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swampgirlak 's review for:
The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn
by Sally J. Pla
Is this seriously my first 5-star read since February? What a mediocre reading year it's been, but what a wonderful way to break out of it! I loved everything about this book. It is beautifully written, heart-wrenching and realistic. Sally Pla wrote with such emotion - I felt Maudie's feelings - her frustration, her fear, and ultimately her hope. Take these tiny examples:
"I want to teach myself that the good words are important to remember. I've only ever focused on the shame words before."
"Today, I shyly asked everyone at the picnic table, "So ... do you think I have a chance to win that beginners contest?" And none of them hesitated a second. They all yelled a big giant happy HECK YEAH! in unison. And I felt like I'd been rolled and sprinkled in happy confetti."
I mean... I cheered for Maudie as she learned to surf, embraced her strengths and came into her own. And oh the wonderful people that surrounded and supported her - Her dad. Padda. Dr. Shakti. Max. Naldo. Begonia. Etta. I loved them all.
My biggest concern going into this book was that Pla wouldn't be able to resolve it in a way that rang true. But she did. She. Did. Without being too saccharine or too over the top, and without tying everything up with a big fat bow. The ending absolutely felt like how such a story really could have ended.
Whether you're a middle grader, or neurodivergent, or you love someone who is - or none of the above. Go read this book. You'll thank me later.
"I want to teach myself that the good words are important to remember. I've only ever focused on the shame words before."
"Today, I shyly asked everyone at the picnic table, "So ... do you think I have a chance to win that beginners contest?" And none of them hesitated a second. They all yelled a big giant happy HECK YEAH! in unison. And I felt like I'd been rolled and sprinkled in happy confetti."
I mean... I cheered for Maudie as she learned to surf, embraced her strengths and came into her own. And oh the wonderful people that surrounded and supported her - Her dad. Padda. Dr. Shakti. Max. Naldo. Begonia. Etta. I loved them all.
My biggest concern going into this book was that Pla wouldn't be able to resolve it in a way that rang true. But she did. She. Did. Without being too saccharine or too over the top, and without tying everything up with a big fat bow. The ending absolutely felt like how such a story really could have ended.
Whether you're a middle grader, or neurodivergent, or you love someone who is - or none of the above. Go read this book. You'll thank me later.