Fly Away

When Patricia MacLachlan's early-grade novel FLY AWAY begins, a family of five are on a road trip to the home of great aunt Frankie, who lives in a riverfront flood zone. A storm's on the way, and the family members mean to help defend the older woman's house. Readers learn that the dad, Boots, is a farmer and former poet who loves cows, and he and the mom, Maggie, are big music lovers. The oldest child, Lucy, writes poetry as well and has an especially close relationship with the youngest child, a toddler named Teddy. Teddy cuddles with Lucy late at night and sings to her, even though he doesn't talk much yet. However, Lucy says she can't sing at all. Gracie, in the middle, draws well and sings like a bird. The family arrives at Frankie's place and they help her lay sandbags and move supplies to higher ground before the storm hits. At night, the rain makes a lot of noise, but Frankie hears Teddy singing to Lucy through a vent in the wall. After the storm, everyone feels relieved that they're safe. But panic sets in when Maggie realizes that one of her children is missing.