Patricia MacLachlan, Author
Margaret K. McElderry Books, Fiction, April 2014
Suitable for ages: 7 -10
Themes: Family Life, Brothers and sisters, Floods, Farms, Poets, Music
Book Jacket: “Family means — offering help when it’s not asked for, accepting help when you think you don’t need it, sharing joys, keeping secrets, and singing your song. Unless you’re Lucy and you can’t carry a tune. Lucy thinks she has no voice. But family means — even if you’re sure you can’t sing, you’ll be heard.”
Synopsis: Lucy and her family (and Mama’s chickens) pack into an old Volkswagen bus and travel across Minnesota to spend the summer with her Aunt Frankie in North Dakota. They time their annual visit to help Aunt Frankie plan for the flooding of the Red River. When they reach the Red River, it is high and flowing fast. Lucy’s mother, Maggie, remembers the dangers from her childhood.
Lucy has a secret. Everyone in her family sings, but she can’t. Her father, Boots, loves opera, her mother likes Langhorne Slim and her younger sister, Gracie, sings in a high perfect voice. When Lucy opens her mouth nothing comes out. Even her little brother Teddy, who can’t talk, can sing. He sneaks into her bedroom at night and coaxes Lucy to sing with him. His sweet “la la la’s” are pitch perfect and no one knows but Lucy. As the flood waters recede and the house is safe, another crisis occurs when Teddy turns up missing. Will Lucy find her voice and save him in a way no one else can?
Why I like this book: With the heavy rains and major flooding we are experiencing across the country, Patricia MacLachlan chooses the perfect time to release a new book for children about this phenomenon of nature. It is a story that touches the readers emotions. I love the quirky nature of Lucy’s family, the secrets, the fears, the joys and the strong family bonds that keep the family afloat during a dangerous flood. Fly Away is poetic and written simply for young readers wanting to read longer chapter books. The plot is engaging, well-paced and full of adventure. This is a great summer read and is 107 pages.
Patricia MacLachlan is a Newberry Medalist for her book Sarah, Plain and Tall. I reviewed her powerful 2013 picture book about grief and renewal, Snowflakes Fall, which was dedicated to the families of Newtown and Sandy Hook, CT. I also reviewed The Truth of Me, another middle grade novel about complicated family relationships.
I know that feeling of wanting to fly away. Or swim away, maybe. But family IS everything and I can’t imagine life without my crazy family. I love Ms MacLachlan. She sure knows how to spin a tale. I’ll have to look for this one. Thanks Ms Tilton!
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I love that title too. It was the title of the song Lucy and Teddy sang together. What I didn’t mention was that even though Lucy couldn’t sing, she could write poetry. I love MacLachlan’s books too.
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Another great book Patricia. I’ve been enjoying your recent selections, but haven’t always commented.
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Thank you for stopping Stacy and letting me know you’ve enjoyed my recent selections. I have saved reviews I release, but this was a recent release and seemed so appropriate to use with kids in areas that are flooding.
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I loved Sarah, Plain and Tall. This one sounds good too!
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Patricia MacLachlan is such a prolific author. I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
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I love the sound of this, Pat.
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It is a good book for a child learning to read alone. It’s short and it has larger print. You can’t go wrong with MacLachlan.
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Fly Away sounds good, as do Snowflakes Fall and The Truth of Me. I’m going to try to get a copy from my library. Cheers for the recommendations, Patricia!
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I hope you enjoy the books Claudine. You’ll be surprised to see that MacLachlan has written so many books for young readers.
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Looks like there are, as in real life, many themes that cross-mingle. I love the idea behind this of families helping each other and having an individual voice within the famiy unit that can weave its own unique destiny.
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It really is a beautiful story about family life, support and love.
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What a heartwarming book! I’ll put on my list. Great review, Pat!
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Thanks Robin. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. It’s great for young readers. And, a great book for us to study.
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p.s. Love the art on the cover!
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Yes, I loved the beautiful cover. The title comes from the song Lucy sings with Teddy.
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This book sounds very good. I think I’ll try it out.
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It would be a quick read for you and something you may want to share with Josie. The print is larger. I just love MacLachlan’s books.
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I check – our library has it! I put it on reserve because it’s out. I think you’re right, Josie will like it! 🙂
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Great! It’s a quick read and I think Josie would enjoy it.
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Sounds like a fantastic book! I always love to read a wonderful story that has a great message to share. This would be a good one to read with my kids.
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It is a a heartwarming story and if your kids are between 7-10, then they would enjoy Fly Away.
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This sounds like a neat book!
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This is a beautiful story about family bonds! Thank you for visiting!
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