Maple for the People
Written by Kate McGovern
Published by Candlewick
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!
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Primary ISBN: 9781536233216
Publication Date: January 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Activism, Community Action, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Abilities, Discrimination: Economic, Diverse Abilities: Neurological, Education & Literacy, Identity: Multiracial, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Hindu, Religious Background: Jewish
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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