The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

(Paperback)

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Description

Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad This contemporary novel by the award-winning author of The Someday Birds is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish.

Maudie always looks forward to the summers she spends in California with her dad. But this year, she must keep a troubling secret about her home lifeone that her mom warned her never to tell. Maudie wants to confide in her dad about her stepdad's anger, but shes scared.

When a wildfire strikes, Maudie and her dad are forced to evacuate to the beach town where he grew up. Its another turbulent wave of change. But now, every morning, from their camper, Maudie can see surfers bobbing in the water. She desperately wants to learn, but could she ever be brave enough

As Maudie navigates unfamiliar waters, she makes friendsand her autism no longer feels like the big deal her mom makes it out to be. But her secret is still threatening to sink her. Will Maudie find the strength to reveal the awful truthand maybe even find some way to stay with Dadbefore summer is over

Reviews

A heartfelt story of courage and hope about Maudie, who navigates the world in her own unique divergent way, even while struggling with challenging family dynamics and loss. Readers will cry, cheer, and celebrate, and not soon forget, Maudie McGinn. Pam Muoz Ryan, Newbery Honor-winning author A gorgeous, bighearted, beautiful book. I loved it. Elana K. Arnold, award-winning author of A Boy Called Bat A powerful and deeply affecting story that will carry readers along like the perfect wave. Barbara Dee, author ofMaybe He Just Likes You A vulnerable portrait of one girl seeking to empower and redefine herself outside of her personal traumas. Publishers Weekly (starred review) Anyone whos different in a place where being different is feared will identify with Maudies struggles. Maudies journey from blaming herself for her neurodivergence to standing up for herself brings joy and hope to this autistic reader. Lyn Miller-Lachmann, author of the LA Times Book Prize-winning Torch A breathtakingly beautiful ride of a story about an unforgettable, neurodivergent heroine. Jess Redman, award-winning author of The Miraculous "Gorgeously written; brims with empathy and understanding. Emily Barth Isler, author of AfterMath Through Maudies earnest, occasionally poetic narration, Pla vividly explores the ways that physical and verbal abuse can distort self-perception. A perceptive, poignant tale of self-discovery. Kirkus Reviews Any reader who has ever felt different will be able to relate to Maudie's journey to finding her home and her people. ALA Booklist A unique and memorable story that will appeal to middle grade readers open to a creative format and heavier themes. School Library Journal Narrator Shalan marvelously, effortlessly personifies Pla's characters. School Library Journal, audiobook review

Author Bio

Sally J. Pla is the author of three acclaimed novelsThe Someday Birds; Stanley Will Probably Be Fine; and The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinnand a picture book, Benji, the Bad Day, and Me. She is an autism/neurodiversity advocate who has worked as a business journalist and in public education. She lives with her family in Southern California, not too far from the ocean. Visit her online at sallyjpla.com.