My So-Called Family
by Gia Gordon (Author)
A moving middle grade debut about foster care, self-advocacy, and realizing that a found family is a real family.
"I loved every page--a gorgeous rendering of what it means to find home in ourselves and others." --Mariama J. Lockington, Stonewall Honor and Schneider Family Book Award winning author of In the Key of Us and Forever is Now
It's the first week of middle school, and Ash (don't call her "Ashley") already has a class assignment: Make a family tree. But how can Ash make a family tree if she doesn't have a family? Ever since she was four years old, Ash has been in foster care, living with one so-called family after another. Now she's stuck with Gladys. And the only place Ash feels safe is in the branches of her favorite tree, drawing in her sketchbook, hidden from the view of Gladys' son Jordan.
As Jordan becomes harder to hide from, and more dangerous to be around, Ash isn't sure who she can trust. A new friend, an old friend, some teachers at school? Sometimes the hardest part of asking for help is knowing who to ask.
In My So-Called Family, Gia Gordon weaves a lyrical story about complicated family dynamics that's perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s.
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Publishers Weekly
Twelve-year-old Ash doesn't need her foster family to love her. What she needs is a family that will respect and care for her. But her experiences as a foster child have taught her that adults are untrustworthy. A family tree school assignment exacerbates her feelings of loneliness and otherness among her classmates and in her new foster placement with Gladys, who's also "temporarily" caring for her adult son, his wife, and their infant child. When the project pressures her to reveal too much about herself ("I'm not a huge fan of sharing my feelings"), and concerns about being disrespected at school and at home become overwhelming, Ash finds solace in her superhero alter ego while hiding in her favorite tree. But when her physical safety is threatened, Ash must fight her instinctive self-concealment to learn who she can trust. In her debut middle grade novel, Gordon (The Redemption of Daya Keane) touches on themes of gender identity and sexuality to deliver a strong message about the necessity of letting in people who will see and support one's most authentic self. The inclusion of supportive adults who actively work to earn Ash's trust, especially as she struggles between self-protection and vulnerability, populate this sensitive read. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
A finely drawn and cleanly written story that will give readers hope
Review quotes
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ "Gordon's middle-grade debut is gritty, messy, and honest, with complex, nuanced characters navigating a realistically complex world that includes abuse, drug use, and homophobia. Ash's simple request at the end—'I want to live with people who actually care about me'—feels earned, and attainable . . . A finely drawn and cleanly written story that will give readers hope." —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ "In her debut middle grade novel, Gordon touches on themes of gender identity and sexuality to deliver a strong message about the necessity of letting in people who will see and support one's most authentic self. The inclusion of supportive adults who actively work to earn Ash's trust, especially as she struggles between self-protection and vulnerability, populate this sensitive read." —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
"Poignant, powerful, and brilliantly crafted. I couldn't put this book down. This story is narrated authentically and respectfully . . . a true love letter to all kiddos searching for a place to call home. This much-needed book will stay with you long after you put it down." —Ernesto Cisneros, winner of the Pura Belpré Award
"With humor and compassion, Gia Gordon explores the nuances of what it means to be a family, respectfully balancing between the realities of foster care and the universal desire to belong. My So-Called Family hits home." —G. Neri, Printz and Coretta Scott King Award-winning writer
"A heart affirming, honest, and beautiful book. Gia Gordon has given us a story full of lyrical, exact, and tenacious prose, as we climb wise trees, cry, laugh, and find our voices alongside Ash. Ash and her spunky and brave group of friends teach us that found family, belonging, love, and joy can hold us close, even on our darkest days. I loved every page—a gorgeous rendering of what it means to find home in ourselves and others." —Mariama J. Lockington, Stonewall Honor and Schneider Family Book Award winning author of In the Key of Us and Forever is Now
JUV013050 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Orphans & Foster Homes
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Schools
Middle schools
Foster home care
Belonging
