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  • The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

  • By: Sally J. Pla
  • Narrated by: Gail Shalan
  • Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (10 ratings)

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The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

By: Sally J. Pla
Narrated by: Gail Shalan
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Publisher's summary

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-hear 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 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?

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Sally J. Pla (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

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Magnificent depiction of a young teen autistic.

If you are close to autism like I am, the parent of an autistic, be ready for an atmospheric river of tears, of both sadness and joy.
The writing is excellent and the audio narration a tour de force. (distinct character voices, matched the age of protagonist, emotional expressiveness off the charts!) I couldn't put this book down (turn it off). Sally Pla, the author had me hooked so deeply rooting for young Maudie to make it through her awful family circumstances. The father/daughter relationship was exquisitely depicted as well as the harrowing mother and stepfather antagonists. Truly a Hero's Journey--Maudie's empowerment through surfing with her champion Mentor! A lot to learn about autism in this story as the author takes us deeply inside the mind, body, and spirit of Maudie. By the end you will be part of the small surfing community that embraces, supports, and is deeply touched by this extraordinary autistic and her loving Dad.

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One of the best books featuring at autistic character I have read!

Trigger warnings- physical child abuse, fleeing from a wild fire. The main character, Maudie, is very expressive in her thoughts about her feelings in various situations. The difference in the way Mom responds to her verses Dad is shocking! Maudie gains new skills and greater self confidence in her unusual summer with her Dad.

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Wonderful Listen

I am not part of the Autism community, and I stumbled upon this on a recent sale and thought a neurodivergent character would be interesting. What a beautiful story. Perfect for adults and teens. Highly recommend.
Perfect narration. Brought the characters to life.

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