Girl Scouts: Maven Takes the Lead

The first in a must-read middle grade series from Girl Scouts of the USA about a group of fifth graders with lots of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. This novel written by award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez is perfect for readers who love The Baby-Sitters Club and American Girl's Girl of the Year series.

Maven wants to be known for something great.

She had been nervous about starting fifth grade after spending all summer with her little brother and baby cousins. So when her fifth-grade teacher announces a district-wide robotics competition, she jumps at the opportunity to be the class's leader. Being in charge is better and cooler than playing make-believe, right? Many people doubt her, especially the boys in her class, but with the support of her friends and Girl Scout troop, Maven is determined to prove them wrong.

Then she goes overboard with her dedication to the competition, and she seems to be disappointing everyone--including herself. She begins to realize maybe being herself is what she needed to do all along.

Look out for more incredible middle grade books from Girl Scouts:

The Ultimate Friendship Journal coming March 2025Anika and the Great Dog Rescue, the second book in this Girl Scout Novel series, coming May 2025Take Action: You Can Make the World a Better Place coming Fall 2025

Girl Scouts build a better world and bring their dreams to life. They discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges--whether that means climbing to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lacing up their boots for a hike, advocating for climate justice, or making their first best friends. They are finding their voices and making a difference on the issues most important to them, with the support of a community of millions from coast to coast and around the world.

Yamile Saied Méndez is the author of many books for young readers and adults, including the award-winning picture books Where Are You From? and What Will You Be? She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains in Utah with her husband, five children, two dogs, and a majestic cat. She's a graduate of Voices of Our Nations and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA writing for children and young adults program. She's always trying new empanada recipes. Connect with her at yamilemendez.com.