Review
#1
In M.L. Florez's heartwarming middle-grade novel, THE HEROIC MISADVENTURES OF MACI AND ROLAND, Maci's attempts to belong only make her feel more isolated. Initially, she plants black tulips (black is her favorite color), but the town's self-appointed sheriff removes them because black doesn't fit the bright colors of the town. Then she joins the bake sale, but her cookies perform poorly after being burnt. Eventually, she tries cheerleading, but her gloomy cheer leaves everyone horrified. Greatly discouraged, she is on the verge of giving up, believing she'll never be accepted and never make friends. Then she gets an interesting idea to enroll her dog and only friend (Roland, a large and lazy Komondor) into the town's much-anticipated annual contest, hoping they'll win and that people will finally like her. However, the contest proves to be perspective-altering.
Florez warmly captures the struggle many face when trying to belong through Maci, who tries to blend her low-profile personality with the upbeat personality of the townsfolk. Her interactions with her dog reveal her emotions and humanize him, as she converses with him as if he's a person. His reactions support this: barking right on time when she tells him to wait five minutes for his food to cool, only cooperating when she makes specific promises, and knowing when she needs time to process her emotions. Their interactions are often humorous, such as when she mentions needing to make changes around the house, and he, "scared that Maci meant something about him, sprinted to the kitchen to protect his snacks." Their lovely bond moves the story forward.
In contrast, supporting characters function as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals, weakening the narrative. For instance, her parents are mentioned in passing but don't play any significant role in the story, creating gaps (including their noticeable absence during her preparations for the bake sale and a lack of support during the contest that means so much to her and the entire town).
Her outcast status is emphasized through descriptions like this: "Whimsyville was famous for its Victorian buildings that seemed to have come out of a fairytale. They were painted in soft pinks, gentle blues, sunny yellows, and mint greens. Maci lived in one of the sunny yellow buildings that contrasted with her gloomy and dark appearance." In the end, readers should find this a satisfying (if not groundbreaking) story that's easy to relate to.
M.L. Florez's THE HEROIC MISADVENTURES OF MACI AND ROLAND is a familiar but enlightening story about finding a way to fit in.
~Gabriella Harrison for IndieReader (starred rating)
#2
What to Expect: Friendship, self-esteem, acceptance, school, identity
Fitting in and finding acceptance are key priorities for middle schoolers. In this
sweet, funny middle-grade novel, readers will meet a main character who has it
harder than most—perhaps even more challenging than they do!
Maci loves thinking deeply, seeing beauty in the darker side of life, and writing
poetry. Unfortunately, she lives in Whimsyville, where everyone and everything is
bright, chirpy, and cheerful. Maci desperately wants people to accept her, so she tries
everything she can to make people like her - from baking cookies for the bake sale to
joining the cheerleading competition. However, no matter what she tries, she just
doesn't fit in. Then she has a great idea - she'll enter her dog, Roland, in the Town
Hero competition! Maci is sure Roland can do a better job than her at impressing
people, and if he wins, everyone will love them both! But could Maci be missing
something important about her town ... and herself?
Maci is introspective and thoughtful, and her self-identification of racing thoughts,
anxiety, the need for quiet time, and loneliness can help normalize these emotions
for readers. The story's setting is gently, humorously improbable, providing a safe
backdrop for Maci's intense emotions, and lovely black-and-grey illustrations help
underscore the disconnect between Maci and her community.
The Heroic Misadventures of Maci and Roland is funny, sweet, and instructive. It
gently guides readers to think about what it really means to fit in and find
acceptance.
—The Children's Book Review
From the Author
For those who were asked, "What are you supposed to be?" by their peers while growing up, we are all a little odd and want to fit in somewhere. I was that little goth girl, and this story is for all the kids out there who like things a little moody or black.
If you liked this story, please let me know if you'd like me to make it a series! I have plans for Maci and Roland.
Rate and Review to help Maci and Roland be seen.
Thank you!
Love,
M.L. Florez
About the Author
Meet M. L. Florez, the creative mind behind the delightful children's book, The Heroic Misadventures of Maci and Roland. With a passion for storytelling, Florez crafts enchanting tales that whisk young readers away into realms filled with laughter, adventure, and heartwarming connections. Currently pursuing her English degree, Florez's love for literature and attention to detail breathe life into every story. Her unique perspective as a devoted partner and nurturing mother adds a sprinkle of magic, allowing her characters to leap off the page with relatable charm and delightful quirks. When she isn't penning her next adventure, you can find Florez tending to her garden of ideas, reading, or spending time with her family. Join her on this enchanting journey, where stories come alive, and every page invites readers to explore the wonders of friendship, bravery, and imagination! --This text refers to the paperback edition. 
