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Maya Loop
Following maps her grandmother drew before she disappeared, Maya Loop, the brave, blue-haired girl from Baltimore, has to depend on her wits and bravery to face the alien race of Landions who have taken her grandmother and best friends to an underground world of creatures living beyond the limits of time. The Landions are not only trying to end the human race but erase them completely. A delightfully fast-paced story crackling with energy, Maya Loop meets young readers in the wide-open world of being a kid where everything feels like magic.
- GenresMiddle Grade
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2021
About the author
Lis Anna-Langston
13 books328 followersLis Anna-Langston was raised along the winding current of the Mississippi River on a steady diet of dog-eared books. She attended a Creative and Performing Arts School from middle school until graduation and went on to study Literature at Webster University. Her two novels, Gobbledy and Tupelo Honey have won the Parents’ Choice Gold, Moonbeam Book Award, Independent Press Award, Benjamin Franklin Book Award and NYC Big Book Awards. Twice nominated for the Pushcart award and Finalist in the Brighthorse Book Prize, William Faulkner Fiction Contest and Thomas Wolfe Fiction Award, her work has been published in The Literary Review, Emerson Review, The Merrimack Review, Emrys Journal, The MacGuffin, Sand Hill Review and dozens of other literary journals.
She draws badly, sings loudly, loves ketchup, starry skies & stories with happy aliens.
You can find her in the wilds of South Carolina plucking stories out of thin air.
www.lisannalangston.com
She draws badly, sings loudly, loves ketchup, starry skies & stories with happy aliens.
You can find her in the wilds of South Carolina plucking stories out of thin air.
www.lisannalangston.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 2, 2021
This is a Fast Pace Fantasy Action Middle Grade book. I really enjoyed this book. Maya Loop is the coolest character, and we get the story from her. Maya Loop is blue-haired girl from Baltimore, and she is learning to be strong. This book is well written, and it takes you so many places. The hidden message in this book is so great, and the ending was the best. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 23, 2021
This was so great! I loved it. Such a fast paced magical adventure. Following maps her grandmother drew before she disappeared, Maya Loop, the brave, blue-haired girl from Baltimore, has to depend on her wits & bravery to face the alien race of Landions who have taken her grandmother & best friends to an underground world of creatures living beyond the limits of time. The Landions are not only trying to end the human race but erase them completely. Maya was such an amazing little blue haired girl from Baltimore lol. A girl after my own heart. This journey for her in a way symbolized her fight to accept all the changes & loss she had faced, & finding a way to heal so to speak. I loved all of the little friends she made along the way. Shooptee has my heart though. Love that tiny, cute, brave little being. Great themes of family, friendship, grief, loss, change, acceptance, healing, courage, & hope. So much adventure, danger, & suspense as well. So creative & unique. Also very atmospheric. I was so intrigued by this whole story, & so engrossed in the writing & descriptions. Absolutely loved this, & highly recommend. Beautiful cover by Anastasia Khmelevska too!💜
May 23, 2021
Yassss. A middle grade which was fantastic! Great writing, great and loveable characters: we need more of this! :D
The reader follows the brave blue-haired girl named Maya Loop. Maya lives in Baltimore with her grandfather after her mother leaves for work in Afghanistan. She didn't want to leave her old life behind, but she had to, and living in Baltimore definitely changed her life fore good.
Landions (aliens) want to eliminate all human beings on planet earth. They only need one last piece to finish their quest: the last piece from a water clock. Maya is the chosen one in this book and she has to save mankind. She and her grandmother have special powers, but since her grandmother is gone, Maya is literally the only one left to save them all.
I loved, loved, loved the Maya's vibes: her blue hair, her fierce character, her attitude. She can be a role model for many eleven year old's. This book deals with time travel, but it is condoned in such a way that it is not confusing in any way.
I personally also liked that the author used the story to learn the young readers a lesson about the mishaps humankind made!
The story is fast-paced, it contains humor, action, adventure and a lot of creativity with a lot of strangeness. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any young reader (ages 7 and up) to read this book. It's amazing.
disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The reader follows the brave blue-haired girl named Maya Loop. Maya lives in Baltimore with her grandfather after her mother leaves for work in Afghanistan. She didn't want to leave her old life behind, but she had to, and living in Baltimore definitely changed her life fore good.
Landions (aliens) want to eliminate all human beings on planet earth. They only need one last piece to finish their quest: the last piece from a water clock. Maya is the chosen one in this book and she has to save mankind. She and her grandmother have special powers, but since her grandmother is gone, Maya is literally the only one left to save them all.
I loved, loved, loved the Maya's vibes: her blue hair, her fierce character, her attitude. She can be a role model for many eleven year old's. This book deals with time travel, but it is condoned in such a way that it is not confusing in any way.
I personally also liked that the author used the story to learn the young readers a lesson about the mishaps humankind made!
The story is fast-paced, it contains humor, action, adventure and a lot of creativity with a lot of strangeness. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any young reader (ages 7 and up) to read this book. It's amazing.
disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2021
The story of Maya Loop follows the adventures of a girl from Baltimore who has to stay with her grandfather after her mother decides to work in Afghanistan. After saving an Assassin Bug from being trapped in a jar, the titular character discovers that she is the last option to save the human race from the Landions, the alien race that wants to erase the existence of humans.
Maya Loop, the main protagonist, is a unique character: she has blue hair and wears glitter green combat boots. She is also energetic, assertive, and doesn't back down from challenges. With the influence of Totsie, her best friend, she developed compassion towards insects and people who need help. The first part of the book is about Maya's recollections about her childhood home, and I can tell that she longs more to be back in a city in Baltimore than to be in a place where there is no internet connection. Throughout the book, her mission is to save her grandma, who vanished a few years ago, as well as the friends she meets along the way.
The overall pace of the story is just right to keep you entertained and engaged in the book. The usage of words is easy to read and follow through. Lis Anna-Langston writes a specific representation of the surroundings of the main character. However, I cannot find a thorough description of how Maya travels through the portal/tunnels after she draws a door in her sketchpad. I cannot help but notice lots of repetitive variations of "I sucked in a deep breath" or "an arrow whizzes past", and they affect my reading experience. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to reading more books by the author.
I recommend this to readers of middle-grade sci-fi books who like to explore the complexity of time and parallel worlds.
***
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***
Maya Loop, the main protagonist, is a unique character: she has blue hair and wears glitter green combat boots. She is also energetic, assertive, and doesn't back down from challenges. With the influence of Totsie, her best friend, she developed compassion towards insects and people who need help. The first part of the book is about Maya's recollections about her childhood home, and I can tell that she longs more to be back in a city in Baltimore than to be in a place where there is no internet connection. Throughout the book, her mission is to save her grandma, who vanished a few years ago, as well as the friends she meets along the way.
The overall pace of the story is just right to keep you entertained and engaged in the book. The usage of words is easy to read and follow through. Lis Anna-Langston writes a specific representation of the surroundings of the main character. However, I cannot find a thorough description of how Maya travels through the portal/tunnels after she draws a door in her sketchpad. I cannot help but notice lots of repetitive variations of "I sucked in a deep breath" or "an arrow whizzes past", and they affect my reading experience. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to reading more books by the author.
I recommend this to readers of middle-grade sci-fi books who like to explore the complexity of time and parallel worlds.
***
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***
April 25, 2021
Maya Loop, an eleven-year-old blue-haired girl, never expected that she will leave Baltimore and settle in the countryside with her grandfather. This blue-haired girl even planned her escape to go back to Baltimore. Too bad because she got sidetracked! It led her on a quest to save humanity from Landions, a race determined in erasing humankind. But this blue-haired girl is the most unlikely person to do that! With the help of creatures that speak cryptically and her determination, this blue-haired girl will try her best to succeed.>
Maya Loop is a fast-paced, adventurous, and engaging read. We follow Maya Loop as she travels below ground, through different portals, with the help of different creatures to save her grandmother and humankind. Maya's character development shines throughout the book. We see her make difficult choices and her perseverance to save her friends and family.
Lis Anna Langton's writing style was easy to follow, and the time travel element was explained adequately. This book is endearing. It depicts forgiveness, acceptance of new things, and determination.
Middle grade readers would surely enjoy reading Maya Loop!
Thank you, BookSirens for the e-ARC of Maya Loop. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Maya Loop is a fast-paced, adventurous, and engaging read. We follow Maya Loop as she travels below ground, through different portals, with the help of different creatures to save her grandmother and humankind. Maya's character development shines throughout the book. We see her make difficult choices and her perseverance to save her friends and family.
Lis Anna Langton's writing style was easy to follow, and the time travel element was explained adequately. This book is endearing. It depicts forgiveness, acceptance of new things, and determination.
Middle grade readers would surely enjoy reading Maya Loop!
Thank you, BookSirens for the e-ARC of Maya Loop. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
July 16, 2021
This is the second book that I’ve reviewed for Lis Anna Langston and it was even better than expected. Langston creates well-rounded, smart and funny middle-grade characters in her stories. I loved the blue-haired girl from Baltimore who was tasked with saving humanity. It was magical to enter the time loop world of assassin bugs, talking moles and the shooptee. The story had warmth, heart, action and a satisfying ending. I would definitely recommend this to young readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2021
This action-adventure-emotional novel follows Maya Loop from Baltimore to the farm where she makes a new friend and is intrigued with her grandmother's disappearance. The opening scenes have a darker tone and theme, but before it gets too eery, the author pivots to the magical world, well-timed for the young reader.
The tension interwoven in the novel keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Word choice like Assassin Bug and the war in Afganistan plays nicely into the subtle yet striking subtext of the story. Navigating loss and change through the magical adventure of Maya and finding her place in the world is layer by the transition in the "real world" of transitioning through the teenage years.
Before the subject matter gets too intense for younger readers, the author uses quirky sayings and #'s, bringing perfectly timed comic relief. Themes like family and connection are powerfully portrayed in the story and jump back and forth between Maya's different relationships. Scientific principles like the multiverse theory added to the story's believability and ultimately resulted in a satisfying ending.
One of my favourite quotes in the novel is, "This must be a mistake," I blurt out, "I'm from Baltimore - "
The tension interwoven in the novel keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Word choice like Assassin Bug and the war in Afganistan plays nicely into the subtle yet striking subtext of the story. Navigating loss and change through the magical adventure of Maya and finding her place in the world is layer by the transition in the "real world" of transitioning through the teenage years.
Before the subject matter gets too intense for younger readers, the author uses quirky sayings and #'s, bringing perfectly timed comic relief. Themes like family and connection are powerfully portrayed in the story and jump back and forth between Maya's different relationships. Scientific principles like the multiverse theory added to the story's believability and ultimately resulted in a satisfying ending.
One of my favourite quotes in the novel is, "This must be a mistake," I blurt out, "I'm from Baltimore - "
May 10, 2021
Lis-Anna Langston is a national treasure.
We desperately need good writers, especially for middle-school grades (and Langston’s latest, Maya Loop, is directed for kids seven through 12).
But actually, I’m a lot older than 12 and I loved it.
Langston had me on the first page when Maya Loop (our 11-year-old heroine, who calls herself the blue haired girl from Baltimore, also the smartest girl in her sixth grade class) is forced to leave her favorite place in the world and live on her grandfather’s farm.
And Maya is a tragic kid. She has to live with granddaddy because her mother is going to Afghanistan to work a security job.
Maya’s father is dead and Maya believes she caused the accident which (she thinks) killed him.
As if that weren’t enough, Maya’s grandmother has been missing two years. Grandma disappeared into, literally, thin air.
That’s enough to involve me in any kid’s life.
(Where the hay is grandmother? She just walked into a field and disappeared?!?)
Grandmother must be dead because Maya sees her ghost, except grandmother seems to be caught in another reality.
As if that weren’t enough for the first chapters, Maya rescues a talking Assassin Bug from a killing jar (used to collect specimens).
Wait, wait, I’m just getting started, or, rather, Lis-Anna is just getting started.
The bug is not what it seems and tells Maya she’s stumbled into a war between the good guys and a race that intends to destroy humanity.
Maya is the champion who can save us all.
I won’t give you a blow-by-blow, except to say Maya’s adventures kept me enthralled.
Well, okay, I will tell you a few more things.
Maya Loop is not just a middle-grade novel: It reminds me of the Tolkien fantasies, in that it has a philosophy of life and an other-world, plus animal/creature heroes.
It even has a stuffed duck, named Mr. Wibbles, which springs to life.
In the beginning, Maya has a dream in which she has a conversation with a blind sparrow.
Greek mythology features Tiresias, a blind Theban seer.
But lest this seems complicated, Maya Loop is great fun and the voice of Maya herself is great fun, and I highly recommend all Lis-Anna’s novels, which include Gobbledy, Tupelo Honey,
Skinny Dipping in a Dirty Pond and Tolstoy & the Checkout Girl.
We desperately need good writers, especially for middle-school grades (and Langston’s latest, Maya Loop, is directed for kids seven through 12).
But actually, I’m a lot older than 12 and I loved it.
Langston had me on the first page when Maya Loop (our 11-year-old heroine, who calls herself the blue haired girl from Baltimore, also the smartest girl in her sixth grade class) is forced to leave her favorite place in the world and live on her grandfather’s farm.
And Maya is a tragic kid. She has to live with granddaddy because her mother is going to Afghanistan to work a security job.
Maya’s father is dead and Maya believes she caused the accident which (she thinks) killed him.
As if that weren’t enough, Maya’s grandmother has been missing two years. Grandma disappeared into, literally, thin air.
That’s enough to involve me in any kid’s life.
(Where the hay is grandmother? She just walked into a field and disappeared?!?)
Grandmother must be dead because Maya sees her ghost, except grandmother seems to be caught in another reality.
As if that weren’t enough for the first chapters, Maya rescues a talking Assassin Bug from a killing jar (used to collect specimens).
Wait, wait, I’m just getting started, or, rather, Lis-Anna is just getting started.
The bug is not what it seems and tells Maya she’s stumbled into a war between the good guys and a race that intends to destroy humanity.
Maya is the champion who can save us all.
I won’t give you a blow-by-blow, except to say Maya’s adventures kept me enthralled.
Well, okay, I will tell you a few more things.
Maya Loop is not just a middle-grade novel: It reminds me of the Tolkien fantasies, in that it has a philosophy of life and an other-world, plus animal/creature heroes.
It even has a stuffed duck, named Mr. Wibbles, which springs to life.
In the beginning, Maya has a dream in which she has a conversation with a blind sparrow.
Greek mythology features Tiresias, a blind Theban seer.
But lest this seems complicated, Maya Loop is great fun and the voice of Maya herself is great fun, and I highly recommend all Lis-Anna’s novels, which include Gobbledy, Tupelo Honey,
Skinny Dipping in a Dirty Pond and Tolstoy & the Checkout Girl.
May 25, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Intreging from the very first page. So descriptive! You could feel, see, and smell everything this character was experiencing. Wow! So powerful! Entertaining! Well paced! A fun and engaging adventure! Intreging, unique, energetic characters. A great, well written sci&Fi book. This is a adventure you do not want to miss. A must read page turner. Enjoy!
Intreging from the very first page. So descriptive! You could feel, see, and smell everything this character was experiencing. Wow! So powerful! Entertaining! Well paced! A fun and engaging adventure! Intreging, unique, energetic characters. A great, well written sci&Fi book. This is a adventure you do not want to miss. A must read page turner. Enjoy!
May 13, 2021
Maya is a blue haired girl from Baltimore and she can do anything!
Maya Loop is Coraline meets Alice in Wonderland! Honestly, Maya starts out kind of annoying - too cool for school, and definitely too cool for the country town and boy she moves into next to. However, she has a very Coraline vibe about her (the blue hair is just a bonus) that I adore. She becomes more endearing as the book goes on - especially when she is called out, “no one says nutso anymore” -ha!
I really loved the book! I think it has a lot of great writing choices #MolesWithGoals #LoopsMakingLeaps that are fun and engaging, but it also tackles a lot of real life issues in a fantastical way.
For example, the comparison of the bugs and the people of Baltimore was heartbreaking, and well done. Even though it was just a paragraph or two - I think it’s extremely important to include these topics in middle grade books.
I adore this book, will buy it when released, and will definitely pick up more from the author. A great novel about a very brave, blue haired girl from Baltimore who can do ANYTHING.
Maya Loop is Coraline meets Alice in Wonderland! Honestly, Maya starts out kind of annoying - too cool for school, and definitely too cool for the country town and boy she moves into next to. However, she has a very Coraline vibe about her (the blue hair is just a bonus) that I adore. She becomes more endearing as the book goes on - especially when she is called out, “no one says nutso anymore” -ha!
I really loved the book! I think it has a lot of great writing choices #MolesWithGoals #LoopsMakingLeaps that are fun and engaging, but it also tackles a lot of real life issues in a fantastical way.
For example, the comparison of the bugs and the people of Baltimore was heartbreaking, and well done. Even though it was just a paragraph or two - I think it’s extremely important to include these topics in middle grade books.
I adore this book, will buy it when released, and will definitely pick up more from the author. A great novel about a very brave, blue haired girl from Baltimore who can do ANYTHING.
April 6, 2021
This blue-haired girl never wanted to leave Baltimore and move to a farm down south in the middle of nowhere. I even planned to leave my grandfather's farm to return "home", although planned probably is the wrong word to use. I didn't have a plan, and visiting the neighbor's house changed everything. I released an Assassin Bug trapped in a jar, and it opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed. Aliens called Landions want to eliminate humans from ever existing, and all they need is the last piece of a water clock to do it. My quest took me below the ground where I was aided by moles with goggles and a Shooptee. However, they said I needed to cross the river alone, and I had to find the Orb Weaver. I had no idea how I was supposed to do either of those things, but I was the only one who could save mankind from extinction.
I received an ARC through BookSirens, and the book exceeded my expectations. The basis of the story involved time travel, although this version didn't view time as moving forward and backward. Many books about time travel can become confusing, but the characters didn't do a lot of time jumping. The Landions wanted to erase humans from ever existing. The author pointed out some negatives of mankind, including the extermination of animal species on earth. It seemed like the idea for the story grew from our habit of killing most insects we find. Maya and her grandmother had special abilities, but Maya was the last person on earth with the ability to save humanity. This made her the primary target for the Landions. She was helped by creatures that often spoke cryptically, so their messages were sometimes a challenge to understand. This actually made them more endearing, as they were willing to break the rules to help Maya. The plot moved along with a blend of adventure, humor, and creativity mixed with absurdity. The climax presented an especially strange resolution to the conflict. Overall, this book was very entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot.
I received an ARC through BookSirens, and the book exceeded my expectations. The basis of the story involved time travel, although this version didn't view time as moving forward and backward. Many books about time travel can become confusing, but the characters didn't do a lot of time jumping. The Landions wanted to erase humans from ever existing. The author pointed out some negatives of mankind, including the extermination of animal species on earth. It seemed like the idea for the story grew from our habit of killing most insects we find. Maya and her grandmother had special abilities, but Maya was the last person on earth with the ability to save humanity. This made her the primary target for the Landions. She was helped by creatures that often spoke cryptically, so their messages were sometimes a challenge to understand. This actually made them more endearing, as they were willing to break the rules to help Maya. The plot moved along with a blend of adventure, humor, and creativity mixed with absurdity. The climax presented an especially strange resolution to the conflict. Overall, this book was very entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot.
April 13, 2021
A fast paced middle grade adventure.
Leaving her past behind and settling in the countryside was the last thing Maya Loop, an eleven year old blue haired girl from Baltimore, was looking forward to. Her desperation to flee back to home only flung her into a convoluted journey of saving humanity from Landions, a race determined to erase the existence of mankind. Challenges kept heading her way while exhaustion continued to take over but blue haired girls from Baltimore don't give up. With her unmatched courage and well wishers from diverse races, she knew she was all set to see the end of the mission.
The easy-to-follow story comes with a conflation of adventure and emotion, ready to show readers the world through the eyes of Maya Loop. An equipoise between seriousness and comical relief was well maintained throughout the story, making it a decent pick for middle graders, where intriguing characters await with an unforeseen twist.
Despite the nature of the plot, the story displayed neither unadulterated atrocity nor preposterous lightness which is undoubtedly a bright side of the book. Maya's story has been portrayed in a beautiful manner and it is sure to resonate with the readers.
The only thing I could not explain to myself is the sudden appearance and disappearance of Totsie at the end of the story. I am not sure if the appearance was necessary in the first place and the author could have added a line or two to chase away any confusion regarding the issue.
The book is no doubt a good pick. Recommended for pre-teens.
(I have received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
Leaving her past behind and settling in the countryside was the last thing Maya Loop, an eleven year old blue haired girl from Baltimore, was looking forward to. Her desperation to flee back to home only flung her into a convoluted journey of saving humanity from Landions, a race determined to erase the existence of mankind. Challenges kept heading her way while exhaustion continued to take over but blue haired girls from Baltimore don't give up. With her unmatched courage and well wishers from diverse races, she knew she was all set to see the end of the mission.
The easy-to-follow story comes with a conflation of adventure and emotion, ready to show readers the world through the eyes of Maya Loop. An equipoise between seriousness and comical relief was well maintained throughout the story, making it a decent pick for middle graders, where intriguing characters await with an unforeseen twist.
Despite the nature of the plot, the story displayed neither unadulterated atrocity nor preposterous lightness which is undoubtedly a bright side of the book. Maya's story has been portrayed in a beautiful manner and it is sure to resonate with the readers.
The only thing I could not explain to myself is the sudden appearance and disappearance of Totsie at the end of the story. I am not sure if the appearance was necessary in the first place and the author could have added a line or two to chase away any confusion regarding the issue.
The book is no doubt a good pick. Recommended for pre-teens.
(I have received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
June 15, 2021
Maya Loop was the first Middle Grade book I read in awhile. It was fast-paced, adventurous, and entertaining from page one. Reading it reminded me of a cross between Hilda and Studio Ghibli, mostly because of the characters, which was one aspect I definitely enjoyed; the imagination put into each absurd yet fun character. The main character, Maya, had the kind of intense personality for an 11-year old that was fun to read about, especially her inner monologues. The book also provided unexpected emotional build-up, successfully discussing and mentioning "darker themes" (like death and loss), which was something that I enjoyed as well, balancing the overall jolly/fun vibes of the book.
The premise of the story itself was very interesting, as well the flow of the story, all with the time loops and parallel worlds. However, I wish the setting was explained more as well as the concepts and details behind the time travelling. Maybe a few sentences here and there would've done the job. Then again, I am reviewing from the perspective of a 20+ adult, so for its intended audience, I do believe its a great book for introducing scifi and fantasy to kids. Overall, it was a well-written book with hidden messages that is bound to leave you thinking.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The premise of the story itself was very interesting, as well the flow of the story, all with the time loops and parallel worlds. However, I wish the setting was explained more as well as the concepts and details behind the time travelling. Maybe a few sentences here and there would've done the job. Then again, I am reviewing from the perspective of a 20+ adult, so for its intended audience, I do believe its a great book for introducing scifi and fantasy to kids. Overall, it was a well-written book with hidden messages that is bound to leave you thinking.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2021
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Maya Loop by Lis Anna-Langston is a middle-grade fantasy.
It's an incredible book that contains a lot of action and mystery. The story is fast-paced, well-written, and quite entertaining. We follow the journey of the blue hair girl, Maya Loop, that tries to save the world. It's a time travel story with many strange creatures.
Everything moves quickly so you have to pay attention to every detail in order to keep up. It's very captivating, once I started it, I couldn't put it down. My favorite part was towards the end, which made me cry a little. Maya is a great character she is a curious and brave little girl.
Books like this one are perfect for young kids, they are fun to read and teach you a lesson. I enjoyed it and I will rate it with 4.5 stars.
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Maya Loop by Lis Anna-Langston is a middle-grade fantasy.
It's an incredible book that contains a lot of action and mystery. The story is fast-paced, well-written, and quite entertaining. We follow the journey of the blue hair girl, Maya Loop, that tries to save the world. It's a time travel story with many strange creatures.
Everything moves quickly so you have to pay attention to every detail in order to keep up. It's very captivating, once I started it, I couldn't put it down. My favorite part was towards the end, which made me cry a little. Maya is a great character she is a curious and brave little girl.
Books like this one are perfect for young kids, they are fun to read and teach you a lesson. I enjoyed it and I will rate it with 4.5 stars.
June 16, 2021
My favorite part of writing this book was the brave blue haired girl from Baltimore who had me literally holding my breath as I wrote scenes. Maya Loop is an astounding girl. My second favorite part was getting to meet Shooptee. What a cute little being he is. I hope he shows up in the future. I love him.
Want to Read
July 9, 2021Maya misses her grandmother. Her grandmother has been missing for a while. Maya decides to try to find clues in her grandmother’s room. She finds maps her grandmother drew. Somehow she discovers a way to get into the underground tunnels. She runs into a wizard that gives advice. She must keep the secret piece of a mysterious clock safe. It must not fall into the hands of the alien Landions. The Landions have taken her grandmother and best friends prisoners. The Landions live underground beyond the limits of time. They think that they could erase all humankind completely if they got the lost piece of the clock that is responsible for where they live. Maya does find where her grandmother is being held along with her friends. The Landions give Maya an ultimatum of giving the clock piece back to them. However it’s no longer in her bag. Where is it? Will Maya, her grandmother and friends die?
It is a fast paced story filled with secrets. During her experiences, she develops courage and determination not to give up. It’s amazing to see how Maya grows stronger throughout her journey to save her grandmother. I liked how she grew in wisdom and not fall back into the dead end of her former life. It’s a mystery, fantasy novel.
It is a fast paced story filled with secrets. During her experiences, she develops courage and determination not to give up. It’s amazing to see how Maya grows stronger throughout her journey to save her grandmother. I liked how she grew in wisdom and not fall back into the dead end of her former life. It’s a mystery, fantasy novel.
July 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this story, much as I did the last (Gobbledygook) by author and. Langston . She seems to have a bit of a recurring theme, making sci-fi and fantasy a cool and exciting concept in her books in a way that everyone can enjoy them, not just the middle grade.
Maya is a blue haired, 11 year old fierce and brave young lady. Her attitude is a whole mood and I wish I had more stories with strong female roles in them when I was her age.
Maya is relatable. She has to leave her home in Baltimore because her mom took a job in Afghanistan. She’s having to live with her grandfather in the country when the city is all she’s known. Been there girl, I can relate to that. She is brave and doesn’t back down from the challenges and obstacles she faces because her main focus is to save her grandmother and friends.
The writing was fun and made the story and concept easy to understand and relatable to our current generations and times. It was a great read.
Thank you @thebookreviewcrew and @lis.anna.langston for providing me a free ARC for an honest review.
Maya is a blue haired, 11 year old fierce and brave young lady. Her attitude is a whole mood and I wish I had more stories with strong female roles in them when I was her age.
Maya is relatable. She has to leave her home in Baltimore because her mom took a job in Afghanistan. She’s having to live with her grandfather in the country when the city is all she’s known. Been there girl, I can relate to that. She is brave and doesn’t back down from the challenges and obstacles she faces because her main focus is to save her grandmother and friends.
The writing was fun and made the story and concept easy to understand and relatable to our current generations and times. It was a great read.
Thank you @thebookreviewcrew and @lis.anna.langston for providing me a free ARC for an honest review.
November 5, 2021
Who in the world would think a little girl from Baltimore with blue hair could make a story spin like this one does? When Maya Loop stays at her grandfather’s house, she makes a friend and finds a bug in a killing jar. She can’t stand the thought of it being in a jar with no air and rescues it. From that point on this is a story that will keep anyone’s attention no matter their age.
This is a fantasy but having a little girl with a very sad grandfather and a missing grandmother gives it a lot of feeling. Maya doesn’t really mean to search for her grandmother but snooping in her grandmother’s things gets her caught up in another world. One where quite often only she can hear the creepy crawly things.
I have read at least two other books by this author. I’ll tell you the two things that have made each story so memorable. One is a character so special and described so well, you’ll fall in love. The other is humor. No matter how bad things might be Lis Anna-Langston seems to find a way to make you laugh. When Maya is trying to save an Assassin bug or a soft cuddly Shoopte, you’ll read about her wearing green shiny combat boots. If a Landion is about to smash us all, Maya draws a door on her sketchpad and through it we go. Each book is a well-written story with a sense of humor. An imaginary tale.
Maya Loop has a suggested reading level of ages 8 to 12. As you can probably tell, I am not that young:) and loved every page. I suppose the best thing I can say in closing is “Lis Anna-Langston, write more books please.”
This is a fantasy but having a little girl with a very sad grandfather and a missing grandmother gives it a lot of feeling. Maya doesn’t really mean to search for her grandmother but snooping in her grandmother’s things gets her caught up in another world. One where quite often only she can hear the creepy crawly things.
I have read at least two other books by this author. I’ll tell you the two things that have made each story so memorable. One is a character so special and described so well, you’ll fall in love. The other is humor. No matter how bad things might be Lis Anna-Langston seems to find a way to make you laugh. When Maya is trying to save an Assassin bug or a soft cuddly Shoopte, you’ll read about her wearing green shiny combat boots. If a Landion is about to smash us all, Maya draws a door on her sketchpad and through it we go. Each book is a well-written story with a sense of humor. An imaginary tale.
Maya Loop has a suggested reading level of ages 8 to 12. As you can probably tell, I am not that young:) and loved every page. I suppose the best thing I can say in closing is “Lis Anna-Langston, write more books please.”
August 16, 2021
I loved this book. Maya definitely isn't your typical protagonist, and that just makes me love her more! She isn't looking for adventure, or to save the world, but that doesn't stop her from stepping up once she realizes she's needed. I loved her spunk, and how well she handled everything. The world was very well-developed, and all the characters were believable. A great adventurous read for middle grade and older readers.
October 30, 2021
Maya Loop is a blue-haired girl from Baltimore. When her mom leaves for work, Maya is left with her depressed grandfather, who is still mourning the loss of his beloved wife. Immediately upon arrival, Maya finds herself thrown into a mystery that leads her to believe that it's not only possible that her grandmother didn't die all those years ago: she might be the key to saving the world.
This book has a lot going for it. The main character is sassy, strong, and displays good character development. The world building is unique and classy. The premise is novel and imaginative. Unfortunately, I really struggled to get into it. There were so many concepts volleying around that it was hard to tell what the main plot was meant to be. I like a good mystery, but when I spend the whole book wondering just what could be going on, it makes it really hard to pick up the story again. Characters were constantly popping in and out,. There was a sense that Maya was "the chosen one" of some sort, but for most of the book, it was unclear what that meant. This book could have done better with just a bit more explanation or a bit fewer plot twists. I was also frequently distracted by misplaced modifiers, which didn't impact the story so much as they just made me giggle at the oddest times.
The way this book subverts the classic portal fantasy trope and weaves in elements of "girl power" and critical thinking skills really surprised me--in a good way. However, the fact that I was so confused that it took me 3 weeks to read a 150 page book reminded me that life is too short for books I don't love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has a lot going for it. The main character is sassy, strong, and displays good character development. The world building is unique and classy. The premise is novel and imaginative. Unfortunately, I really struggled to get into it. There were so many concepts volleying around that it was hard to tell what the main plot was meant to be. I like a good mystery, but when I spend the whole book wondering just what could be going on, it makes it really hard to pick up the story again. Characters were constantly popping in and out,. There was a sense that Maya was "the chosen one" of some sort, but for most of the book, it was unclear what that meant. This book could have done better with just a bit more explanation or a bit fewer plot twists. I was also frequently distracted by misplaced modifiers, which didn't impact the story so much as they just made me giggle at the oddest times.
The way this book subverts the classic portal fantasy trope and weaves in elements of "girl power" and critical thinking skills really surprised me--in a good way. However, the fact that I was so confused that it took me 3 weeks to read a 150 page book reminded me that life is too short for books I don't love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2021
Truly a unique story about an 11 year old blue haired girl from Baltimore who moves to the country to live with her grandfather. She certainly doesn’t want to be there and decides to run away back to Baltimore, but the Assassin Bug and the boy next door have other plans.
You can definitely tell this is written for a younger audience and there is never a dull moment throughout the entire book. The imagination that the author has is out of this world, well, maybe in tunnels underground with many doors that open and close into different worlds and time shifts! How else would one come up with a story like this?!
If you have or know a middle grade student, this book should be high on their to read list.
You can definitely tell this is written for a younger audience and there is never a dull moment throughout the entire book. The imagination that the author has is out of this world, well, maybe in tunnels underground with many doors that open and close into different worlds and time shifts! How else would one come up with a story like this?!
If you have or know a middle grade student, this book should be high on their to read list.
July 26, 2021
This was such a charming book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and young readers will as well.
I loved the way it kept me guessing. The world-building was spot on. The friendships were lovely and the adventure was a fun one.
I was satisfied with the way everything resolved and would recommend this to middle grade readers, including adults who want to enjoy a fast-paced, charming, immersive book.
I loved the way it kept me guessing. The world-building was spot on. The friendships were lovely and the adventure was a fun one.
I was satisfied with the way everything resolved and would recommend this to middle grade readers, including adults who want to enjoy a fast-paced, charming, immersive book.
July 23, 2021
Exciting and full of adventure, Maya Loop is a captivating and thrilling story.
I liked that so many memorable characters pop up to enliven the tale.
Lis Anna-Langston's descriptive writing helps the reader picture the world she has created.
For me Middle-Grade books always need humor and imagination, this really delivered there as well!
I liked that so many memorable characters pop up to enliven the tale.
Lis Anna-Langston's descriptive writing helps the reader picture the world she has created.
For me Middle-Grade books always need humor and imagination, this really delivered there as well!
February 5, 2023
Maya loop is a fantasy adventure fiction novel, that takes the reader on a journey with a young girl, who sets out to accomplish great tasks, tasks that she wasn't aware of, in realms that no one knew exists. It is filled with wild and mysterious characters that makes the book so enchanting and thrilling. The possibility of achieving the impossible gives the story a great edge.
Marry loops, a blue haired girl living it easy in the city, dreams of a weird encounter with a blind bird, as thrown off she is, the feeling of assurance gave her some sense of clarity. But that doesn't last long as she goes unwillingly to her grandfather's place where strangness takes a new level. A looming threat about the wiping out of humans off the time sets itself as a link to the mystery of her grandmother's disappearance. The prophecy of the loops forces Marry to travel through time and seek the missing piece that will give humanity a fighting chance. Will she be able to save humanity and her loved ones in the race against time and the ones who hold power over it?
The story has many amazing elements that sets it apart, with a range of mysterious and strange creatures, the protagonist discovers new and deep secrets that cannot be understood by mankind but is crucial for their existence. The author has done an amazing job in weaving an intricate plot that has various turns and events, which gives the reader a thrill and excitement. A good story that is very enjoyable and is a must for those who like a good read.
Marry loops, a blue haired girl living it easy in the city, dreams of a weird encounter with a blind bird, as thrown off she is, the feeling of assurance gave her some sense of clarity. But that doesn't last long as she goes unwillingly to her grandfather's place where strangness takes a new level. A looming threat about the wiping out of humans off the time sets itself as a link to the mystery of her grandmother's disappearance. The prophecy of the loops forces Marry to travel through time and seek the missing piece that will give humanity a fighting chance. Will she be able to save humanity and her loved ones in the race against time and the ones who hold power over it?
The story has many amazing elements that sets it apart, with a range of mysterious and strange creatures, the protagonist discovers new and deep secrets that cannot be understood by mankind but is crucial for their existence. The author has done an amazing job in weaving an intricate plot that has various turns and events, which gives the reader a thrill and excitement. A good story that is very enjoyable and is a must for those who like a good read.
July 7, 2026
Maya Loop by Lis Anna-Langston is a fantasy with elements of mystery, magical realism, and adventure. It follows eleven-year-old Maya Loop as she leaves Baltimore to live with her grandfather while her mother accepts a dangerous overseas assignment. Already struggling with grief and change, Maya finds herself in a quiet rural town where strange lights, unsettling dreams, mysterious disappearances, and impossible encounters blur the line between reality and imagination. As she searches for answers, she also begins discovering her own courage and sense of belonging.
I absolutely loved Maya's voice. Her emotions, curiosity, and sense of humor made her easy to connect with. The story mixes heartfelt moments with mystery, so I was constantly curious about what was happening while also caring deeply about the characters. Rowan, Totsie, Granddaddy, and even the smaller characters all add something memorable to the story. Overall, I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. The ending tied everything together in a satisfying way while keeping the sense of wonder alive. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy adventures with a touch of mystery and unforgettable characters.
I absolutely loved Maya's voice. Her emotions, curiosity, and sense of humor made her easy to connect with. The story mixes heartfelt moments with mystery, so I was constantly curious about what was happening while also caring deeply about the characters. Rowan, Totsie, Granddaddy, and even the smaller characters all add something memorable to the story. Overall, I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. The ending tied everything together in a satisfying way while keeping the sense of wonder alive. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy adventures with a touch of mystery and unforgettable characters.
June 15, 2021
What a unique and fascinating story for Middle schoolers to enjoy.
Maya Loop, a young girl with blue hair and wears glitter green combat boots moves to her Grandfathers from Baltimore after her mother takes a job in Afghanistan. Heart broken she had to leave her favorite bedroom as well as her best friend, Totsie, shes determined to find her way back home. Weird things start happening around her Grandfathers house and hears rumors about her Grandmothers disappearance. Out of the blue, she finds insects and other animals that can speak and need her help before the Landions (aliens) eliminate all human beings.
From time to time, I had a hard time understanding how she moved to each different time portal and words were occasionally repeated that were not needed. I enjoyed the sweet moments with her loved ones and all the creative characters that helped throughout her journey.
"You're my favorite thing in all the world, back and forth, across time".
Thank you for the ARC and happy to leave a review :-).
Maya Loop, a young girl with blue hair and wears glitter green combat boots moves to her Grandfathers from Baltimore after her mother takes a job in Afghanistan. Heart broken she had to leave her favorite bedroom as well as her best friend, Totsie, shes determined to find her way back home. Weird things start happening around her Grandfathers house and hears rumors about her Grandmothers disappearance. Out of the blue, she finds insects and other animals that can speak and need her help before the Landions (aliens) eliminate all human beings.
From time to time, I had a hard time understanding how she moved to each different time portal and words were occasionally repeated that were not needed. I enjoyed the sweet moments with her loved ones and all the creative characters that helped throughout her journey.
"You're my favorite thing in all the world, back and forth, across time".
Thank you for the ARC and happy to leave a review :-).
July 8, 2026
I had such a great time with this book because the characters felt incredibly genuine. Maya instantly became someone I wanted to root for. She's funny, awkward, curious, and emotional in ways that feel completely believable for an eleven-year-old. I also loved the friendships and family relationships throughout the story. Rowan is a great companion, and Maya's bond with Totsie is especially touching despite the distance between them. Even the supporting characters have distinct personalities that make the town feel alive. This is the kind of book where you finish the last page and realize you'll miss spending time with the characters. Rating: 5/5.
July 8, 2026
My favorite of all was the writing itself. Loved it! Maya's narration is full of personality, humor, and little observations that made me smile. The pacing is steady, and it gave emotional moments room to breathe while still moving the story forward. I also liked how imaginative everything felt and the fact that they are not confusing at all. The fantasy elements combined naturally with the coming-of-age story, making both parts stronger. By the end, I felt like I'd gone on a real journey alongside Maya. This is the kind of middle grade novel that can easily be enjoyed by adults as well because it has plenty of heart beneath all the mystery and adventure.
June 27, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book! It reminds me of something that I would have liked to read when I was younger. I would recommend this as a bedtime story, many perfect opportunities for different reading voices!
Maya really acts as a reminder that girls can be strong and independent from a very young age.
Overall, I would very much recommend this book for middle-grade readers.
Ps; Not a spoiler but Montford is possibly the cutest little character.
Maya really acts as a reminder that girls can be strong and independent from a very young age.
Overall, I would very much recommend this book for middle-grade readers.
Ps; Not a spoiler but Montford is possibly the cutest little character.
March 20, 2024
This is a fun and fast paced adventure. I liked the characters and found this to be an interesting concept. I found it to be a little too fast paced though I wish we had gotten to see more of the different settings and learned about how the magic system worked. It could have been a little more fleshed out, as it is some events seem to happen just from convenience. This makes Maya's adventure seem more random than hard won, and makes her sometimes a passive character in her own adventure.
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