Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Sally J. Pla is the author of four acclaimed novels—The Someday Birds; Stanley Will Probably Be Fine; The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn; and Invisible Isabel—and 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.

“A vulnerable portrait of one girl seeking to empower and redefine herself outside of her personal traumas.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A powerful and deeply affecting story that will carry readers along like the perfect wave.” — Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You"Gorgeously written; brims with empathy and understanding.” — Emily Barth Isler, author of AfterMath“A breathtakingly beautiful ride of a story about an unforgettable, neurodivergent heroine.” — Jess Redman, award-winning author of The Miraculous“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 Muñoz Ryan, Newbery Honor-winning author“A gorgeous, bighearted, beautiful book. I loved it.”   — Elana K. Arnold, award-winning author of A Boy Called Bat“Anyone who’s different in a place where being different is feared will identify with Maudie’s struggles. Maudie’s 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“Through Maudie’s 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“Narrator Shalan marvelously, effortlessly personifies Pla's characters.” — School Library Journal, audiobook review“A unique and memorable story that will appeal to middle grade readers open to a creative format and heavier themes.”  — School Library Journal