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Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. A big idea: they would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground!
This is the uplifting tale of how the author’s aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children’s ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.
This is the uplifting tale of how the author’s aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children’s ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2020
32 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 21, 2020
I read Superheroes are Everywhere, a sort of picturebook adaptation of Kamala Harris's memoir that names her everyday "superheroes" in the process of inviting young readers to name theirs, and I though it was just okay, in part because of the art, but in this one, written by Kamala Harris's niece about her aunt and her mother, I liked the story better and I liked the art better by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez.
The story is of something her mom and aunt actually did that Meena Harris shares as a kind of inspirational family story. The two girls see a vacant lot and they transform it into a playground, among other things, involving many in her community. They dodn't say no, or they keep askign others for help and participation. Cool stuff! The idea is this, maybe especially but not exclusively for kids: What can you do within the limitations of time and space in your world that would make it a better place?
The story is of something her mom and aunt actually did that Meena Harris shares as a kind of inspirational family story. The two girls see a vacant lot and they transform it into a playground, among other things, involving many in her community. They dodn't say no, or they keep askign others for help and participation. Cool stuff! The idea is this, maybe especially but not exclusively for kids: What can you do within the limitations of time and space in your world that would make it a better place?
November 23, 2020
“No one could do everything. But everyone could do something.”
When children have the support of their community, they can accomplish a whole lot.
When children have the support of their community, they can accomplish a whole lot.
January 16, 2021
Read to me by my librarian daughter.
November 11, 2020
Delightful story of two young per-sisters!
“No one could do everything, but everyone could do something.”
“It wasn’t a yes. But right now ‘maybe’ was the sweetest word they had ever heard. ‘Maybe’ gave them hope.”
“No one could do everything, but everyone could do something.”
“It wasn’t a yes. But right now ‘maybe’ was the sweetest word they had ever heard. ‘Maybe’ gave them hope.”
January 3, 2021
This is such an uplifting, sweet, and inspiring book. I have two daughters who are very close to each other in age, and we have been stuck at home for the most part since March 2020, in an apartment without a back yard. So they loved reading about two sisters who had the great idea of building a community garden and playground outside their own apartment building!
Based on a true story from her mother and aunt’s childhood, Meena Harris tells us about how Kamala and Maya organized their community into building a community garden and playground. Instead of taking no for an answer they think outside the box, and find solutions to each problem that arises, thanks to ideas from different people in the community. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea teaches kids that it’s OK to have big dreams, and also that it’s OK to stumble on them, because once they get up and shake it off, they may find their footing again in a different light. It also teaches them that it is perfectly OK to ask for help, and that as a community we can all work together to make things better than they are. Kamala Harris is already an inspirational figure, and it’s great to see that in her childhood she was already inspiring others. It was the perfect opportunity for me to explain who Kamala Harris is to my girls in a way that they understood, and they could also one day do something like her (if they wanted to).
After I read this story to my girls the first time, and tucked them up in bed for the night, I found them reading through it again, snuggled up in the top bunk together. I wasn’t surprised when they started asking me how one builds a slide…
Based on a true story from her mother and aunt’s childhood, Meena Harris tells us about how Kamala and Maya organized their community into building a community garden and playground. Instead of taking no for an answer they think outside the box, and find solutions to each problem that arises, thanks to ideas from different people in the community. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea teaches kids that it’s OK to have big dreams, and also that it’s OK to stumble on them, because once they get up and shake it off, they may find their footing again in a different light. It also teaches them that it is perfectly OK to ask for help, and that as a community we can all work together to make things better than they are. Kamala Harris is already an inspirational figure, and it’s great to see that in her childhood she was already inspiring others. It was the perfect opportunity for me to explain who Kamala Harris is to my girls in a way that they understood, and they could also one day do something like her (if they wanted to).
After I read this story to my girls the first time, and tucked them up in bed for the night, I found them reading through it again, snuggled up in the top bunk together. I wasn’t surprised when they started asking me how one builds a slide…
December 16, 2020
Sadly, I know some people will not pick this book up because it is inspired by the family of Kamala Harris. If they don't, I think they are missing out on a book that has an incredible message. A message of working together, of perseverance, or not everyone doing everything but everyone CAN do something. It truly is a story of persistence and hard work. Who doesn't love that?!
June 22, 2023
This story is based on a true story from the author's mom, Maya, and her Aunt Kamala. It was a story she heard growing up, and it's about two sisters, Kamala and Maya, coming together and leaning on their community to solve a problem. It is about persevering in the face of a 'no.' It is also about community organizing, depending on your neighbors to make your community better, and being creative in the problem-solving process.
TO listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
TO listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
December 9, 2020
"No one could do everything. But everyone could do something."
Written by Kamala Harris's niece and inspired by a true story from Kamala and Maya's childhood, this is an adorable, empowering little gem that I hope everyone I know who has young kids reads to them. I am in love with the Harris women. Strong and dedicated across generations. We need more role models like them.
Written by Kamala Harris's niece and inspired by a true story from Kamala and Maya's childhood, this is an adorable, empowering little gem that I hope everyone I know who has young kids reads to them. I am in love with the Harris women. Strong and dedicated across generations. We need more role models like them.
September 17, 2023
From the List of Stacey's Remarkable Books.
"No one could do everything. But everyone could do something." Even as an adult I benefited from the idea of breaking down big goals into smaller achievable goals.
Story Kamala's daughter heard of how her mother and aunt got a playground built in their courtyard when they were children.
"No one could do everything. But everyone could do something." Even as an adult I benefited from the idea of breaking down big goals into smaller achievable goals.
Story Kamala's daughter heard of how her mother and aunt got a playground built in their courtyard when they were children.
September 1, 2020
5 stars. I wish I had this book when my daughters were little. I love books about girls who reach their goals!
September 2, 2020
I'm so happy I ordered this book! The story is so lovely, and the illustrations are beautiful! I think this will be a new favorite in our house.
December 1, 2020
Official Rating:
5/5 stars 🌟
5/5 stars 🌟
March 18, 2024
OK, so like, I am usually _not_ a big fan of books by, or about, political figures; this book is the _rare_ exception, and I've used it multiple times with K-2nd school groups to good effect.
Why is it an exception? Well, author Meena Harris (daughter of Maya, niece of Kamala) was already an established writer for kids before she decided to tell a story that she was personally connected to, and it shows. She knows how to keep it kid friendly and engaged.
Also, it's based on a real incident from the Harris sisters' childhood, and shows kids having agency and taking action on a issue that really matters to KIDS--having a safe and enjoyable place to play.
Why is it an exception? Well, author Meena Harris (daughter of Maya, niece of Kamala) was already an established writer for kids before she decided to tell a story that she was personally connected to, and it shows. She knows how to keep it kid friendly and engaged.
Also, it's based on a real incident from the Harris sisters' childhood, and shows kids having agency and taking action on a issue that really matters to KIDS--having a safe and enjoyable place to play.
May 27, 2021
I love the way this captures problem solving, persistence and a community coming together. The fact that it's based on a real story and includes a hefty dose of girl power is even better. Well written, brightly illustrated and full of you-can-do-it enthusiasm, this is sure to inspire kids everywhere to make a difference in their own corner of the world.
December 12, 2021
What a sweet book that proudly displays what it means to persevere and that ‘you can’t do everything but that everyone can do something.’ A great message coupled with incredible artwork. Loved this one.
March 27, 2022
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
January 28, 2021
Written by Kamala Harris's niece, this story is inspired by the real life efforts of young Kamala and her sister, Maya, to get a playground built in the courtyard of their building. An inspiring story for all budding activists, it reminds aspiring change-makers that "no one [can] do everything. But everyone [can] do something."
October 20, 2021
I am dog sitting for a friend. I saw this book on my friend's shelf. I read this to the dog (Franklin) We both loved it!
March 10, 2021
“No one could do everything. But everyone could do something.” Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
is the childhood anecdote of Vice President Kamala Harris and her sister working together to transform their apartment’s courtyard into a playground. It’s about turning a “no” into a “yes” and “maybe” giving hope. The book is about Vice President Kamala Harris and her lawyer sister Maya Harris written by niece and daughter, lawyer and author Meena Harris for her daughters in memory of her grandmother! “Hooray for the per-sisters.” A perfect read aloud for Women's History Month!
is the childhood anecdote of Vice President Kamala Harris and her sister working together to transform their apartment’s courtyard into a playground. It’s about turning a “no” into a “yes” and “maybe” giving hope. The book is about Vice President Kamala Harris and her lawyer sister Maya Harris written by niece and daughter, lawyer and author Meena Harris for her daughters in memory of her grandmother! “Hooray for the per-sisters.” A perfect read aloud for Women's History Month!
February 10, 2021
Clever little book with a great message. Illustrations were a bit weird though, especially all of the character's mouths.
January 22, 2021
Love! Not only because it’s inspired by Kamala Harris and her sister, but because it’s a great children’s book about preserving and trying to make your goals and dreams come true. Also adding the importance and benefits of team work and working with others.
January 23, 2021
A heartwarming story about community coming together. The kid liked it too!
January 23, 2021
Very sweet picture book about how Kamala and her sister Maya solved a community problem. Based on a true story.
January 19, 2021
No one can do everything but everyone can do something. And as each person contributes what they can - an empty apartment courtyard is transformed.
January 19, 2021
When no turns to maybe and maybe turns to YES!
Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story to show children that grit and determination will allow you to accomplish your goals.
“No one could do everything. But everyone could do something.”
These words couldn’t be more true in our world today. This book shows that activism can come in many forms. Even a simple idea of a playground.
Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story to show children that grit and determination will allow you to accomplish your goals.
“No one could do everything. But everyone could do something.”
These words couldn’t be more true in our world today. This book shows that activism can come in many forms. Even a simple idea of a playground.
January 18, 2021
I read this cute ebook in fifteen seconds tops. It is a cute story about turning nos into yeses to make more play areas for children.
January 12, 2021
I love this message of team work and community! I love that two girls had a vision and they went after it. I can’t wait to share this book with my students.
Read
January 12, 2021Mom and I read this before bed the 2nd week of January 2021.
December 31, 2020
A delightfully uplifting story about Kamala and Maya as young children transforming an apartment courtyard into a playground. Lovely text and lively illustrations.
August 3, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
KAMALA AND MAYA'S BIG IDEA is a picture book based on a true story about pursuing your goals and doing the work to make it happen. Kamala and Maya live in an apartment complex with an open courtyard. They have a great idea to have a playground installed there, but the process is not easy. First, they must convince the landlord. When he says no, they try again and then learn why- the cost and time. Kamala and Maya then work with the other residents to find a way to turn no into maybe into yes!
What I loved: It is so great to learn that this is a true story, and that kids really can make a big difference in the world around them. Kamala and Maya have an idea and then figure out the steps to make it happen, following them along the way. I also really appreciated how the whole apartment came together to make the playground come to life. The book showcases teamwork and dedication to meeting your goals.
This book could be great in the classroom setting for introducing the concept of making a difference and seeing ways to improve the world around you. The encouragement and the true story behind it would go far in encouraging children inside and out of class to reach for their goals. As a note, the text is a little long, so this would be better for elementary school aged children. The illustrations are full of color as well.
Final verdict: An encouraging picture book with lessons about achieving your goals, KAMALA AND MAYA'S BIG IDEA is a fun read that can start some great conversations about how to make a difference.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
KAMALA AND MAYA'S BIG IDEA is a picture book based on a true story about pursuing your goals and doing the work to make it happen. Kamala and Maya live in an apartment complex with an open courtyard. They have a great idea to have a playground installed there, but the process is not easy. First, they must convince the landlord. When he says no, they try again and then learn why- the cost and time. Kamala and Maya then work with the other residents to find a way to turn no into maybe into yes!
What I loved: It is so great to learn that this is a true story, and that kids really can make a big difference in the world around them. Kamala and Maya have an idea and then figure out the steps to make it happen, following them along the way. I also really appreciated how the whole apartment came together to make the playground come to life. The book showcases teamwork and dedication to meeting your goals.
This book could be great in the classroom setting for introducing the concept of making a difference and seeing ways to improve the world around you. The encouragement and the true story behind it would go far in encouraging children inside and out of class to reach for their goals. As a note, the text is a little long, so this would be better for elementary school aged children. The illustrations are full of color as well.
Final verdict: An encouraging picture book with lessons about achieving your goals, KAMALA AND MAYA'S BIG IDEA is a fun read that can start some great conversations about how to make a difference.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews