The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn

“A gorgeous, big-hearted, beautiful book. I loved it.” — Elana K. Arnold, Printz Honor and National Book Award Finalist.

“A heartfelt story of courage and hope . . . Readers will cry, cheer, celebrate, and not soon forget Maudie McGinn.” — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Newbery Honor-Winning author of Esperanza Rising, Echo, MañanaLand, and many more.

“Holy Smokes . . . Could not put The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn down. Readers are going to love watching Maudie grow in this one. ” — Colby Sharp, educator and reading advocate

“I loved this book! Sally J. Pla has written a powerful and deeply affecting story that will carry readers along like the perfect wave. Maudie is an inspiring character who will take up permanent residence in my heart.” — Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You and Unstuck

“A breathtakingly beautiful ride of a story about an unforgettable neurodivergent heroine.”— Jess Redman, award-winning author the The Miraculous

“Gorgeously written; brims with empathy and understanding.” — Emily Barth Isler, author of AfterMath

“Wow! Another absolute winner from Sally J. Pla! A beautiful, moving, fun, masterfully written MG gem.” — Dan Gemeinhart, author of Coyote Sunrise, The Midnight Children, Some Kind of Courage, and Scar Island.

“This heartwarming story about neurodiversity, acceptance, resiliency, courage, and discovering your own strengths is a masterpiece. A gift to all the young people in your life.” — Patricia Murphy, educator and reviewer, Washington School, NJ

“A gorgeously lyrical story about navigating the dynamic waves of life beyond our control, and finding strength, resilience, healing and hope.” — Chris Baron, author of The Gray, The Magical Imperfect, and All of Me

“I absolutely LOVED The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn! I picked this up over a weekend and devoured it.” — Meg Eden Kuyatt, author of GOOD DIFFERENT

“This book is glorious, heart-wrenching, beautifully written, and filled with heart! Sally J. Pla has written a wonderful book that will stay with me forever. Belongs on reading lists everywhere! A must read!” — Wendy McKnight, author of The Frame Up

“Absolutely brilliant middle grade book by Sally J Pla. Move it to the top of your TBR list! Actually, set aside whatever you’re currently reading and start this book.” — Sara Threlkeld (@kidlit_lover), educator and reviewer

“I can’t even! This book is fabulous! One of my all-time faves is The Someday Birds, and then, here comes Maudie. Oh, my heart!” — Martha Vandivier, educator

“I would kill for Maudie.” — Nicole Melleby, acclaimed author of Hurricane Season and How to Become a Planet

“Anyone who’s different in a place where being different is feared and under attack will identify with Maudie’s struggles … Maudie’s journey from blaming herself for her neurodivergence to standing up for herself and what she needs brings joy and hope to this autistic reader.” — Lyn Miller-Lachmann, co-author of Moonwalking and author of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize-winning Torch.

But wait! There’s more . . .