Ginny Tells All

Ginny is an orphan whose parents drowned in a boating accident. She is adopted by Arlo and Sophie Churchwood, who also bring a bright, but rather mischievous younger brother, Maxie, into the extended family of grandparents , aunts, uncles and several cousins. She tells her story, entertaining us with the humorous antics of her brother, cousins and pets and she shares the challenges she has in dealing with many aspects of growing up in today's world. Ginny grapples with a typical ten year-old's problems of being teased, going to a new school, making friends, dealing with bullies and establishing her growing independence which is sometimes pitted against parental expectations. She questions her perceptions of others as she is learning to deal with diversity, disability and the fragility of aged grandparents. She tells of her family celebrations and holidays, her ambitions for her future and in the last part of her story, she reveals her anxieties and growing maturity as she has to cope with change and online schooling while isolated at home with her family, due to the Covid19 crisis. As she works through her young life, gaining deeper understanding of herself and the social issues that surround her, she realizes she needs to be adaptable and build resilience. She emerges at the end of the story with an appreciation for her loving family, hope and goals for her future.