Seeing ourselves reflected in the media and books we consume is pivotal to our development. For this reason, the work of creatives like Pura Belpré Award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez is crucial.
Méndez partnered with HarperCollins and the Girl Scouts of the USA for her latest novel “Maven Takes the Lead” (out September 24). Maven’s story sees a vibrant young girl pursue something outside of her comfort zone with unwavering bravery — something that Méndez hopes resonates with readers.
For Our Herencia Month, Méndez chats with Latinidad Collective about her experience penning Maven’s story and what she hopes Latina readers take away from it.
In “Maven Takes the Lead,” Maven is determined to win her school’s robotics competition with the help of her friends and the Girl Scout troop. What inspired you to create a character like Maven, and why was it important to showcase her passion for robotics and STEM?
Maven is a storyteller, and she’s not comfortable in the world of robotics and STEM, but she’s a kid who’s always challenging herself to stretch beyond her comfort zone, and she takes on this task even though she really struggles with it.
My desire was to show that it’s okay to venture into things we’re not familiar with or passionate about, which is also encouraged in Girl Scouting. At the end of the journey, we might find a passion we didn’t expect.
The book highlights the value of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. How do you see these themes resonating with young readers, especially those who are part of Girl Scout troops?
Friendship is everything for young readers! Young children thrive in community with their peers, and learning how to work together and persevere through challenging times are engaging themes that they love to read about. These themes are also integral to the Girl Scout experience, and I think young readers will love to see similar interactions to what they live day to day.
You’ve written across various genres and age groups. What excited you most about writing for a middle-grade audience, and how does “Maven Takes the Lead” differ from your previous works?
I love writing middle-grade novels. This time in life is such a pivotal moment for kids, especially girls. I think lot of our core beliefs are cemented at this age when we struggle to know who we are in the expanse of the world. There is so much beauty and drama, which are the basis for storytelling.
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Maven differs from my other heroines in the sense that she tackles something (robotics) she’s not familiar with, and that is very hard for her. But she’s a leader and a fighter, so in that way, she’s very similar to my other main characters. I hope readers love her as much as I do.
As a Latina author, how do you incorporate your cultural background into Maven’s story, and what message do you hope to send to young Latina readers through this book?
The experience of being a Latina varies so much from person to person. Latinidad has so many facets. I hope in spite of their background, my readers feel seen, heard, and understood, or that they may recognize someone else in the story and gain a different perspective and be the richer for it.
Girl Scouts is an organization that champions leadership and community. How did partnering with GSUSA influence the storytelling, and what aspects of Girl Scouting are highlighted in “Maven Takes the Lead?”
Writing a book is always a team effort and it wasn’t different this time. In fact, I worked closely with the Girl Scouts team and learned so much about Girl Scouting. I loved the experience. Teamwork, respect, perseverance, family, friendship, and learning are some of the Girl Scout values that are imbued in the story.
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You have over 20 books that explore themes like home, friendship, and identity. What does storytelling mean to you personally, and how do you approach crafting stories that feel both universal and specific to your own experiences?
Storytelling is being a witness to life and expressing it into my own words, through the filter of my own ideas and experiences. I don’t go into a story with a desire to portray these elements. I always start with a character, and as I get to know them, the story develops.
Home, friendship, and identity are weaved into everything I write because that’s what is important to me, and what I know. These themes resonate with readers because they are universal in their essence. In the details universality blooms.
