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Title details for The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla - Available

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

ebook

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 is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. A Schneider Family Book Award winner!

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 life—one that her mom warned her never to tell. Maudie wants to confide in her dad about her stepdad's anger, but she's scared.

When a wildfire strikes, Maudie and her dad are forced to evacuate to the beach town where he grew up. It's 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 friends—and 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 truth—and maybe even find some way to stay with Dad—before summer is over?


  • A Neurodivergent Heroine: Maudie's autism means she processes the world intensely, but this summer, she discovers it might also be her greatest strength.
  • Powerful Father Daughter Story: Forced from their home by a wildfire, Maudie and her dad's bond is the only thing that feels safe in a world of turbulent change.
  • Healing Through Surfing: In a new beach town, Maudie becomes determined to face the waves of the Pacific—and her own fears—by learning to surf.
  • A Story of Courage: Maudie is carrying a heavy secret about her stepdad's anger. Finding the courage to speak up could change everything, but it could also mean losing it all.
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      Formats

      • Kindle Book
      • OverDrive Read
      • EPUB ebook

      Languages

      • English

      Levels

      • ATOS Level:4.3
      • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
      • Text Difficulty:3