My So-Called Family - by Gia Gordon (Hardcover)

About the Book

A moving middle-grade debut about foster care, self-advocacy, and realizing that a found family is a real family.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

A Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards Longlist Selection
A Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Selection
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Books of the Year Selection
A Bookshop.org Best of Kids Chapter Books of the Year Selection
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

"Despite other characters' fixation on her sexuality and gender expression, this is not a coming-out story, and Ash is refreshingly unconcerned with using labels to define herself. Ash's voice is authentic and moving, and readers will root for her as she learns who to trust when she can no longer keep herself safe from Jordan's increasingly threatening behavior . . . An affecting story of persistent trauma that leaves the door open for eventual healing." --School Library Journal

"A tough book that doesn't shy away from challenging families and scary nights, this debut novel allows Ash to grow not only in resilience but also her ability to rely on others once she allows her friends and teachers in. Hand to fans of Ellen Hopkins and Barbara Dee." --Booklist

"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

About the Author

Gia Gordon is a Texas-based author, youth activist, and former educator. She's co-founder of the non-profit Never Counted Out, which provides books to classrooms and community programs. When she's not writing, Gia can be found at home with her partner and two kitties, out thrifting, or turning no-longer-wanted household goods into beautifully painted designs at Salvage Art.