Through debut author McDunn’s vivid storytelling, issues related to race and bias are deftly woven into the larger narrative.Īn engrossing, heartwarming, beautifully written debut about building and rebuilding family ties. While race isn’t central to the story, it’s also not incidental. The poignant story of Cat’s unexpected adventures on Gingerbread Island is told with tenderness and a keen sense of what can make-and break-family bonds.

Cat’s mother is tight-lipped about why she’s estranged from her parents, but Cat is determined to protect Chicken, like she always does. But when Rishi’s parents are suddenly needed in India, Cat and Chicken find themselves staying on Gingerbread Island, North Carolina, with their mother’s parents-grandparents they’ve never met before. Cat can’t wait to visit her best friend, Rishi, in Atlanta during summer vacation.

Cat and Chicken are biracial their mother is white and their late father was black. This is true in real life as well: Chicken has special needs (undefined, but he is sensitive to noise and touch, has difficulty governing himself, and has a tendency toward fixations), and Cat is responsible for taking care of him while their mother works. In the books, Cat looks out for Chicken and does everything she can to make him happy. Award-winning author Gillian McDunn crafts a gorgeous story of love and siblinghood, of secret statues and island life, of holding on and letting go.A sudden change in vacation plans leads to an unforgettable summer for 11-year-old Cat and her younger brother, Chicken, who has special needs.Ĭat and Chicken are the namesakes of characters in their mother’s picture-book series, Caterpillar & Chicken. ultimately discovering so much more about life, permanence, love, and loss than they ever expected. What will it mean if Bex and Davey lose their corner of the marsh where otters frolic and dragonflies buzz–their favorite place to be siblings together? As Bex and Davey attempt to save the statue and their beloved marsh, they come to see that the truth is not as simple as it seems. Unfortunately, sometimes progress happens whether you’re ready or not. When they learn of a development plan that will destroy their special spot, they’ll need to act quickly. This is the summer adventure they’ve been waiting for. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they’re thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. Even the fish seem listless–and each day the water level lowers farther. Bex and Davey’s summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought.

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we’ll always carry with us.

Gillian mcdunn