This month’s Author Spotlight is Gia Gordon, author of My So-Called Family, a moving middle-grade debut about foster care, self-advocacy, and realizing that a found family is a real family.
In your work, you are drawn to writing stories of found family. What about these stories draws you in?
Gia Gordon: What draws me in about found family is the idea that we can bring people into our orbit who offer us unwavering love and support, and that they come to us willingly. I’ve learned over time that this doesn’t always or necessarily happen within one’s family of origin. Interestingly, in my off time I’m a salvage artist – I turn discarded or no-longer-wanted household items into beautiful pieces of art. When I think about found family, it’s no surprise that re-inventing family in a way that brings out the best in us so perfectly mirrors the act of giving something outdated a renewed chance at a beautiful life.
What was the seed of the idea for this specific story?
Gia: My So-Called Family grew from the seed of an idea about a kid who’s forced to confront the concept of ‘family’ in a very specific way – through a school family tree assignment. Part of the soil that fertilized this seedling idea came from my own upbringing, my hidden identities as a kid in a troubled home who would do anything to keep people from knowing what I was going through. Coupled with the thirty years I spent as a high school teacher, hearing a lot of harrowing stories from my students, Ash’s story became as familiar to me as theirs, or my own. In the end, this felt like a story a lot of young readers might relate to.
Let’s talk about supportive adults. How can teachers, librarians, and other adults help reinforce the importance of found family? How can they make safe spaces for all children in classrooms and libraries?
Gia: There are so many ways in which caring adults can be a critical part of a young person’s support system, but let me start with the importance of normalizing a broader definition of “family.” And I think one of the most straight-forward ways of doing this is through books and story. A main component of Ash’s journey in My So-Called Family is that she has to see what family could look like before she can allow herself to become part of a “real” one. She also has caring teachers in her life who are in-tuned to what’s going on for her, as so many real-life teachers and librarians also do. Having even one such adult in the life of a child in struggle can be hugely impactful to their growth and success.
What adults made a difference in your life when you were Ash’s age?
Gia: This is actually another aspect of how Ash’s story made it to the page – because there were no safe adults in my life who noticed how bad things were at home. Or if they noticed, they didn’t step forward to take action. And because I felt that I didn’t have any trusting adults, I got very good at hiding my reality from all adults. So part of my thought process in coming to this story was wondering what it would have been like for me if I’d had teachers like those in Ash’s life – teachers who not only noticed, but would have acted on my behalf as well.
What other books would you recommend to teachers and librarians looking to share more stories about foster care?
Gia: There are definitely a number of books about kids in foster care that stand out, but which by no means represent all the impactful foster care stories available. However, some that struck a deep emotional chord for me include: Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango, Three Pennies by Melanie Crowder, Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos, and Wish by Barbara O’Connor.
What else do you want to make sure teachers and librarians know about My So-Called Family?
Gia: I’d love for teachers and librarians to know that My So-Called Family is really a love-letter to them. To the power and grace and impact of being an adult who listens. Who makes room. Who believes kids when they open up and share vulnerability, and who wants the best outcome for every child. As a high school teacher, I sat with any student seeking safety and compassion, whether they were in my class or not. I saw first hand the deep-rooted impact of showing up, and how it can leave an indelible mark on the lives of young people. And I hope this book has done that as well.
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.
ABOUT THE BOOK
My So-Called Family
by Gia Gordon
Ages 8-12
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.
PRAISE FOR MY SO-CALLED FAMILY
★ “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
