Keeping family secrets can be very dangerous.  That's why Sally J. Pla's The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn is both resilience narrative and cautionary tale. 

     Between staying by court negotiated turns with her constantly battling parents, Maudie who is autistic,  experiences vastly different lifestyles.  During the school year she stays with her mother who is a professional blogger with a channel.  Along with makeup and household tips she over shares on the challenges of having a child on the spectrum.  She's married to an abusive man.  Mommy Dearest cares more about standing by her man than protecting her only child.  (Yes, my biases are showing.)  So she sends Maudie to her dad's for the summer with instructions to not tell him what's going on.

     Maudie's dad, a free spirit carpenter, is much more accepting.  He loves her as she is.  He knows many ways to show his love and help her with the challenges she faces.  He's her three month reprieve from the Mom and Ron shitshow.

     The summer starts out challenging.  Right after Maudie arrives she and her dad have to flee a wildfire that destroys his uninsured home and studio.  The only reason Mom and Ron don't swoop in to grab her is they don't want to miss out on their summer long luxury cruise.

     Fortunately her dad has a friend who has a small trailer they can stay in.  He gets a job and starts taking steps to regain a stable life. 

     One day at the beach Maudie sees a poster for a surfing contest with large cash prizes.  If she can learn to surf and win the beginners category maybe they can get their own place.  Maybe she won't have to leave the parent who actually protects her.

     Kids will find this story truly engaging.  And kids in families with dangerous secrets may learn that they're not alone, and may find reason for hope.