Fly Away
by Patricia MacLachlan
Simon and Schuster 2014
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.1 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- finding your voice
- courage
- resilience
- community support
- nature’s power
- responsibility
- hope
About this book
Lucy comes from a family of singers—except her. Each spring, her family travels to help Aunt Frankie prepare for flooding, but this year the river rises higher than ever and Lucy must find a different kind of voice. With spare, lyrical writing, Patricia MacLachlan tells a gentle story about courage, family, and discovering your own strengths. Ideal for readers who enjoy quiet, heartfelt tales and realistic challenges with hopeful outcomes.
Setting: rural Midwest (farm near a flood-prone river), present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fly Away right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Fly Away. The reading level is AR 3.1, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family bonds, finding your voice, courage.
How long does it take to read Fly Away?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Fly Away takes around 1.5h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fly Away have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fly Away has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Fly Away?
Fly Away has an AR reading level of 3.1, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.