Ginny Off the Map, by Caroline Hickey, with illustrations by Kelly Murphy. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette, 2023. $22.99 ages 8 and up

 

"I go back inside and mix up a large 
pitcher of lemonade with some of Mom's  
diet lemonade mix. As I do, my mind 
wanders to Dad and the heat in Afghanistan.
A million questions suddenly occur to me. Does 
he get to drink lemonade? Does he have 
cookies? Fans? Air-conditioning? 
Why didn't I think to ask him any of these
things before he left? 
Why didn't I ask if he was scared to go?" 

Ginny has a passion for geography like no one else she knows, and she has a special connection with her father. She and her family have moved many times due to transfers for the army-doctor dad. Their newest move from North Carolina to Maryland included much talk about the changes and the plans made for Ginny to attend a geography camp now that school is out for the summer. 

Just as they are about to move, her father learns he is being deployed to Afghanistan. The family will make the move without him; he will be gone for six months. As if that is not disappointing enough for Ginny, she also learns that her geography camp is canceled. What a disaster; that camp is the only thing keeping Ginny's spirits up as she deals with her dad's leaving. She also learns that she is wait-listed for her school of choice for the fall. What a disastrous time for Ginny! 

On the other hand, her sister Allie is quick to make friends in the new neighborhood and spends most of her time with these new friends. Ginny has a tough time fitting in. Not only is she totally focused on her own interests, she is worried about her father: how he is doing in Afghanistan, why his communication is intermittent, and if he is safe. 

When she finally hears from him, her emotions cloud everything good about the call. She loses it, causing stress and strain for the whole family. It takes some time for Ginny to understand herself and her actions. Only then, can she begin to make changes that make things better for everyone. The characters are fully realized, the story is well-told, and the relationships understandable as Ginny faces some of her own demons. 

The geography facts that preface every chapter will hold interest for many; they certainly do for Ginny. Her story is so real, and engaging. The realities that face military families are handled with great understanding through the family's reactions to all that happens to them.