Mya's Strategy to Save the World

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Twelve-year-old Mya Parsons could save the world and organize her family, if only she had her own cell phone. A Dork Diaries for today's socially conscious young readers.

Mya Parsons runs her school's social justice club with her best friend, Cleo. Her lifelong desire is to work for the United Nations and change the world, and then bask in all the ensuing adulation. Her more immediate desire is to get a phone, preferably one like Cleo's, with a leopard-print case to match. When her distracted dad and her long-distance mom (temporarily in Myanmar taking care of Mya's grandmother) both say no, no way, and possibly never, Mya launches a campaign to prove herself reliable and deserving. She advertises her babysitting services, takes on more responsibility around the house, and attempts to supervise her sister's skateboarding lessons. Her efforts leave her ego bruised and the kitchen slightly scorched. She's no closer to touch-screen victory, let alone the Nobel Peace Prize she deserves. But all that changes after an accident leaves Mya to take charge--an experience which helps her realize how much she's grown, with or without access to proper communications.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Canada, Juvenile, Family, School

200 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2019

About the author

Tanya writes both fiction and non-fiction, often choosing topics related to science, pop culture, or social history—or a combination of the three. She enjoys combining factual research with intriguing narratives, or the life stories of interesting folks.

In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.

Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.

Reviews

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Puffin Books for an eARC of this book.

Mya is convinced she has what it takes to join the United Nations and help fix all the world's problems...just as soon as she figures out how to fix her own. First, she needs to convince her parents to buy her a cell phone. Next, she needs to survive her mom's absence while she's in Myanmar caring for her grandmother, followed by babysitting some neighbourhood troublemakers, her best friend's new boyfriend, her partner on a class project, and everyone trying to talk to her about periods. Mya's challenges are daunting, but her spirit just might be big enough to deal with them, and anything else life throws her way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially how Mya's everyday issues are balanced with educating the reader about injustices occurring in the world, including the conflicts in Myanmar. The story is funny, and engaging, and I think kids will definitely relate to the changes that are going on in Mya's life. There are recipes shared throughout the book and lots of information about Mya's biracial family, including her parents' different religious backgrounds.

I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book for my library.

[Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked this book overall, it kind of reminded me Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. But I wasn't crazy about how Mya was so against talking about her period. While that may happen, I think it would be been powerful to show that she was able to take charge of that and appreciate what her body does naturally. Tall order for a teen going through puberty but just not so much of the this is the worst thing ever and I can't talk to anyone about this.

[✨Veruca✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really quick and easy middle-grade novel. This would be a 5-star read but it gets annoying to hear Mya whining about not having a phone. I also enjoyed the little tidbits of information about Myanmar and cobalt. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about social justice without reading a boring news article.

[Yolanda Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://yolandaridge.com/2019/07/16/m...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read with the entertaining and funny 12yo Mya. Her mom flies to Myanmar to care for their grandmother, and Mya takes charge of her sister Nanda while coping with school projects, a social justice club, and a best friend who changes when she gets a cell phone and a boyfriend. A satisfying and believable end.

Notes: Upper MG. A little predictable with a dad who doesn't know how to cook.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Mya was a funny, fun narrator. I appreciate her bossiness and know-it-all-ness and how Kyi balanced that attitude with the clear love Mya feels for her mom and how much she misses her mom while her mom is in Myanmar. In other words, she's very much still a kid even though she doesn't think she is.

[Kruz Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from a little library. I really enjoyed reading this and didn’t want to put it down. I would probably read it again.

[Rebecca Upjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this middle grade book. It's funny. It's heartwarming and it's relatable.
Family life, social justice, getting your first period, and challenges of navigating 7th grade, are all explored. Mya is irrepressible and determined in everything she does: running the Kids for Social Justice club with her best friend, Cleo at school, looking after her strong willed younger sister, Nanda, negotiating with her parents about getting her own cell phone, dealing with her mother's long absence in Myanmar and her dad's increasing needs for her to pitch in at home, not to mention boys at school who can be particularly gross in their behavior. The ups and downs of daily life situations are skillfully drawn as Mya tries to manage all areas of her life and learns that accepting help and the art of compromise can bring surprising results.

[Sonia Donelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/i...

Il mio piano per salvare il mondo di Tanya Lloyd Kyi, libro per ragazzi pubblicato da Rizzoli il 5 novembre.

Ogni volta mi domando se sia normale che, in alcuni casi, riescano a prendermi maggiormente le storie per ragazzi rispetto a quelle per adulti e ogni volta mi rispondo che sì, probabilmente sono ancora un po’ ragazzina e questa cosa non riuscirà mai a levarmela nessuno. La narrativa per ragazzi è un porto sicuro perché racconta esperienze che tutte noi abbiamo vissuto, problemi con cui abbiamo dovuto fare i conti e che all’epoca ci hanno suscitato le stesse emozioni che vivono i piccoli protagonisti. Questa storia non fa eccezione.

Mya Parsons ha dodici anni ed è rimasta l’unica della sua classe a non possedere un cellulare. Anzi, vi dirò di più, ogni giorno può passare sul web un massimo di trenta minuti e lei, da brava ragazzina coscienziosa quale è, lo sfrutta per fare le ricerche per la scuola. Perché Mya ha poco in comune con i ragazzini della sua età, ha grandi sogni e ambizioni ancor più grandi: vuole arrivare a lavorare all’ONU. Mya vuole fare la differenza. Quindi è un po’ una contraddizione che si impunti per uniformarsi agli altri, ma a quell’età si è una contraddizione vivente e lei non fa eccezione.

A casa non sta passando un periodo semplicissimo visto che la mamma è dovuta andare per un periodo in Myanmar per prendersi cura della nonna. E riuscire a tenere la casa pulita e funzionante col padre e la sorella minore sembra un’impresa impossibile, se a questi disagi si aggiunge la momentanea follia che coglie la sua migliore amica avrete il quadro completo dei tanti disagi che Mya sta affrontando!!!

La narrazione è interamente dal punto di vista di Mya. Attraverso i suoi occhi scopriremo i mille problemi che spuntano come funghi in casa (che sia santificata subito la mamma perché avere a che fare con marito e figlie deve essere un’impresa non da poco), i suoi tentativi di fare da babysitter a due gemelli che sembrano i figli del demonio (se la montagna non va da Maometto, Maometto va alla montagna…ma per 5 dollari l’ora non ne vale proprio la pena), il comportamento ben poco da amica di Cleo (il cellulare le ha dato di volta il cervello) che sembra non calcolarla nemmeno più da quando ha un telefono tutto suo. Non solo ha stretto amicizia con una ragazzina che prima non la calcolava, ma pare nutrire addirittura un certo interesse per un loro compagno di classe che fino a poco prima riteneva un completo idiota. Perfino il gruppo fondato insieme dei Giovani per la Giustizia Sociale, che tratta temi molto importanti (nel libro li scoprirete e resterete stupite) sembra non destare alcun interesse in lei, troppo impegnata a chattare e scattarsi selfie per aiutare Mya a cambiare il mondo.

Può un oggetto cambiare così tanto la testa delle persone? Mya ragionerà su tutto questo e molto altro, perché la sua mente viaggia velocissima, così veloce che anche il lettore fatica a starle dietro. Gli spunti di discussione in questo libro per ragazzi sono molteplici e desteranno tanti interrogativi nei giovani lettori (anche i quelli attempati come me, se è per questo). Mi sono molto divertita a conoscere una ragazzina così sicura di ciò che vuole dalla vita, così intelligente e acuta e al tempo stesso ancora bambina, con tutte le sue opinioni che sono delle sentenze e le sue idee folli e irrealizzabili.

Il mio piano per salvare il mondo è un libro per ragazzi perfetto per la prima e la seconda media (forse più adatto a un pubblico femminile), quando i ragazzini sono tutti lì a chiedere, chiedere, chiedere, senza pensare di dare nulla in cambio. Mya sarebbe davvero un buon esempio da sottoporre loro perché non avrà il cellulare che la uniforma al resto dei suoi compagni, ma ha un cervello pensante che li mette in riga tutti.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining with the tiniest hint of romance, a strong sense of humor, and a girl with wonderfully strong opinions.

A phone would make it ever so much easier to spread the word about the causes most dear to Mya’s socially conscious heart, and no cause is more dear than her best friend, who seems to be slipping further and further away with every text. But proving she’s responsible enough to own a cell phone is a tall order when it means minding her pain of a sister, babysitting the most challenging of brothers, and learning to cook recipes from the Myanmar side of her family (there are some recipes included).

Mya’s such an admirable heroine, curious about the world, empathetic to it, she doesn’t just talk, she’s a girl of action, she aspires to a career in the United Nations, yet at the same time she’s insecure when it comes to her bestie branching out with other friends, and it takes Mya some time to understand that having a partner in a school project means actually letting someone else do their share and have their say, and sometimes she needs reminders of just how much she loves her little sister. In other words, Mya is lovably, relateably, imperfect and ever so easy to like.

With Mya so aware of injustices, I thought the author struck just the right note here in conveying some ills of the world without bogging down the story or overwhelming readers with information, and it’s delivered with an encouraging message, that even if you can’t do something that makes a big, immediate change, the smallest efforts matter, they make a difference, too.

Overall I just really enjoyed this, Mya could have come off as whiny for how much she pestered her parents for a phone, instead she’s this good-intentioned but flawed kid, you feel her pain, especially in the awkward moments (her period, feeling left out, dealing with a boy), and then there’s little skateboarding sister Nanda, if you loved Kitty in To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, you’ll love Nanda, they’re cut from a similarly feisty cloth, and her ingenious shin pad solution made me smile.


I received this book through a giveaway.

[Wunderdrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is nominated for the 2021 Hackmatack Award in the English fiction category. Mya is an almost teenager (twelve years and three months old), who is focused on becoming a social justice fighter by growing up and getting a job at the United Nations. She even runs a club at her school called 'kids for social justice' that meets weekly to talk about injustice around the world. But right now, her biggest challenges are keeping tabs on her little sister and convincing her parents that she should have her own cell phone. With Mya's mum out of the country helping to care for her grandmother in Myanmar, Mya has an opportunity to prove how grown up and responsible she can be. But at the end of the day, she is your average twelve year old, learning to deal with evolving relationships with friends & family members, and potential crushes. I really liked how realistically the character of Mya was written - she is flawed, makes mistakes, and sometimes can be pretty selfish. But when she stops being so caught up in her own drama & looks at the big picture, she showed real growth. Mya is relatable and real, and I think reading this book could prompt some interesting discussions about serious topics like child labour and refugee camps. I would recommend this book to any preteen, especially girls who have an interest in social justice.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Mya has an easygoing, simple way of narrating, which made the story a quick read.

Mya is a great character. She has a good heart, but she also has flaws. Her dream is to work in the United Nations, so she spends a lot of her time researching social justice issues throughout the world. Her mother is in Myanmar during the story, so she has a close relation to things that are happening there. At the same time, Mya doesn’t always treat everyone fairly. She could be selfish at times, such as when she didn’t want to help her dad with chores when he was swamped with work. This balance of good qualities and flaws made her a realistic character.

I loved the way that Mya was very tuned into what was happening in the world. It is important for kids to know what problems people in different parts of the world are facing in their daily lives, and how it can affect themselves. For example, she found out that children have to mine cobalt in Africa, which is then used to make cell phones. That made her rethink her priorities.

I think Mya is a relatable character. This story was a lot of fun to read!

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, how can you not love a book that starts like this.
There are two types of people in the world: those who sleep with tissue boxes on their bedside tables, and those who pick their noses before bed and wipe their boogers on the sheets. I am the first type. My sister, Nanda, is the second.
I adored this book. Mya is a fabulous character. She is an activist in her elementary school with a goal of getting a joy with the UN and saving the world. In the meantime, she leads her school’s Kids For Social Justice club where they write letters and raise money for different causes. She’s going through the usual growing up stuff – best friend problems, lack of a cell phone, and the inkling of romance. On top of that, her mother is in Myanmar with her sick Grandmother. The book is set during the time she is away.
I love all these characters. I love that the adults - both parents and teachers - are good people trying to do their best who care about kids. I love the humour in this. I laughed out loud more than once. I can't wait to see what the target audience (grade 4 - 7) thinks of it.

[Bookish Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lloyd Kyi heeft al een hoop leuke boeken uitgebracht en brengt ons met Mya een bijdehante wereldverbeteraar. Mya’s moeder is vanwege ziekte in de familie naar Myanmar, haar vader heeft de chaos nauwelijks onder bedwang en zelf kampt Mya met allerlei levensgrote problemen die bij het opgroeien horen: ze mag geen telefoon, haar jongere zusje zit haar dwars, haar beste vriendin is plots geobsedeerd door jongens en zijzelf wordt voor het eerst ongesteld. Probeer dan ondertussen maar eens op te komen voor de Rohingya vluchtelingen of Congolese kinderarbeiders. Soms wordt het Mya een beetje teveel, maar ze heeft supporters in haar ouders en tante, en het komt ook weer goed met haar vriendinnetje en haar kleine zusje. Door Mya’s verhaal pikt de lezer wat details op over het leven in Myanmar en de Aziatische keuken maar ook over sociale kwesties en hoe je verschil maakt met kleine stapjes. Er is een leuke diversiteit in media in het boek: naast stukken verhaal zijn er e-mails, aantekeningen, recepten, brieven, aantekeningen... Geschikt voor lezers van 12 tot 14.

[Susan Hassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mya's Strategy to Save the World
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

12 year old Mya Parsons has a grand ambition : become a U. N. negotiator, bring the world together and win the Nobel Peace Prize. She and her best friend Cleo create “Kids for Social Justice” to start working toward world peace and life is moving according to plan when, suddenly, Cleo gets a cell phone and everything changes. Mya is on the outside as Cleo starts texting and hanging around with kids, and (gasp) DATING!

As if that isn't enough, Mya's mother has to return to Myanmar to deal with a family emergency. Mya has to help Dad and her little sister keep the family functioning while Mom's away; all the while running a campaign to prove that she too is responsible enough for a cell phone.

Written with a light, entertaining touch, this book is a good presentation of the drama, humor and confusion of the tween years. There are even recipes from Myanmar. As Mya would say, ama-ZING!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, original, and quick read for upper elementary readers. Mya is a really likeable (and believable) protagonist, with a kid's determination to save the world AND an equally matched obsession with getting a cell phone. Some of the details the author includes are hilarious, like Mya's family's self-censoring of words that include "ass" (like assistance = beepsistance, and asparagus = beepsparagus). Plus recipes!

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun middle grade book focusing on family dynamics, coming of age, friendship trials and what it means to be forgiving and accepting of others, especially when they are changing too. I laughed out loud many times while reading and found Mya to be a likable, authentic preteen who wants to do more in life and has set goals and is working towards them already. The characters are well done and I found some new recipes inside to try.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. One thing that bothered me was when Mya was emailing her mom we never read mom's responses. Did mom not respond? Or did she answer Mya when she called? Sometimes Mya would mention mom's 'answer' but I felt like mom wasn't as involved as she could have been. Unless that was the author's intend to show how it was without mom home. This would be a great read aloud too. I am looking forward to the sequel (hint, hint).

[Lee Födi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tackles social consciousness without getting preachy or offering any trite or easy solutions to significant world issues. Mya wants to save the world but her rampant desire to provoke change is contrasted with (and challenged by) her very personal desire to have a cell phone. The insatiable desire to have a cell phone is obviously something every middle school student will relate to; I know my students will be hooked by this plot line, and I can't wait to share this book with them.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. I picked it up knowing full well it was a middle years read but wasn’t expecting to learn so much. The author did a great job of combining real issues concerning pre-teens, while also covering several world issues. I actually didn’t know much about the issues mentioned, and was surprised that I learned a few things too. Mya was a strong female lead, with a passion for changing the world.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mya's Strategy to Save the World is an enjoyable middle grade book that inspires social activism, working for what you want, and being a good friend. Young readers will also sympathize with Mya's struggles with growing up and wanting to be responsible; she's very relatable.

Mya's Strategy to Save the World is a 2021 MYRCA Sundogs nominee.

[Jgramley · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are never to young to make a difference in the world…even when your world seems to be changing and evolving. A fun middle grade novel and I loved the glimpses into Myanmar and other issues I knew nothing about. Overall message: small steps.

[LibraryLaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come for SLJ.

[Kiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I related with Mya sooooo much.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mya's Strategy to Save the World. The proactive MC, the unique format, the balanced handling of tough topics and Mya's identity, the strong family focus... great!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mackenzie Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For any girl going through life, body, and school changes, especially those interested in social activism.” [Kirkus Reviews]

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational, entertaining and full of heart. I loved the characters instantly and I would highly recommend this author. Cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only YA or middle grade or kids book I could find with a Burmese-American protagonist.