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Indigo Blue
'I need a seriously brilliant daydream . . . because everything is far from OK . . .' When Indigo's mum announces that they're moving - just Indie, Mum and baby Misti - Indie doesn't understand. Why the hurry? Where are they going? Will her best friend, Jo, still be there for her? In a dingy old flat with a grumpy neighbour, no heating and only biscuits to eat, Indie begins to realize that her mum's got a reason for running away - a secret no one can admit . . .
185 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
73 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Cassidy
105 books1,702 followersI was born in 1962 in Coventry (scarily ancient, I know). I wrote my first picture book for my little brother when I was eight or nine. I loved making comics, too - pages and pages of picture stories, features and competitions.
I went to Art College in Liverpool, then got a job as fiction editor on the fab and legendary Jackie magazine.
I have worked as agony aunt on Shout magazine and also as an art teacher in the local primary & secondary schools, as well as as a freelance illustrator. These days, I am a full-time author.
I love my family, I love living in the middle of nowhere and I love my work. Of all my jobs, writing has to be the best - it's the perfect excuse to daydream, after all!
I went to Art College in Liverpool, then got a job as fiction editor on the fab and legendary Jackie magazine.
I have worked as agony aunt on Shout magazine and also as an art teacher in the local primary & secondary schools, as well as as a freelance illustrator. These days, I am a full-time author.
I love my family, I love living in the middle of nowhere and I love my work. Of all my jobs, writing has to be the best - it's the perfect excuse to daydream, after all!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
January 29, 2017
I read this book 10 years ago. Wow how time flies.
I was only ten at the time. It was actually one of the first books I really read. And when I say 'really' I mean that I'd ignore other activities (watching tv/playing) to read it. It's what really started my genuine love for books. Indigo Blue introduced me to a whole new world. A world where I could get away from reality and experience things through another person.
This book is very poignant for me. I remember reading one of the earlier scenes (forgive me if I'm not 100% accurate it was ten years ago) wherein Indie is left alone at school. Her parents are late picking her up and she senses something wrong.
That scene is what really got me hooked. Why? Well because little ten year old me had experienced almost the exact same event a week or so before I opened the pages to Indigo blue. From there on out my life became a rollercoaster much like Indies. I found that reading this book made me feel less alone, less scared and a whole lot more understanding of the events going on around me.
Maybe one day I will re-read it but for now doing so seems like a wholly heart wrenching experience that I'm just not ready to relive.
That being said this book, Indigo Blue will always hold a special place in my heart. Indie will always be the character in a book that I will connect to on a level Iv never done so before.
I recommend this book to teachers, students and young people going through tough familial situations. It's nice to feel like you're not alone in these situations, it's also good to be aware of the possibility of someone you know experiencing something like this. A little help from a friend or a nice word from an acquaintance can make all the difference.
I'd also like to add that my finding and reading this book was a strange occurrence. Sometimes I feel like it was faith, as silly as that sounds.
I was only ten at the time. It was actually one of the first books I really read. And when I say 'really' I mean that I'd ignore other activities (watching tv/playing) to read it. It's what really started my genuine love for books. Indigo Blue introduced me to a whole new world. A world where I could get away from reality and experience things through another person.
This book is very poignant for me. I remember reading one of the earlier scenes (forgive me if I'm not 100% accurate it was ten years ago) wherein Indie is left alone at school. Her parents are late picking her up and she senses something wrong.
That scene is what really got me hooked. Why? Well because little ten year old me had experienced almost the exact same event a week or so before I opened the pages to Indigo blue. From there on out my life became a rollercoaster much like Indies. I found that reading this book made me feel less alone, less scared and a whole lot more understanding of the events going on around me.
Maybe one day I will re-read it but for now doing so seems like a wholly heart wrenching experience that I'm just not ready to relive.
That being said this book, Indigo Blue will always hold a special place in my heart. Indie will always be the character in a book that I will connect to on a level Iv never done so before.
I recommend this book to teachers, students and young people going through tough familial situations. It's nice to feel like you're not alone in these situations, it's also good to be aware of the possibility of someone you know experiencing something like this. A little help from a friend or a nice word from an acquaintance can make all the difference.
I'd also like to add that my finding and reading this book was a strange occurrence. Sometimes I feel like it was faith, as silly as that sounds.
January 20, 2013
I was recommended to read this book following a discussion with my 10 year old cousin. I was a bit surprised that she would be reading about such sensitive issues at her age but she is well above her own reading age.
Cathy Cassidy addresses some very sensitive issues in this story with the main issue being about domestic abuse. I think she has written the story subtly from Ingido's point of view, and Indigo does not fully understand what is truly going on between her Mum and Max. I think it is the adult reader that can see the message much quicker then a 10 year old would.
It is a sad story where Indigo, her Mum and little sister Misti leave her Mum's partner and end up living in a shabby flat. Mum tries her best to do it up by painting every surface with brightly coloured paint, but it is obvious to the reader that it is not a nice place to live. Indigo struggles getting to school each day and her old best friend is not showing her the support she needs.
I think this book would be a helpful resource to read in the classroom. I think it would help a teacher introduce sensitive issues such as domestic abuse and friendship issues.
Cathy Cassidy addresses some very sensitive issues in this story with the main issue being about domestic abuse. I think she has written the story subtly from Ingido's point of view, and Indigo does not fully understand what is truly going on between her Mum and Max. I think it is the adult reader that can see the message much quicker then a 10 year old would.
It is a sad story where Indigo, her Mum and little sister Misti leave her Mum's partner and end up living in a shabby flat. Mum tries her best to do it up by painting every surface with brightly coloured paint, but it is obvious to the reader that it is not a nice place to live. Indigo struggles getting to school each day and her old best friend is not showing her the support she needs.
I think this book would be a helpful resource to read in the classroom. I think it would help a teacher introduce sensitive issues such as domestic abuse and friendship issues.
January 29, 2013
Was rummaging through some of my old books today, deciding what to keep, what to give to a charity shop, etc. Then came across this! Indigo Blue. I couldn't possibly give this book away. I loved it. So so so so much. I read it first when I was 10, and I was hooked on Cathy Cassidy. Absolutely hooked. The only other book out by her at the time though was Dizzy, and I remember impatiently waiting for another book of hers to come out.
Even though I loved the others of her books that I have read too, this one holds a special place in my heart, and it always will. I still love it. It was one of my favourite childhood books. Thank you, Cathy Cassidy.
Even though I loved the others of her books that I have read too, this one holds a special place in my heart, and it always will. I still love it. It was one of my favourite childhood books. Thank you, Cathy Cassidy.
February 13, 2022
this book is for literal children and yet deals with the theme of domestic violence, and explores why people stay in those relationships, better than it ends with us did.
August 29, 2018
I really liked this book 📖
February 24, 2025
Cathy Cassidy used to put on these events where you could go and she'd give a talk and sign books but there would also be a bunch of workshops like jewellery making, cake decorating, dancing, clothes swap shops, and all sorts and i honestly think she's the coolest woman ever
May 25, 2013
This is my first Cathy Cassidy's book and I've become her huge fan since then. This book is really amazing. It reflects the social issue(domestic violence) in reality.
The main character Indigo is a 11-year-old girl who lacks confidence. She loves daydreaming because she can control everything in it. It's kind of sad because she's just escaping from reality... But in some ways,she's also brave.She never cries or complains or feel sorry about herself.
The character Jo is so “real” and I think we're in common (in some ways). For example, both of us have quite a lot of activities after school, we're wealthier than our friends. Sometimes we won't know how our friends feel about that...and they might not feel good about it...
I really appreciate the spirit of Anna, Indie's mum. She once told Indigo “we don't want handouts”. Although she needs money and support, she doesn't want others to feel sorry for them. Isn't she a great role model?
I'm 15 now and I read this book when I was 14. I'm always depressed at school, it's not about academic though. I just don't feel right. Sometimes I wonder why the teachers have to be so harsh and so mean. I've learnt “sometimes things get worse before they get better” from this book. The ending is encouraging and I think kids, teens, and even parents can have a look of it. Not just for entertainment, but also to know about how family matters can affect kids.
Gwyneth x
The main character Indigo is a 11-year-old girl who lacks confidence. She loves daydreaming because she can control everything in it. It's kind of sad because she's just escaping from reality... But in some ways,she's also brave.She never cries or complains or feel sorry about herself.
The character Jo is so “real” and I think we're in common (in some ways). For example, both of us have quite a lot of activities after school, we're wealthier than our friends. Sometimes we won't know how our friends feel about that...and they might not feel good about it...
I really appreciate the spirit of Anna, Indie's mum. She once told Indigo “we don't want handouts”. Although she needs money and support, she doesn't want others to feel sorry for them. Isn't she a great role model?
I'm 15 now and I read this book when I was 14. I'm always depressed at school, it's not about academic though. I just don't feel right. Sometimes I wonder why the teachers have to be so harsh and so mean. I've learnt “sometimes things get worse before they get better” from this book. The ending is encouraging and I think kids, teens, and even parents can have a look of it. Not just for entertainment, but also to know about how family matters can affect kids.
Gwyneth x
September 16, 2011
really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really aWESOME
January 28, 2014
Indigo blue is very sad but I like real-life fiction and this book made me cry, so get out your tissues ladies
August 25, 2020
So amazing! I have a lot of empathy for Indigo because of what was going on in her life! I really enjoyed this book!
December 6, 2025
worries me every time
October 13, 2025
Cathy Cassidy really did a solid for the kids of my generation - picked it up from my sorting pile and went down memory lane.
What a lovely and thoughtful book that highlights how a child may feel and struggle when a parent is in an abusive relationship , as well as struggle through being 11 years old in general.
These books meant so much to me growing up and I'm glad they hold up after a long time
What a lovely and thoughtful book that highlights how a child may feel and struggle when a parent is in an abusive relationship , as well as struggle through being 11 years old in general.
These books meant so much to me growing up and I'm glad they hold up after a long time
October 9, 2023
This is so dark how did I read this at 9
May 2, 2024
i read this book from the library when i was indigo’s age and it changed me forever. i found it once again at the library and decided to pick it back up. it was less traumatizing than i remember?
October 14, 2025
the wonders of cathy cassidy at age 12...a different realm was opened made me who I am today
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July 25, 2017cathy cassidy's books are from my early tween reading days and i am so tempted to reread some of the good ones
December 5, 2021
Nejspíš jsem od ní čekala trochu víc, ale chápu, že už jen podle té obálky (i když by se podle nich nemělo soudit) cílí na menší děti (10+ možná). Což není vůbec špatně, jen tím chci říct, že kniha je tím pádem napsaná trochu jiným stylem než na jaký jsem zvyklá a i to podání je jednodušší. Chování některých postav mi občas přišlo dost zvláštní a příběh ve mně nevzbudil zas tolik emocí, ale i přes to si nemyslím, že to bylo špatné.
3,8/5*
3,8/5*
October 27, 2015
( For Indigo Blue)
This book is about a young girl named Indigo and experience with her mom and step father separating. She needs to figure out a way to get through it and still be able to get good grades in school. Indie has a best friend named Jo that she will not even express how scared and sad she is when her Mom’s recent new husband starts treating the family in an abusive way. Indie has a baby sister named Misti who is Max’s (her step father) daughter. One day when Indies Mom has had enough of Max, she decides to take Misti and Indie from a warm cozy house to what is known as the “Flat from hell”. This is a dumpy apartment where the heat doesn't work, bad neighbors and with little to eat, but it is the only place for them to live far from Max. Everything was kind of going well until one day Max and Indies Mom meet again. I would highly recommend this book because it really touches you inside with emotional scenes that make you sad, happy, nervous and wondering what will happen next. This book is great for people who like real- life fiction books and like when a book pulls you in and makes you feel like you are actually in the book.
This book is about a young girl named Indigo and experience with her mom and step father separating. She needs to figure out a way to get through it and still be able to get good grades in school. Indie has a best friend named Jo that she will not even express how scared and sad she is when her Mom’s recent new husband starts treating the family in an abusive way. Indie has a baby sister named Misti who is Max’s (her step father) daughter. One day when Indies Mom has had enough of Max, she decides to take Misti and Indie from a warm cozy house to what is known as the “Flat from hell”. This is a dumpy apartment where the heat doesn't work, bad neighbors and with little to eat, but it is the only place for them to live far from Max. Everything was kind of going well until one day Max and Indies Mom meet again. I would highly recommend this book because it really touches you inside with emotional scenes that make you sad, happy, nervous and wondering what will happen next. This book is great for people who like real- life fiction books and like when a book pulls you in and makes you feel like you are actually in the book.
November 14, 2012
Indigo Blue is a good book I think. It makes you think. Indie has nothing. She has a mom and a baby sister Misti. My least favorite character would have to be Max. He is abusive, both physically and verbally. At the end of the book he almost kills Indie's mom in a car crash. My favorite character would have to be Indie. She is so strong. Her life is like crumbled up and thrown in the trash. My favorite part is the part when Indie tries out for the classroom play. Indie really wants to be in that play. She also gets the main part! And guess what! Her friend Alisha also gets that part. That way they get to practice together! This book really makes you think about what you have. It makes you feel like you are so fortunate for what you have!
March 3, 2022
read this book when I was younger and decided to reread it and hmmmm I did overall enjoy the book but the ending was kind of abrupt
don’t think indigo should’ve forgiven jo she was a shit friend
the mum was so annoying at times and I understand that when someone is in an abusive relationship their head isn’t in the right place a lot of the time and I did feel for her but my god was it hard not to get pissed off with her
even Misti annoying ass needed to shut up at times idgaf bout that damn baby 😭
need to punch up jo myself and need to punch indigo too for ever being mean to my sweet girl aisha
I do like really like shane and indigo together though hehe they’re cute
I WISH Ian and Anna stayed together I really liked him and I miss him too :(
don’t think indigo should’ve forgiven jo she was a shit friend
the mum was so annoying at times and I understand that when someone is in an abusive relationship their head isn’t in the right place a lot of the time and I did feel for her but my god was it hard not to get pissed off with her
even Misti annoying ass needed to shut up at times idgaf bout that damn baby 😭
need to punch up jo myself and need to punch indigo too for ever being mean to my sweet girl aisha
I do like really like shane and indigo together though hehe they’re cute
I WISH Ian and Anna stayed together I really liked him and I miss him too :(
February 2, 2018
Indigo Blue is narrated through the eyes of Indigo, an 11 year old girl, who moves into a terrible flat with her mother and half-sister, Misty, after her mother leaves her abusive step-father.
It's a middle-grade novel that deals with sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, poverty, homelessness and depression in a manner that is less intense for middle grade readers, but it isn't written in a condescending tone. Witnessing what this family has to go through is heart-wrenching.
Indigo Blue might deal with sensitive topics, but it's hopeful and inspiring.
It's a middle-grade novel that deals with sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, poverty, homelessness and depression in a manner that is less intense for middle grade readers, but it isn't written in a condescending tone. Witnessing what this family has to go through is heart-wrenching.
Indigo Blue might deal with sensitive topics, but it's hopeful and inspiring.
May 14, 2022
A library-loving student gave me her own copy of this to read and I enjoyed it. Definitely deals with some heavy topics for young readers but I feel that is important. Indigo's mom is being abused by her stepdad and they finally leave to start a new life, and it is really hard for everyone. My heart broke for the character as she was given so much responsibility and the sadness of having your life upturned. Lots of friendship drama as well. Good for 4th and into middle school.
May 15, 2013
This was the best book i have evr read it is amazing there is no other book i would recomend anyone who loves to read this is the book for anyone Cassidy you have done it again blown me away to the bits bits i tell u bits
May 14, 2015
This book beautifully portrays what children has to go through because of family rift, and the challenging responsibilities the elder sibling has to face, no matter how young they are. It was a good read. :)
December 9, 2009
This Book Has So much Drama In It! Its Really Good
September 2, 2011
It was great love it very moving and inspirational about a wonderful family that went through hard time's. Readers you must real this book do watse time read it now
July 15, 2012
Amazing. A bit of a shock that my 11 year old devoured this and it's really a fairly intense subject, but well written and definitely makes me want to read more!
August 7, 2019
I remember loving this book so much and being obsessed with all of Cathy Cassidy's books when I was like 11/12.
May 21, 2022
I really like this book! 💗 First of all, the layout is incredibly pretty and perfect to attract teen girls to read. To be honest, the main thing about Indigo Blue that attracted me to read it was the cover. It is just so colourful and adorable! It welcomes you with bright colours on the cover and friendly writing, along with realistic features. Another one of the best parts of this story is how it has been executed as it talks about an extremely important topic: domestic abuse, but with an affable nature. Maybe it is because I am reading both books at the same time, but Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson reminds me of this book.
The story focuses on Indigo “Indie” Blue who loves to daydream. It is her perspective that this book is written in and it contains a first-person narrative of Indie. The beginning of the book reminds me of The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson, but the dreams that Tracy has about her mum happens with Indie but with her dad. Suddenly, her mother states that her and her little sister, Misti, need to move away from home urgently. This book conveys Indie’s thoughts and feelings about the move and contains an overall, wonderful and captivating story - which I rate 4 stars as I personally was not too into this story until the last couple of pages. Perhaps, if I get the chance to re-read Indigo Blue in the future, I might even want to rate it, not just 5, but 6 stars for its exceptionally good writing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A thoroughly enjoyed read of mine, Cathy Cassidy has created a nice short, fast-moving story, of which makes me think of Jacqueline Wilson’s books. This has caused me to believe that, as I think that Cathy Cassidy’s writing style and layout is like this in all of her books, I will definitely read more of her books in the future. 💗💗💗💗💗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story focuses on Indigo “Indie” Blue who loves to daydream. It is her perspective that this book is written in and it contains a first-person narrative of Indie. The beginning of the book reminds me of The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson, but the dreams that Tracy has about her mum happens with Indie but with her dad. Suddenly, her mother states that her and her little sister, Misti, need to move away from home urgently. This book conveys Indie’s thoughts and feelings about the move and contains an overall, wonderful and captivating story - which I rate 4 stars as I personally was not too into this story until the last couple of pages. Perhaps, if I get the chance to re-read Indigo Blue in the future, I might even want to rate it, not just 5, but 6 stars for its exceptionally good writing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A thoroughly enjoyed read of mine, Cathy Cassidy has created a nice short, fast-moving story, of which makes me think of Jacqueline Wilson’s books. This has caused me to believe that, as I think that Cathy Cassidy’s writing style and layout is like this in all of her books, I will definitely read more of her books in the future. 💗💗💗💗💗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews