Co the Back of the Book Mya Tibbs and the Spirit Showdown

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 · 629 ratings  · 139 reviews

Start your review of Spirit Week Showdown (The Magnificent Mya Tibbs, #1)

My 8 year old daughter loved it and wrote a book review. Below is what she typed.

I loved this book!!!!
I like how Mya became friends with Connie. I also liked how Mya was really creative with spirit week. And even if she didn't win spirit day she got something even better so I liked that things didn't go the way that she planned she still got good things. I also liked Nugget's friend Fish he was really funny and was really nice. Solo was not a nice person he was not actually Nugget's friend he wa

My 8 year old daughter loved it and wrote a book review. Below is what she typed.

I loved this book!!!!
I like how Mya became friends with Connie. I also liked how Mya was really creative with spirit week. And even if she didn't win spirit day she got something even better so I liked that things didn't go the way that she planned she still got good things. I also liked Nugget's friend Fish he was really funny and was really nice. Solo was not a nice person he was not actually Nugget's friend he was pretending to be his friend so Nugget would do his math homework. Nugget soon found out that his real friend was Fish and not Solo. I really liked the book because everything was so creative and so exciting and I really enjoyed that book. I can't wait for the next one.

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I can't imagine a middle grade aged child not loving Mya Tibbs, for I can't fathom anyone of any age not falling instantly in love with this little girl. That's what happened to me! Author Crystal Allen, with The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown, has created a captivating, energetic, 'always has a plan' nine year old, and Mya wins your heart. Allen's amazing little girl from Bluebonnet, Texas, is convinced she can conquer the world—or at least win the spirit week challenge at her scho I can't imagine a middle grade aged child not loving Mya Tibbs, for I can't fathom anyone of any age not falling instantly in love with this little girl. That's what happened to me! Author Crystal Allen, with The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown, has created a captivating, energetic, 'always has a plan' nine year old, and Mya wins your heart. Allen's amazing little girl from Bluebonnet, Texas, is convinced she can conquer the world—or at least win the spirit week challenge at her school. But first she has to weather the storms of being nine years old and not totally in control of her world. Her teacher foils her plan to pair up with her best friend and instead Mya gets linked with Mean Connie Tate as her spirit week challenge partner. But have no fear, Allen spins a warm tale filled with little girl intrigue and angst that ultimately satisfies us readers. And that's no spoiler, for this is the first in a series of books about Mya, so we know she will finish a winner so she can go on to many more adventures. I see many, many young girls—and boys, too—devouring Allen's Mya Tibbs series of books. And they will be far richer for having done so. This first of the series presents a diverse group without preaching. Mya obviously is a young black girl, but she lives in a universe where she is not a black girl, but just a girl, like all the others in her school, no matter what skin color. And isn't that the way the world should work? Kids who read this are not only in for a lesson in diversity, they are in for a treat. They will eagerly finish the book, and then clamor for the next title. Allen has a winner here with Mya Tibbs, for as the title says, Mya is magnificent. ...more

Jun 10, 2017 Sherry rated it really liked it

I wasn't excited about this Texas Bluebonnet nominee - the cover art didn't appeal to me, and the summary sounded like it was going to be a light, fluffy, girl-drama kind of read and I hate those. But it was short, and having just finished a heavy book I needed something light, so I jumped in. Boy, was I surprised! This story pulled a deep - and not easy - emotional response from me; I even found myself thinking about the characters the day after I finished the book, as if they were real. That's I wasn't excited about this Texas Bluebonnet nominee - the cover art didn't appeal to me, and the summary sounded like it was going to be a light, fluffy, girl-drama kind of read and I hate those. But it was short, and having just finished a heavy book I needed something light, so I jumped in. Boy, was I surprised! This story pulled a deep - and not easy - emotional response from me; I even found myself thinking about the characters the day after I finished the book, as if they were real. That's always a sign of a winner.

Mya Tibbs, the main character, has spunk, brains, and cuteness, but she's sweetly naive and trusting when it comes to the nuances of friendships. At first, these qualities are cute, and we feel sorry for her as she bends over backwards to accommodate Naomi, the manipulative bully-girl she thinks is her best friend. However, Mya stays frustratingly oblivious to Naomi's shallow thinking and mean acts for perhaps longer than no-nonsense adults might want. It takes some of us longer to recognize betrayal, though. Mya gradually realizes what a real friend does and is able to move forward.

I really couldn't put this book down! Engaging, clever, and with just the right amount of humor, it will be a great read-aloud and excellent for discussions about friendship and how characters grow and change. I didn't give it 5 stars only because I was left with questions about what, if anything, Naomi learned. Maybe that's because some people never do.

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4.5 Stars

A stereotype hog-tying tale of friendship, loyalty, empathy, and forgiveness.

This book explores the pitfalls of "popularity," along with the folly of judging people by their looks, clothing, or the rumors spread about them. It also examines the many faces of bullying—all on a vibrant level that most elementary-aged children should be able to connect with.

Mya Tibbs is a spirited, well-meaning 4th-grader with a cowgirl obsession and a knack for tall tales. When a promise accidentally bro

4.5 Stars

A stereotype hog-tying tale of friendship, loyalty, empathy, and forgiveness.

This book explores the pitfalls of "popularity," along with the folly of judging people by their looks, clothing, or the rumors spread about them. It also examines the many faces of bullying—all on a vibrant level that most elementary-aged children should be able to connect with.

Mya Tibbs is a spirited, well-meaning 4th-grader with a cowgirl obsession and a knack for tall tales. When a promise accidentally broken lands her on the bad side of her new super-popular "best friend," the whole school begins calling her "Mya Tibbs Fibs." As if being friendless and insultingly nicknamed weren't enough, she also ends up stuck as Spirit Week partners with the school bully. At first, Mya thinks she'd be willing to do just about anything to get her friends back. But the more she tries to make amends, the more trouble she gets herself into—and the more she begins to realize the school bully isn't who she thought she was.

The book is written in first-person present-tense, entirely from Mya's perspective. And in Mya we have a naively flawed but wholly likeable heroine. Allen's prose stands out as bright, punchy, and engaging—well suited for the younger end of the Middle Grade spectrum. The character development is thoughtful and skillfully drawn; the revelations blatant without being too heavy handed.

The sibling interactions between Mya and her brainy 5th-grade brother were an excellent balance to the storytelling—not to mention winsomely authentic.

"It's my brother. His real name is Micah, but I call him Nugget because his skin is brown and his head is shaped like a chunk of chicken. He thinks I named him after a piece of gold."

It's easy to appreciate how "Nugget" is dealing with essentially the same things as Mya for most of the book--making the same socially-motivated mistakes in his own way. But while Mya is critical of him, she can't quite see that she's doing the same thing. (Personal Note: My goddaughters used to do this all of the time, and it was hard to gently point out the hypocrisy in a way they could grasp. I see this book as being tremendously helpful in addressing such things.)

The bullying theme struck a particularly valuable chord. The author chose to dodge the physical side and gave a careful look at the kind of conniving, manipulative, and controlling behaviors that most well-adjusted children will eventually encounter in certain conscience-lacking peers. As a result, this book has the potential to be used as a tool to aid kids in identifying and coping with social malignancy rather than falling prey to it.

This reader would have preferred more depth to the physical descriptions, especially in the adults we're introduced to along the way. I also wish the stakes for Mya had been a touch higher (as her primary motivation for winning VIP tickets to the festival seemed to center around free food--although, it did up the conflict between the girls who had more specific reasons for wanting to win.)

Overall this was a worthwhile read, and one I would gladly recommend.

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Oct 09, 2015 Vonna Carter rated it it was amazing

Early middle grade readers have a new best friend! Crystal Allen has created a unique, jump-off-the-page character in Mya Tibbs, the rootin'est tootin'est kid in fourth grade. The wonderful cast of school friends (and enemies), teachers, school principal (you're going to love his Spirit Week costume!) and a warm, loving family guarantee this series will be a sure hit.

Jun 05, 2017 Andrea rated it really liked it

Mya and her best friend Naomi, want to win the school's contest for VIP tickets to the festival but when things don't go their way, Mya learns what real friendships are all about along with some hard lessons on trust and loyalty. This is a great story for students in 3rd grade and up. Mya and her best friend Naomi, want to win the school's contest for VIP tickets to the festival but when things don't go their way, Mya learns what real friendships are all about along with some hard lessons on trust and loyalty. This is a great story for students in 3rd grade and up. ...more

This was ok, but nothing super special. If a kid really loves spirit week, they might be interested in the story. The narrative voice feels forced.

Jul 29, 2018 Allison rated it it was amazing

A must read for kids of all ages! I love Mya, her spunk and her ka-clunck!
Thank you, Crystal Allen.

Jan 29, 2016 Aeicha rated it it was amazing

Spirit Week is the best week at school and 9 year old Mya Tibbs is excited to be Spirit Week partners with her very popular BFF, Naomi Jackson. If the two girls win, they get coveted VIP tickets to the Fall Festival. But then things don't go as planned and Mya ends up with Mean Connie Tate as a partner, and Naomi is furious. So furious, that other kids are calling Mya names and she has to think of a way to win back her BFF and survive being Connie's partner. Good gravy!

Crystal Allen's The Magnif

Spirit Week is the best week at school and 9 year old Mya Tibbs is excited to be Spirit Week partners with her very popular BFF, Naomi Jackson. If the two girls win, they get coveted VIP tickets to the Fall Festival. But then things don't go as planned and Mya ends up with Mean Connie Tate as a partner, and Naomi is furious. So furious, that other kids are calling Mya names and she has to think of a way to win back her BFF and survive being Connie's partner. Good gravy!

Crystal Allen's The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown is truly that, a magnificent middle-grade read! This book is simply bursting with heart, funnies, and lovable characters. Allen's pitch-perfect voice and wonderful storytelling will delight, amuse, and captivate. Mya's story of mean girls, friendship woes, and being a good kid in a sometimes confusing world, is painted with age appropriate authenticity. Young readers will surely relate to the characters' mishaps, struggles, and triumphs, and will greatly enjoy the Spirit Week activities.

The vibrant, quaint, yet larger than life, Bluebonnet, Texas makes for a fun setting. And Allen has filled this vivid town with an awesome assortment of diverse characters. From Mya's clever brother Nugget to a brave boy named Fish, Starr and Skye (twins who may be aliens), fabulous but maybe-not-so-nice Naomi, wacky Mr. Winky, supportive Mr. and Mrs. Tibbs, and surprising Connie, there are so many engaging and memorable characters to love...but I love Mya the most. This plucky, endearing, kind, heartfelt, cowgirl-loving gal, with her pink lucky boots and favorite vest, is sure to dazzle readers.

my final thoughts: With an irresistible heroine, sparkling storytelling, warm heart, and laugh-out-loud humor, The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown is utterly charming and entertaining!

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Feb 15, 2016 Annette rated it it was amazing

SPIRIT WEEK SHOWDOWN by Crystal Allen is the first book in the new Magnificent Mya Tibbs series for middle grade readers.

Mya and her best friend Naomi plan to win the Spirit Week partners competition. However when Mya is reluctantly paired with Mean Connie Tate, her hopes for winning VIP tickets to the Fall Festival quickly disappear. This authentic, endearing story explores many kinds of friendships and what it means to be a friend.

Librarians will find this charming and often humorous book to b

SPIRIT WEEK SHOWDOWN by Crystal Allen is the first book in the new Magnificent Mya Tibbs series for middle grade readers.

Mya and her best friend Naomi plan to win the Spirit Week partners competition. However when Mya is reluctantly paired with Mean Connie Tate, her hopes for winning VIP tickets to the Fall Festival quickly disappear. This authentic, endearing story explores many kinds of friendships and what it means to be a friend.

Librarians will find this charming and often humorous book to be a hit with fans of the classic Ramona books as well as more recent series such as Ivy and Bean. What makes this book timely is the way it handles the topic of diversity. Rather than being a focus of the story, Mya just happens to be a black girl in a diverse cast of characters living in Texas.

Middle grade readers will be clamoring for the next book in what is sure to be a popular friends and family series.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.crystalallenbooks.com/.

Published by Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy for the publisher.

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Sep 01, 2018 Whitney rated it really liked it

This was really cute. I liked the messages on friendship and family that this book showed. Especially the family aspect. The children (Mya and Nugget) are very considerate and helpful to their parents. Their parents were really sweet and supportive, waiting for their kids to come to them with problems while knowing there was something going on. They allowed their kids to try and work it out on their own first without automatically stepping in.

The only thing I didn't like is that the teacher is

This was really cute. I liked the messages on friendship and family that this book showed. Especially the family aspect. The children (Mya and Nugget) are very considerate and helpful to their parents. Their parents were really sweet and supportive, waiting for their kids to come to them with problems while knowing there was something going on. They allowed their kids to try and work it out on their own first without automatically stepping in.

The only thing I didn't like is that the teacher is kind of dumb if you think about it. Part of the plot involves a student who the teacher KNOWS is an artist drawing something and then another student accusing her of cheating. The teacher buys this without evidence, despite KNOWING the extent of this student's artwork. Seems odd to me. She also seems unaware of the nicknames the kids give each other, even though they make no attempt to hide it. Only one student gets in trouble for a mean nickname. Just seems unrealistic or like she isn't paying attention.

Overall, very cute.

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Crystal Allen has written a wonderful book for my girls! Mya Tibbs is just like any of my students-struggling to make good decisions, trying make good friends and be one, and dealing with the ups and downs of school, family and life in general. And she does it with exuberance and joy, always throwing 100% at every task. I loved this book and know that my fourth and fifth graders will, too. Teachers will appreciate the cast of well-developed characters, the clear plot, and themes of friendship, f
Crystal Allen has written a wonderful book for my girls! Mya Tibbs is just like any of my students-struggling to make good decisions, trying make good friends and be one, and dealing with the ups and downs of school, family and life in general. And she does it with exuberance and joy, always throwing 100% at every task. I loved this book and know that my fourth and fifth graders will, too. Teachers will appreciate the cast of well-developed characters, the clear plot, and themes of friendship, forgiveness, and perseverance. I will be ordering #2 in the Mya Tibbs series immediately and can't wait to see what this irrepressible girl will get into in that one! Little side note--I was fortunate enough to briefly speak to Crystal Allen at the 2017 Texas Library Association conference and her joie de vivre was contagious. We all left her book signing line hoping that her book would be as wonderful as she seemed to be. ...more

Oct 03, 2017 Ms. Arca rated it it was amazing

I loved Mya's family so much by the end of this book. I enjoyed the nuances of friendship, Mya's relationship with her brother (and that we got another semi central character figure that wasn't just all girls), and Connie made me feel inspired!

I also want to note there were a few truly beautiful scenes about talking about your struggles with loved ones, and a father figure who talks about feelings and openly shows care. This black family (!!!!!!!) is just what I've always wished I could've read

I loved Mya's family so much by the end of this book. I enjoyed the nuances of friendship, Mya's relationship with her brother (and that we got another semi central character figure that wasn't just all girls), and Connie made me feel inspired!

I also want to note there were a few truly beautiful scenes about talking about your struggles with loved ones, and a father figure who talks about feelings and openly shows care. This black family (!!!!!!!) is just what I've always wished I could've read growing up. I've been looking for a series like this for elementary ages and I'm really grateful this exists!

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Jun 22, 2017 Abby rated it liked it

Excellent book for a 4th grade girl. It's a nominee for the Young Hoosier Book Award (Indiana - kids read and then vote). I don't see it winning because it doesn't have universal appeal to boys. There is also an attempt at Texan/kid vocabulary (anyone ever heard of something being boo-yang cool?) that I could see the kids rolling their eyes at. Not my favorite, but has some good lessons about friendship. Excellent book for a 4th grade girl. It's a nominee for the Young Hoosier Book Award (Indiana - kids read and then vote). I don't see it winning because it doesn't have universal appeal to boys. There is also an attempt at Texan/kid vocabulary (anyone ever heard of something being boo-yang cool?) that I could see the kids rolling their eyes at. Not my favorite, but has some good lessons about friendship. ...more

I really liked this book! It was sweet and heartwarming. I wish Naomi would have had some kind of punishment for being so nasty, but I guess a good life lesson is that you can only choose how you respond to other people. It seemed like some of the characters were either too old or too young compared to one another. I felt like Connie seemed too mature for Mya. However, Mya saying, "I'll make better mistakes tomorrow" was just the best line of the whole book.

Irresistible 4th grade heroine and an engaging cast of characters learn some rough lessons about friendship in this school/family story set in Texas.

Love the setting and the dynamic between her brother and the popular kid, especially. Really smart about the inner lives of 4th graders. Also, super fun and cute in a way that real kids would like.

Dec 12, 2016 Sean rated it it was ok

I think I will have so many kiddos who will love this book. I, unfortunately, did not enjoy it. This is a very predictable book and the dialogue is sometimes all over the place. Students will love Mya and the sweet story. It is a great book to use for bullying and friendship with a class of students. I was just wishing for something stronger, but I know my students will be happy with Mya Tibbs.

I read an ARC of this story about a girl working through troubles with friends-something almost all students will relate to, but in this case, Mya has to solve her problems by the end of her school's Spirit Week. Students will enjoy this humorous story as each day's events unfold. I read an ARC of this story about a girl working through troubles with friends-something almost all students will relate to, but in this case, Mya has to solve her problems by the end of her school's Spirit Week. Students will enjoy this humorous story as each day's events unfold. ...more

My kids really liked this book. It made them laugh, but also had good messages about real friendship, bullying and the damage that gossip and rumors can cause. The characters are lovable, and while parents may find the plot predictable, kids will be cheering for Mya, and happy with the ending.

Mya is a fun character and I think young readers will like her. There were parts of the story that I chuckled out loud and parts that made me think about real life situations.

Good gravy in the Navy that was good!!!

Feb 22, 2016 JillyG rated it really liked it

Cute story about friendship and family. I liked the cowgirl/ranch theme.

Really enjoyed this warm-hearted yet funny story friendship (and family) story.

Jun 04, 2017 Kirsten Murphy rated it really liked it

Maddy's rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I like how Mya Tibbs becomes friends with Connie"

Hudson's review 3.5 stars
"I liked the ending."

Maddy's rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I like how Mya Tibbs becomes friends with Connie"

Hudson's review 3.5 stars
"I liked the ending."

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Sep 18, 2017 Cindy rated it it was amazing

Great story about friendship. Wonderful characters that reflect the hardships encountered while trying to figure out who your "real" friends are. Great story about friendship. Wonderful characters that reflect the hardships encountered while trying to figure out who your "real" friends are. ...more

Sep 02, 2020 J. Marie rated it it was amazing

Great book about friendship! Allen gives a great look at how "mean girl" bullying happens and I appreciated her plot twist on the topic. Additionally, we see real give-take on friendship instead of the usual "main character is the one who makes all the mistakes and must learn from them." Mya stands up for herself while also taking responsibility for her actions. Love this. Bonus: her relationship with her brother is super sweet. Great book about friendship! Allen gives a great look at how "mean girl" bullying happens and I appreciated her plot twist on the topic. Additionally, we see real give-take on friendship instead of the usual "main character is the one who makes all the mistakes and must learn from them." Mya stands up for herself while also taking responsibility for her actions. Love this. Bonus: her relationship with her brother is super sweet. ...more

Nov 18, 2020 Alvina rated it it was amazing

Funny and a lot of lessons to be discussed in this book. Mya is a spunky one. All of the characters were each fun in their own way. Enjoyed reading this with our more reluctant reader; she's ready to read more in the adventures of Ms. Mya Tibbs. Funny and a lot of lessons to be discussed in this book. Mya is a spunky one. All of the characters were each fun in their own way. Enjoyed reading this with our more reluctant reader; she's ready to read more in the adventures of Ms. Mya Tibbs. ...more

Mya Tibbs is a young lady with a huge personality who is facing a friendship crisis...sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between a friend and a bully.

Chapter book, fiction
Interest level: grades 3 through 5
YHBA 2017-2018 intermediate grade nominee
3 out of 5 stars

Mya Tibbs is a 4th grader who lives in Texas and loves the rodeo. Her idols are Annie Oakley and Cowgirl Claire. She wears cowboy boots to school, braids her hair to match the calendar, and has a best friend named Naomi. Or

Mya Tibbs is a young lady with a huge personality who is facing a friendship crisis...sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between a friend and a bully.

Chapter book, fiction
Interest level: grades 3 through 5
YHBA 2017-2018 intermediate grade nominee
3 out of 5 stars

Mya Tibbs is a 4th grader who lives in Texas and loves the rodeo. Her idols are Annie Oakley and Cowgirl Claire. She wears cowboy boots to school, braids her hair to match the calendar, and has a best friend named Naomi. Or does she? Spirit Week Showdown is a story that focuses on friendships, gossip, and misunderstandings that can happen when people don't really know each other.

Many parts of the story felt very real for characters this age. Mya and her friends struggle with wanting to be popular and with the changing nuances of friendships as new relationships develop. Topics of bullying and gossip are also a central part of the story.

I struggled somewhat with the way Mya deals with her actions as she comes to realize that Naomi is not the friend she thought she was. The reader understands that Mya is changing from a person who is concerned with popularity to someone who understands friendship, but in the story Mya herself never really apologizes to the people she has wronged. At one point she admits to making a big mistake, but then immediately starts whining about how she is now suffering because she can no longer take part in Spirit Week. To me, this did not display the character growth that I felt we were supposed to see in Mya.

Overall, Mya is an engaging character with loads of personality. The themes in the story -- bullying, rumors, and friendship -- are important topics for young readers to explore, and this story makes a good inroad to those topics.

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Co the Back of the Book Mya Tibbs and the Spirit Showdown

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