The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Reach for this book if your neurodivergent child is struggling to navigate a home environment where they feel pressured to mask or change their natural way of being. This deeply moving story follows Maudie, a young girl with autism who finds refuge during a summer with her father in California. While the plot involves a thrilling escape from a wildfire, the heart of the book lies in Maudie's journey toward self-advocacy and emotional safety. It is an essential read for families navigating blended family dynamics or those seeking to better understand the sensory and emotional needs of an autistic child. The story is appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a realistic but ultimately hopeful look at standing up for one's own well-being and finding where you truly belong.