May 2017

GINNY MOON by Benjamin Ludwig is a book that is going to grab at your heartstrings and not let them go. Ginny is a feisty 14-year-old girl, who, after some time in a series of foster homes, has been adopted by a loving couple. She has a great life, enjoying school, basketball and her friends. And her Forever Mom and her Forever Dad are there to keep her safe, as well as happy.

But for all the perfectness of this life, Ginny misses her birth mom, Gloria, and the life she had with her. She’s fierce about trying to get back to her mother and the Baby Doll she left behind. So instead of relishing her new life where things are safe, she sets out time and again to try to find her old world, to the great consternation of the adults around her, who have no understanding of what Ginny is seeking as she runs away. 

For Ginny, an adventure like this is full of challenges, as she is on the autism spectrum, and so her views on life are not filled with clarity or caution. That said, there are so many moments in this story where I tell people that Ginny is the smartest person in the room. If only everyone saw the world through her eyes. She has a conviction that no one can shake from her.

This is a story that seared its way into my heart. Ginny Moon’s voice is just pitch perfect, drawing readers to move through the world as seen by her gifted autistic mind. The plotting is deft as she leads the adults around her to a brilliant climax and hastens their awakening of how strong --- actually fierce --- she is about those she loves.

Benjamin writes with perception about Ginny and her world, as he and his wife fostered a young teen with autism. While at one of her basketball games, the story of Ginny began to unfold for him.

For those who loved THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, you will love GINNY MOON. For those in book groups, it will make for a really great discussion.