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Neurodiversity Book Club (June) — "The Fire, the Water, and Maudie Mcginn"
Heather Cook
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(114)
A book group for tweens and teens who are Autistic, ADHDers, dyslexic, Tourettes, OCD, Downs, and other neurowonderful ways of being in the world, and our allies. This is for the book "The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn."
Class experience
US Grade 7 - 10
In "The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn," Maudie visits her dad for the summer, but a wildfire changes their plans and the end up in the town he grew up in, reconnecting with old friends, and rediscovering what it's like to be welcomed and accepted. Maudie doesn't get that back home in Texas with her mom and stepdad. Can she find a way to speak up for herself? To tell the truth about what she wants and needs? And can she learn to surf in the process? Why join me for this book? 1. It's a...
This class is taught in English.
Learners will experience acceptance of their own unique neurotype and personality, and have the opportunity, through reading and discussion, to see the world through another's experience. This discussion may provoke some difficult questions around students' own feelings of inclusion and exclusion, however it is not intended as mental health counseling therapy for anyone. While this is a safe space to bring up questions and anxieties, we will not be delving into personal experiences or attempt to treat or provide therapy in any way.
I am neurodivergent myself, having four decades of life experience being Autistic, and I am an autism coach, helping Autistic and other neurodivergent kids and their families find and remove the hidden barriers to success and then build positive life experiences. I am also a certified teacher with several years of experience teaching middle and high school. I also am a graduate of the Great Books Program at St. John's College, a school where every single class, in every single subject, is taught in small group, socratic seminar discussion style, so I have extensive experience leading and participating in small group discussions on difficult, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable topics. As a high school teacher, I led my students in socratic seminar discussion regularly on a wide variety of books and topics.
Homework Offered
Please read the entire book before the class meets. Learners may read via a paper book, e-book, listen to an audiobook, or have someone read it to them—all learning styles are welcome.Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Learners who are Autistic, ADHDers, dyslexic, Tourettes, OCD, Downs, and experience other neurowonderful ways of being in the world, are very welcome! This is for you!
Book Title: The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn Author: Sally J. Pla ISBN: 9780063268791 Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/9847/9780063268791 Amazon: https://amzn.to/44i9nAX Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780063268821-the-fire-the-water-and-maudie-mcginn Publisher's description of "The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn," by Sally J. Pla: 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 is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. A Schneider Family Book Award winner! 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? This is from the author of "The Someday Birds," which we also enjoyed in a previous book club.
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
There is a situation of mild physical abuse (rough handling of a child) and verbal abuse (yelling, blaming), which is mostly only alluded to, and shown explicitly in one scene. Let me know if you would like more details.
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(114)
Hi. I’m Heather. I'm a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), licensed teacher, and I’m Autistic. And I’m building a life I truly love. It wasn’t always that way. Well, I was always Autistic. But the life I love part, that’s had its ups and downs....
Group Class
$16
per classMeets once
60 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
4-8 learners per class
