From the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall comes a story about one brave girl who saves her family from losing everything. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls this lyrical tale “melodic, poetic, and enchanting.”

Everyone in Lucy’s family sings. Opera. Rap. Lullabies. Everyone, except Lucy. Lucy can’t sing; her voice won’t come out.

Just like singing, helping Aunt Frankie prepare for flooding season is a family tradition—even if Frankie doesn’t want the help. And this year, when the flood arrives and danger finds its way into the heart of Lucy’s family, Lucy will need to find her voice to save her brother.

“Filled with little moments of quiet wisdom and gentle humor, Newbery winner MacLachlan's story about family love soars” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

About The Author

Photograph by John MacLachlan

Patricia MacLachlan

Patricia MacLachlan (1938–2022) was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb’s Story; Edward’s Eyes; The True Gift; Waiting for the Magic; White Fur Flying; Fly Away; and Snow Horses. She lived in western Massachusetts.

Product Details

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (April 8, 2014)
Length: 128 pages
ISBN13: 9781442460102
Ages: 7 - 99
Lexile ® 630L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

* "MacLachlan again demonstrates a gift for combining an economy of prose with a bounty of emotion.... As befits a story in which words and music play such a central role, MacLachlan’s writing is melodic, poetic, and enchanting."

– Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Filled with little moments of quiet wisdom and gentle humor, Newbery winner MacLachlan’s story about family love soars."

– Kirkus, starred review

"An inviting choice..."

– Booklist

* "Quiet and tender, this is a story that audiences will wish took longer to read."

– Bulletin, starred review