Maple for the People - by Kate McGovern (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Maple is running for president of the sixth grade against popular Sonia Shah in this contemporary story of friendship, family, and community action, a follow-up to Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen set in a dyslexia-friendly font.

Maple has made it to sixth grade at last, and her friend Jack thinks she'd make a great class president. At first, Maple's mind isn't on politics--she feels her old friends drifting away, her family can't afford a new rent increase, and her favorite historic tree is taken down by the city, leaving only a stump with hundreds of rings. But when Maple realizes she might be able to achieve something good, like starting a community garden, she jumps into the race. When a fire sweeps through a local building, Maple's priorities change. What if her class could help the families displaced by the disaster? Unfortunately, campaigning on the idea of giving away the class fund isn't too popular, especially when Maple's opponent, Sonia Shah (who has a cool new haircut), promises new tablets for everyone instead. Maple is further disheartened by anonymous attacks on her struggles with reading. But she is determined to see this campaign through, win or lose, with a slogan that shows her truest heart: Maple for the people!

Review Quotes

McGovern's fierce advocacy on behalf of children with learning disabilities shines through. . . .Maple and Jack are lovable, and readers will be heartened to encounternumerous adults who root for the children's dreams and visions and help them without being patronizing. A charming and affirming page-turner with a happy and unexpected ending.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

About the Author

Kate McGovern is the author of the young adult novels Rules for 50/50 Chances and Fear of Missing Out, which received starred reviews. She has worked in schools and education nonprofits in Boston, London, and New York City, including at the Harlem Children's Zone, where she served as a reading specialist and directed Shakespeare productions with middle schoolers. Her daughter, Priya, is the original "Hin-Jew" kid that Maple is written for. Kate McGovern lives in an Indian-Jewish household in Cambridge, Massachusetts.