Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing

2 reviews

fyziksgirl's review

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Fun book full of robot hijinks! Maya and her family and the cast of diverse characters this book is set along are loveable, and Ralph the robot is fun. 

Do be aware that there is talk of gun violence in the US and how 33 people die a day from it, which my kids found concerning, but it is handled beautifully and is as good way as possible to introduce a topic that is a sadly real part of their lives. There is also

a surprise memorial for someone who died by gun violence a decade prior. </Spoiler> 

I wish we had seen more of Maya doing science, rather than just seeing people impressed that she had done it without really knowing what she did. 

Overall a very fun book my kids in K-5 all enjoyed!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gun violence, Death, and Bullying

The titular robot was created by the son of the shop owner. The son was killed by shooting outside the shop near where Maya lives 10 years ago. She finds out after being lied to about it by being told right before she has to go to a memorial service for him.

Stats on the frequency of gun deaths in the US are given, and emphasis on how every person in those stats is missed and loved. There is bullying from another girl.

At the end we learn that girl just wanted to be her friend and it's kind of implied that she should have been nicer to prevent the bullying.

emily_mh's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I loved reading this book! I can definitely see myself rereading it, and that’s not something I say often!! Firstly, the pacing was great as something was always happening to propel the plot or the characters forward, which meant I was super engaged from the get-go. 

Maya was a fantastic MC. I loved her nerdiness around science, and her drive and curiosity to learn more. I myself learnt some sciency facts from her, and really enjoyed her accessible explanations. The feelings that she experienced with being separated from her friends at school were so honest and took me right back to when I was going through a similar time. Maya also had so much joy and playfulness which was so lovely to see as the reader! The story is mostly focussed on Maya’s character development, specifically in relation to her gaining confidence in herself as a scientist, but also in learning the nuances of friendship. I thought both aspects were really well done. 

Ralph was also a fab character. He was adorable and I was giggling out loud when he was trying to cheer Maya up. 

There were three others themes that, while not focal points of the story, were important nonetheless and executed brilliantly. These were bullying, grief, and community. The story explores the impact of bullying and social isolation, and even why someone might become a bully (though of course it doesn’t excuse the act of bullying itself). The book also shows what grief can look and feel like. In particular, I loved how it showed the validity of the grief of children. Finally, and one of my favourite parts of the book as a whole, was the depiction of community. At home, Maya is surrounded by people who love and support and KNOW her and one another. It was just so heartwarming to see. 

The plot did feel a little directionless at times which is why I docked half a star, but obviously it wasn’t that much of a biggie! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Grief

Minor: Bullying and Cancer

Moderate: loss of a loved one Minor: divorce