Flood
James Heneghan
Hardcover
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), March 25, 2002)
Is blood thicker than water?It rains nearly every day, until the rivers burst their banks: The first thing the slumbering Sheehogue knew was the deafening boom that tumbled them from their grassy bowers. This was followed by a flood of water and mud over the meadow that swept the Sheehogue rapidly along in nature’s unexpected waterslide. They saw homes of mortals tumbling into the creek. “Save their children!” the Old Ones ordered.Andy Flynn is one of those saved, but his mother and stepfather both die in the flood. Suddenly the only world Andy has ever known is gone and he is alone. Aunt Mona, whom he has never met, takes him to live with her in Halifax, on the opposite side of the country. During the trip, Aunt Mona reveals to him that his father is still alive – and living in Halifax. As soon as they reach their destination, Andy escapes to find his father. Although Vincent Flynn may not be the perfect father, Andy wants to stay with him rather than live with his harsh aunt. After all, Vincent is fun, and he has promised Andy he’ll find a real job so they can move to a nicer place than the seedy Mayo Rooms. But even with a bit of help from the Little People, Andy’s father can’t seem to keep his word. Filled with humor and mischief, James Heneghan’s latest novel tells the poignant story of a young boy’s search for a true home.
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