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Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 17, 2025

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park

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Children's

Nicole D. Collier

Latest Title: The Many Fortunes of Maya
The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D. Collier
Genre: childrens
Author: Nicole D. Collier
The Many Fortunes of Maya
The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D. Collier

In this lyrical novel that will appeal to fans of Meg Medina, Maya turns to her trusty “wheel of fortunes” for guidance on the toughest questions—like why her best friend suddenly feels far away, or when her Daddy will move back home. But can Maya find the courage to write her own fortune? 

Maya J. Jenkins is bursting with questions:

  • Will she get the MVP award at this year’s soccer banquet?
  • Who will win the big grill off between Daddy and Uncle J?
  • When will she pass the swim test and get a green bracelet?

For answers and a dose of good luck, 12-year-old Maya turns to her Wheel of Fortunes, a cardboard circle covered with the small slips of wisdom she’s collected from fortune cookies.

But can the fortunes answer her deep-down questions? The ones she’s too scared to ask out loud? Like, where did Mama’s smile go, the real one that lit up everything around her? When will Daddy move back home? And most of all, does she have enough courage to truly listen to the voice in her heart?

About Nicole D. Collier

Nicole D. Collier, Ph.D., is the author of “The Many Fortunes of Maya” (HarperCollins, Versify, 2023) and “Just Right Jillian” (2022). She writes stories that illuminate the challenges and rewards that come from learning to be true to yourself. Born and raised in Atlanta, Nicole is the only child of an accountant and a public school librarian. The former fourth grade teacher is now a learning designer and executive coach. She currently resides in St. Petersburg, Fla. with her husband, Phillip. A self-proclaimed ever-victorious woman, she’s been known to run, dance and turn cartwheels on sunny days.

Instagram: @essentialcoco

Twitter: @essentialcoco

Author Schedule:

Venue(s):

Willa Cather Pavilion

Presentation Start Time:

1:15 pm

Presentation End Time:

2:05 pm

Signing Time:

2:15 pm

Presentation Authors:

Nicole D. Collier

Author Website:

https://nicoledcollier.com/