Parents' Guide to

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Sisters organize to build a playground in charming tale.

Book Meena Harris Picture Book 2020
Kamala and Maya's Big Idea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Young sisters Kamala and Maya get a notion to turn the empty courtyard of their apartment building into a playground, so Kamala writes the landlord a letter, and Maya draws him a picture, and they take them to him. When he hears KAMALA AND MAYA'S BIG IDEA, he turns them down. So Kamala writes him a longer letter, asking for a slide, swings, and a sandbox, and again he says no. Then they go see him a third time and bring other kids with them, and Kamala says their families will do all the work, and he says he'll allow it. So they take the idea to the neighbors, many of whom say they'd like to help but they can't. But then, one by one, neighbors step up to help in the ways they can. Mr. Green, who works construction, helps build the sandbox. Mrs. Lopez, who works at a garage, brings a used tire to help make a teeter-totter. "No one could do everything. But everyone could do something." Then they hold a bake sale and sidewalk sale to raise money to buy a used slide, and everyone contributes an item to sell. They celebrate with a big potluck. Back matter shows childhood photos of the sisters and one of the sisters and the author today as adults.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This charming story of not taking no for an answer and organizing to create something positive for the community is a joyful, inspiring example of kid activism. Kamala and Maya's Big Idea shows that kids can be leaders and teach grown-ups what's possible. Readers will also get to know something about who Kamala Harris is, now that she's a candidate to be vice president of the United States, and learn about her roots as a leader from a young age. And they'll be swept up by Ana Ramírez González's kid-like illustrations that show neighbors coming together and working hard to make where they live a better place for everyone.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the community project in Kamala and Maya's Big Idea. Can you picture yourself leading a project in your neighborhood? What would you do? Who would you get to help?

  • Kamala and Maya are sisters, but they work together well. Have you ever worked on a project with your brother or sister? What was it? How did it work out?

  • Do you think grown-ups should listen when kids have an idea? What big idea do you have?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate