losing everything she gave blood, sweat and tears for and suddenly, there's this dark cloud hanging over her head with no probability of the sun showing up. Maya's story strongly resonated with me, as I, have navigated through my share of family struggles. It reminded me how there are always two sides of a story and how we should listen to both of them before making judgements. Highly recommended!

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Jenkins known as M.J. has many questions and relies on her “Wheel of Fortune” for wisdom. She is a soccer player, secret flute player, and a lonely summer. She has many questions in her head but doesn't ask them out loud. A middle schooler who is trying to find her way through life. She lives with her mom and dad until the “trial of separation” comes.
I love how Maya spins the wheel to find her “wisdomisms’ of the day. The chapter titles are her pearls of wisdom of the day. Some of those fortunes ring so true.
I can relate to Maya, her mom and dad, and her friends. The lives of the characters are realistic, and could really happen. The characters are likable and relatable. Some of the experiences the characters have in the story are so real.
The pacing of the storyline was on point. I wanted to continue to read page after page. It kept me entertained throughout the book. The dialogue between the characters was realistic and relatable also.
I have never read this author before but it will not be my last. I recommend this book to older elementary and middle-grade students. I give this book 4 stars.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about 12-year-old Maya J. Jenkins (MJ, for short), daughter, friend, soccer player, secret flute player, and believer in fortunes from fortune cookies. Maya's sunny world darkens when her parents tell her they're separating. How will she get through the summer? The characters are engaging and real, especially MJ and her parents (plus I loved her uncle Jimmy, who is Daddy's identical twin!). The dialogue is spot-on. The pace is perfect. You may be tempted to read this in one sitting. Thank you to the author and Versify for a chance to read an ARC!

[Chrystal D. Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collier is so talented at creating relatable characters! Maya is a young girl swirling with questions and in search for answers. Readers will fall for her curiosity and feel for her when things start to spiral out of control around her. I especially loved how the author highlighted how our closest relationships can be fine one moment and not fine the next, a very familiar theme in the middle grades.

Readers will love how Maya learns to listen to herself and do what she loves!

[Dara Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about many things! Soccer, parents separating, friendships, parent expectations, and finding out who your parents were before they were a parent! MANY topics middle schoolers could relate to! I enjoyed this book!
#bookposse

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I loved about this book, but my favorite part was all of the fortunes sprinkled in. These would make great affirmations for all readers. A great book with a great message and real character change.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Even though I've never seen one in person, wood thrushes are my favorite bird of all time.

Premise/plot: Maya J. Jenkins has a vision of how she wants this summer to go. And it all begins with her winning MVP at the soccer banquet. She'll be a super-start at soccer camp. She'll prove her value and worth to everyone. She'll easily get invited to play on teams. She'll spend time with her closest friends with no friction. Her parents will quit fighting. But no matter how much she envisions this happily-ever-after or best-case-scenario version of events, reality is far, far, far different. And it all starts to fall apart over a few days. Her best friend gets MVP and, I believe, the very next day she learns that her parents will be doing a trial separation for the summer. Fortunately, she has a super-amazing-incredible Uncle to help her out. [Actually, her mother, her father, and her uncle are all really great at helping Maya or "MJ" out.]

This is the summer where Maya will begin to question who she is and what she wants....for example, does she really WANT soccer to be 'her thing'??? Does she want it be a time-consuming obsession??? Or is she merely 'friends' with soccer? What if she thinks about what she wants instead of what her parents want??? What if 'her thing' is music??? [Like her Uncle]

My thoughts: I enjoyed this coming of age middle grade novel. I love the focus on family and friendship. I think there's enough sports that those who seek out sports in their fiction will be satisfied yet for those who avoid sports won't be super-annoyed at all the sports talk. It's a hard balance between the two! I loved the level of characterization. The relationships felt so well done in this one. I particularly loved how she had a good, solid, close relationship with her parents and her uncle. It was great to see adults who clearly love her and value her work together to take care of her.

I definitely enjoyed this one.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya loves a lot of things. Like soccer, which her dad loves. And flute, which she plays in secret. She also loves fortunes, and spins a wheel every day to see what her day might bring. She also loves her best friend, and her mom and dad. But one summer, everything seems to change. She didn't get MVP on her soccer team, which means the Chargers might not notice her. Her best friend doesn't seem to be talking to her anymore. And worst of all, her dad is moving out for the summer, and it's all her mom's fault.

Nicole Collier brings forward in just 8 short weeks so many topics of frustration and despair. The possibility of your parents separating. Losing your best friend. Realizing you're not as good at some activities as you thought you were. But Collier also offers Maya plenty of room for growth: she must learn to not only listen but to understand. Her uncle has her listen to jazz (her least favorite genre) to show her how so many moving parts come together to create something unexpected and beautiful. Maya learns more about her mother's past and together she learns how to swim in the deep end. She takes the time to learn why her best friend has been so distant and realizes that in the end, it really had nothing to do with her at all.

The Many Fortunes of Maya was a fantastic read, equal parts heart-wrenching and loving. Growing pains are, well, painful. But they're necessary to be a better person, to continue to strive to be a better person.

[Donna Metler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Maya plays soccer because her dad played and loves it. She plays her flute in “quiet mode” because she doesn’t want to look less committed. However, when her father moves out, Maya starts questioning her life, and her loves, and her choices.

This is a book that many kids will see themselves in. The effort to get on a club team because that’s what your parents want, and to put other things aside to allow time for sports is something that a lot of kids deal with. And the recognition that you know one parent far better than the other and that maybe, just maybe, there are parts of your family history you don’t fully know and understand is something that rings true as well.

I also really appreciate that Florida A&M is called out-it’s nice to see HBCU’s getting representation in books and increased awareness of schools that are not Ivies or extremely large state flagships. All told, this is a positive book which deserves a placement in classroom and school libraries and homes.

[Sally Engelfried · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a straightforward, sweet, and satisfying story of Maya, who loves to play soccer but wishes she could still play the flute. Years ago her parents suggested she choose which one was her passion, and she chose soccer because her dad loves it so much. Now she's at a crossroads with the sport and must decide if she wants to commit to a more serious team or if she's brave enough to let her parents know that she still loves playing the flute. Meanwhile, her parents have let her know they are going to have a trial separation, and Maya is left wondering if it's something she did or if there's anything she can do to reunite them or bring a smile back to her mother's face. The nuances of the ups and downs of Maya's emotions are captured beautifully, and her gradual realization that she needs to share her "Deep Downs" as she and her best friend call their difficult feelings, is paced perfectly. This is a wonderful book that depicts the very relatable situation of a tween trying to decide who she is.

[EllaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Fortunes of Maya certainly kept me on my toes! I read it over the course of last summer, and it honestly made me so sad when her (SPOILER ALERT) father moves out. The reason is pretty complicated, and it takes a while for you to figure it out, so you have to stick with it till the end ;). This book explores trying new things and experiences, understanding what people need, and finding what you, yes you, need. Explored through the perspective of a soccer (and secretly flute) loving girl who is figuring everything out just like we all are! This review may seem a bit dry, but that's because I wrote it a few months after I read the book (same with my "Indigo and Ida" review, I apologize) but trust me: if you like realistic fiction, a little bit of mystery, and just a fun Georgia summertime adventure, give Maya a chance. She'll surprise you!

#SOCCERFANS,COMETOME!!! #Sweetlikeapopsicle #LOVING:) #Georgiasummer,baby!!!

[Terry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember as a young person, ascribing luck to omens. If this happened, it would mean I made the cheering squad. If that happened, we’d win the football game. I can totally identify with Maya, who’s going through a rough friend patch and who’s obsessed with fortunes from fortune cookies. She spins a wheel and reads the fortune it points to. And the patch is really rough. Not only does she see herself losing her friends, but she isn’t getting the kudos she expects in soccer—the way she and her father connect—and then there’s the flute. Why is she playing it in secret? But worst of all Maya has to deal with family problems which dwarf everything else by comparison. Maya grows, and her journey ends perhaps differently than she expected, but it ends in hope. Kudos to Nicole Collier for bringing a wonderful character to life and dealing with a very difficult subject.

[Shaunasandberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I loved how fiercely devoted to her family Maya is and how determined she is to keep it together. Her emotions are over the place, naturally, as her parents, decide to have a trial separation. She has many questions and wonders why she didn't have any say in such an important matter. But I loved how this book hung in there with all of the characters, not only Maya, but with her mom and Dad, and how ultimately they worked things out. And how they all ultimately encourage each other to find out ways to be true to "themselves," which is cast as the ultimate virtue in our society, but also realize the importance of working together and looking out for each other, like a team--which Maya learns in soccer, but also in friendships and especially in her family. I devoured it

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read (and loved) Just Right Jillian. I was excited to read this one with my family. But it didn't work as a read aloud. We've been falling out of that habit, and our books need to be shorter than this one is to be successful.

(Side note: I think our family nightly reading is approaching the end. It's been three plus years - every night, huddled in Will's room. Some memories are going to seem sweeter with time passing; all of us, cozied up in the bedtime-ready room, warming ourselves by a story, will make one of the best memories.)

So I read it alone and devoured it voraciously, like I did with Jillian. Collier's writing is fluid, her messaging a little on the nose, and the overall effect of her work is uplifting.

I don't want to write about this now. I've made myself too sad/nostalgic thinking about family reading.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It hits all the feels. Not only does Maya have to figure out which activity she wants to keep participating in: Flute or Soccer, she also has to deal with her parents' separation & trying to earn her green bracelet so she can swim in the deep end of the new community pool. Not easy for a 12 year old; so many decisions to make! Each morning she spins her wheel of fortune (aka fortune cookie fortunes) to see what the day will bring. Will her fortunes answer the questions for her or will she need to dig deep down and figure out things for herself? I loved how the author used the fortunes for the chapter titles and how they fit into story. Definitely another to add to the collection!

[Sara Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya is a talented soccer player (her father's sport), but has a secret (or so she thinks) love for the flute. Her parents' trial separation makes her question soccer, her mom's loss of sparkle, her friendships.

Collier does some really nice things in here and the book will speak to kids facing parents separating as well as kids feeling trapped in a sport or other activity that isn't their own love. The friendship challenges feel real too.

As an adult reader, I don't love when authors loop back to the BIG question to end each chapter, which Collier does here. It is a standard technique in middle grade books, and it probably helps some new-to-novels readers. Just not something I enjoy.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Many Fortunes of Maya explores real-life issues that face kids every day. Her parents aren’t happy. They need to change things up and explore life separately. Add to that, Maya desperately wants to make her dad proud. Soccer is “their thing,” and she loves it, but she’s not sure it’s her passion.

Author Nicole D. Collier’s invites her readers in with warm and comfortable prose. Her writing is like a warm hug. She takes readers on a journey as she fully realizes Maya’s character. And her use of friends is nicely balanced.

The highlights of The Many Fortunes of Maya are the familiar interactions. Maya with her parents and Maya with her uncle. It’s lovely to see them work through things alone and together. It’s authentic and beautiful and full of hope and promise.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book as part of the "Guadalupe - Reinas" reading challenge by LibrosB4Tipos, with the premise of finding a "sports book." After reading a couple of other titles in this category, I was hooked on the theme of female leads in sports—and Maya didn’t disappoint.

This coming-of-age story is incredibly sweet. It has moments that break your heart, times that make you cheer for Maya, and even instances where I found myself wanting to give her advice like she was a real kid. Maya’s journey, guided by her Wheel of Fortunes, is relatable and touching, as she faces tough questions about family, friendships, and finding her own voice.

I definitely recommend this as a great read for kids around Maya’s age. It’s heartfelt and inspiring!

[Nicole Lesperance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and heartfelt story about learning how to find yourself. Maya is a sweet and earnest protagonist, and both her day-to-day life and her struggles are relatable and engaging. As a parent of two kids around Maya's age, I think kids will really identify with her and the way she processes and reacts to things. I loved her "wheel of fortunes" and the way it interplayed with the story, and how she learned its lessons without anything ever feeling heavy handed. The relationships (with parents and friends) were especially deep and nuanced, and I appreciated that nothing was sugar-coated, but you're still left with this lovely, light sense of hope. A truly wonderful read!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

4.5 stars for Collier's debut follow up! An engaging story about navigating friendships, parents who are struggling in their marriage, and pursuing the things that bring you joy. I thought it was particularly interesting to see MJ struggle with whether to continue playing soccer or to pursue her love of the flute, especially because I think all too often kids are told sports are better than the arts.

As a side note, I really loved their family tradition of a games on Friday night in alphabetical order, could be a fun challenge for kids to think of a game for each letter of the alphabet!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant and relatable story of Maya, whose summer seems to be ruined when 1: her best friend is picked as VIP on their soccer team instead of her, 2: her parents begin a trial separation, and 3: the rules at the community pool change, leaving her in the shallow end away from her friends. Maya has supportive and loving adults in her life, and good friends too, who seem to know what makes them happy. Can she be honest with them - and herself - about what makes her happy?
This is a story many young readers will connect with, as they move from pleasing their parents to discovering their own loves and talents. Recommended for age 9+

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book held a lot of potential but unfortunately the potential remained unfulfilled.
What worked: Collier set up the possibility of deep discussions and real character growth.
What didn't work: The set up never had any payoff. So many of the issues alluded to, if they had answers, were solved unsatisfactorily or not solved at all. Additionally, the titular fortunes somehow had direct applicability whenever Maya spun the wheel she had created, something that really stretched the suspension of disbelief. Perhaps I could have looked over some of the flaws if the resolution of the story had made sense for the characters Collier created.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this heartfelt story, Maya's settled life (being a soccer superstar with a happy family and great friends) is upended when her parents start to have problems. She's faced with the question whether her dedication to this sport is out of loyalty to her father and what it is she really wants. Maya tries to navigate her family's difficulties while finding meaning in fortune cookies, practicing her beloved flute, taking on a swimming challenge, and dealing with uncertainty on the soccer field. Maya is a relatable and lovable character that readers can't help but root for. Highly recommended read!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Collier delves deep into the hearts and minds of her middle grade characters, capturing all the sensations and details that make their situations feel real. I loved Jillian from her first book, Just Right Jillian, and love Maya just as much. The conflicts between soccer and flute, mom and dad, underpinned by her feeling of distance from her best friend and desire to get a "green" bracelet in the pool all weave together beautifully in this heartfelt, pitch-perfect story. Highly recommend!

[Sam Subity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read about a girl who's torn between what she loves and what she thinks everyone else wants her to love. Over the course of the story, she learns to listen to her own voice and embrace her passions, even if it means risking disappointing her family and friends. I loved how each chapter begins with a fortune cookie fortune that defines the theme for that chapter, and the very real way we see Maya struggling to find her identity even while her world seems to be falling apart around her.