Meet the Characters
The kids and grown-ups Maya meets on her first day in Catalyst City.
Maya
Maya grew up in a rushing city where kids sometimes sat hungry through class. One day she found a tiny glowing seed in the dirt and planted it on her windowsill. That night a swirl of golden light carried her to Catalyst City, the place from Grandma’s stories. She notices everything, asks good questions, and by sunset she has a sunflower seed in her pocket and a promise in her heart.
- Favorite moment: planting the first seedbed
- Drew: a sunflower wearing sunglasses
- Big idea: “I can do this too.”
Malik
Malik waves Maya in and shows her everything. He loves a good fact (did you know kids who garden together eat more vegetables?) and he knows NDARI by heart. “It’s like a superhero code for all of us!”
- Favorite place: the Sunny Side Café
- Drew: a smiling carrot with shoes
- Next plan: a litter patrol with Maya
More people Maya meets
Ms. T
The gentle gardener with dirt on her apron. She gives Maya the sunflower seed.
Chef Jamar
Runs dinner in the plaza and cooks the way his grandma taught him.
Leila
Brave and kind. She reminds Sam to save some bread for others.
Sam
Makes a mistake, then makes a better choice. That counts too.
Jonah
The little one who finds the mystery bag of seeds.
Coming soon
New neighbors arrive in Book Two.
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