I thoroughly liked the story of Maya Papaya, but this is a tough book to categorize. The best I can come up with is a fruit-salad type mixture (not unlike Maya’s name!) that tosses in The Island of Dr. Moreau, Johnny Quest, Spy Kids, even a dash of Home Alone.
Maya’s early life is shrouded in mystery. She lives with her guardian, Mr. Norbert, who instructs her never to show her four-foot long prehensile tail. Even more interestingly, Norbert disappears for short periods of time into the attic, where she’s forbidden.
Until the day comes that Mr. Norbert is called away for a few hours...and Maya’s curiosity gets the better of her. Her shocking discovery in the attic leads to her questioning who – and what – she really is. And no sooner does she start trying to figure this than she’s placed on a ship to India in order to...
...well, you’ll just have to read the book, won’t you?
Intriguing and fun, with action and mystery that’s perfect for kids or young adults.
(reviewed 12 days after purchase)