BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSThirteen-year-old Maudie McGinn is autistic and spends every summer at her dad's cozy mountain cabin in Molinas, California, her favorite place in the world. But on her very first full day there, a wildfire forces them to evacuate with nothing but the clothes on their backs. With no home and no money, Dad drives them south to Conwy, a small beach town where he grew up, where an old friend lends them a beat-up camper at a campground by the ocean. On her first morning at the beach, Maudie blurts out to a silver-dreadlocked surfer named Etta that she wants to learn to surf, and Etta takes her seriously. As Maudie trains in secret all summer, she is also carrying a burning secret about life back in Texas with her mother and stepfather Ron, a man whose explosive temper has left marks on her she does not know how to talk about.
Free Battle of the Books questions for The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a man drive his daughter through grass burning right up to the guardrail?
✓ Answer
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
On the way down the mountain during the evacuation, the truck passes through flames so close that Maudie has to lean away to keep her arm from being burned. A BOOM behind them sends her into rocking panic.
- First half
In what book does a surfer nickname a beginner Garibaldi for her bright orange Speedo?
✓ Answer
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
Etta tells Maudie her suit matches the orange state fish that hides in the kelp beds. The nickname becomes a small badge of belonging, and Maudie later considers it one of the only names she likes.
- First half
In what book does a girl secretly enter a beginners surf contest with a thousand dollar prize?
✓ Answer
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
After reading the bright pink posters Maudie hatches a plan to win money for Dad. The huge prize and the raffle for an Airstream camper light up her summer with hope.
- Second half
In what book is there a dim school room called Sensory Detox with deep blue walls and velvet beanbags?
✓ Answer
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
Paddi shows the narrator around her unique school, which used to be a corporate retreat center. There's also a Sensory Seeker room with mini trampolines and a punching bag.
- Second half
In what book does an old neighbor named Rollie hand a girl her late grandmother's arepa recipe card?
✓ Answer
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
Rollie is shocked the girl has never tasted Grandma Carmen's famous corn-flour pancakes stuffed with melted cheese. The yellowed card is written in spidery blue script.
- Near the end
In what book do a mother and stepfather arrive a day early in a rental car at the campground gate?
✓ Answer
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
Returning from Naldo's barbecue, the family finds the parents waiting. Ron has rebooked their flights for a business meeting and refuses to delay even a half day for the Surf Bash.
