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Violets Are Blue
From the author of the acclaimed My Life in the Fish Tank and Maybe He Just Likes You comes a moving and relatable middle grade novel about secrets, family, and the power of forgiveness.
Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup—special effect makeup, to be exact. When she is experimenting with new looks, Wren can create a different version of herself. A girl who isn’t in a sort-of-best friendship with someone who seems like she hates her. A girl whose parents aren’t divorced and doesn’t have to learn to like her new stepmom.
So, when Wren and her mom move to a new town for a fresh start, she is cautiously optimistic. And things seem to fall into place when Wren meets potential friends and gets selected as the makeup artist for her school’s upcoming production of Wicked .
Only, Wren’s mom isn’t doing so well. She’s taking a lot of naps, starts snapping at Wren for no reason, and always seems to be sick. And what’s worse, Wren keeps getting hints that things aren’t going well at her new job at the hospital, where her mom is a nurse. And after an opening night disaster leads to a heartbreaking discovery, Wren realizes that her mother has a serious problem—a problem that can’t be wiped away or covered up.
After all the progress she’s made, can Wren start over again with her devastating new normal? And will she ever be able to heal the broken trust with her mom?
Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup—special effect makeup, to be exact. When she is experimenting with new looks, Wren can create a different version of herself. A girl who isn’t in a sort-of-best friendship with someone who seems like she hates her. A girl whose parents aren’t divorced and doesn’t have to learn to like her new stepmom.
So, when Wren and her mom move to a new town for a fresh start, she is cautiously optimistic. And things seem to fall into place when Wren meets potential friends and gets selected as the makeup artist for her school’s upcoming production of Wicked .
Only, Wren’s mom isn’t doing so well. She’s taking a lot of naps, starts snapping at Wren for no reason, and always seems to be sick. And what’s worse, Wren keeps getting hints that things aren’t going well at her new job at the hospital, where her mom is a nurse. And after an opening night disaster leads to a heartbreaking discovery, Wren realizes that her mother has a serious problem—a problem that can’t be wiped away or covered up.
After all the progress she’s made, can Wren start over again with her devastating new normal? And will she ever be able to heal the broken trust with her mom?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2021
34 people are currently reading
4285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
October 6, 2021
Wren (not Renata, please) is twelve. Her parents have split up so she has to fly to visit her dad and his new family in Brooklyn while her mom still lives in the Chicago area. Her favorite on-line activity is watching makeup tutorials, especially those by Cat FX. Wren really has a knack for applying special effects makeup. There are some great descriptions of the "looks" she creates on her mom and other willing subjects. Wren's mom is not adjusting well to life as a divorced mother and there are small clues about an upcoming crisis. Barbara Dee has crafted a narrative that shows us how easily an addiction can slip through the cracks. Readers will learn about signs of opioid addiction and how easy it can be to miss in those we are close to.
Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2021
(free review copy) Barbara Dee is my favorite middle grade author because she writes kids like actual kids. - not like sitcom kids, not like adults in kids’ bodies. This is more rare than it should be in middle grade and she absolutely nails it. This story tackles divorce and opioid addiction but does so in such a tender way. The makeup art storyline is so original and adds such a unique and fascinating arc to the book that the hard stuff doesn’t overwhelm. Brava to Dee for yet another stunning story. Required purchase for all middle grade collections.
September 6, 2021
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an ARC of this book, which comes out on October 12/21.
I really enjoy this author’s books, and this one is no exception. She has a gift for writing about tough topics in a very middle-grade appropriate way and bringing light to issues from a unique angle with sensitivity and insight.
VIOLETS ARE BLUE is a realistic fiction story about Wren, who develops a passion for special effects makeup by watching Youtube videos. Her new step-mom encourages her by purchasing expensive products for her, but Wren hides them from her mom so she doesn’t feel guilty that she can’t afford to buy them for Wren, too. Wren’s mom threatens to take away her computer if she doesn’t get involved in some social activity at her new school, so Wren auditions to do the makeup for the school play. Her artistic skills impress her new friend, but they also attract an admirer Wren doesn’t want. Wren also notices changes in her mom, who locks her bedroom door and keeps an erratic work schedule that she sometimes forgets to communicate to Wren. Wren doesn’t say anything because she doesn’t want her mom to think she’s talking to her dad behind her back, but when her mom’s secrets become too big to hide, Wren has to find a way to accept the imperfections in herself and her two families.
I enjoyed reading about a character interested in special effects makeup and watching her technique and interest grow throughout the novel. Wren’s struggle to find her place in two very different families felt authentic, as did her mom’s reaction and Wren’s desire to tread carefully for fear of upsetting her. The reader saw the narcotics addiction through the eyes of a young person who didn’t understand what was happening and fostered empathy for the guilt that Wren experienced. I found the story flowed very well and kept me engaged.
This would be a great addition to a library for middle-grade readers.
I really enjoy this author’s books, and this one is no exception. She has a gift for writing about tough topics in a very middle-grade appropriate way and bringing light to issues from a unique angle with sensitivity and insight.
VIOLETS ARE BLUE is a realistic fiction story about Wren, who develops a passion for special effects makeup by watching Youtube videos. Her new step-mom encourages her by purchasing expensive products for her, but Wren hides them from her mom so she doesn’t feel guilty that she can’t afford to buy them for Wren, too. Wren’s mom threatens to take away her computer if she doesn’t get involved in some social activity at her new school, so Wren auditions to do the makeup for the school play. Her artistic skills impress her new friend, but they also attract an admirer Wren doesn’t want. Wren also notices changes in her mom, who locks her bedroom door and keeps an erratic work schedule that she sometimes forgets to communicate to Wren. Wren doesn’t say anything because she doesn’t want her mom to think she’s talking to her dad behind her back, but when her mom’s secrets become too big to hide, Wren has to find a way to accept the imperfections in herself and her two families.
I enjoyed reading about a character interested in special effects makeup and watching her technique and interest grow throughout the novel. Wren’s struggle to find her place in two very different families felt authentic, as did her mom’s reaction and Wren’s desire to tread carefully for fear of upsetting her. The reader saw the narcotics addiction through the eyes of a young person who didn’t understand what was happening and fostered empathy for the guilt that Wren experienced. I found the story flowed very well and kept me engaged.
This would be a great addition to a library for middle-grade readers.
October 12, 2021
Wren is 12 years old and dealing with divided time between her mother in Chicago and her father in Brooklyn. Her dad has a new wife while her mom is working as a nurse and struggling mentally and physically. Wren finally finds something she loves when she starts watching YouTuber Cat FX who does special effects makeup and finds she has talent doing makeup. She practices her looks and her new step-mom buys her products to encourage her. She hides the gifts as not to upset her mom. Her mom becomes snippy and depressed while working as a nurse at the local hospital. Wren really tries to help her but she is not mentally mature enough at this point to deal with divorce, being a kid, and of course the mean girl at school.
When Wren has a chance to do makeup at the school play, things don't go right there either. I felt so bad for Wren and how she tries to placate everyone around her but never seems to be able to help. I am so glad Dee brought in therapy and parents who care about their daughter enough to say they are sorry to her. This is a difficult story to read but Dee approaches this with realistic events and makes important points to girls this age about how they can stand up. The family is flawed but depicted with love and growth even in bad circumstances that should give hope to tweens in the same situation. I love this author's stories since they always provide solutions and not just platitudes.
When Wren has a chance to do makeup at the school play, things don't go right there either. I felt so bad for Wren and how she tries to placate everyone around her but never seems to be able to help. I am so glad Dee brought in therapy and parents who care about their daughter enough to say they are sorry to her. This is a difficult story to read but Dee approaches this with realistic events and makes important points to girls this age about how they can stand up. The family is flawed but depicted with love and growth even in bad circumstances that should give hope to tweens in the same situation. I love this author's stories since they always provide solutions and not just platitudes.
October 18, 2021
My favorite Barbara Dee book to date.
February 20, 2022
okay but everyone was so mean, and then there was Kai, being a soft bean
June 19, 2021
I loved this achingly realistic story of a 12-year-old Wren's experience navigating her parents' unexpected divorce, her mother's increasingly inconsistent and alarming behavior, her father's new life, and the ups and downs of new and shifting friendships. Dee's depiction of the ways in which Wren feels pulled between her mother, who is, unbeknownst to Wren, struggling with an opioid addiction, and her father's new partner and expanding family, feels nuanced and true, especially Wren's confusion and the feeling that how she feels doesn't matter. I appreciated the exploration of the world of special effects makeup, a new passion for Wren, and the ways in which her art allows her to connect with her peers and understand the world around her. And, as an unexpected bonus, I was thrilled to see Dee normalizing both therapy and adults apologizing when they've made mistakes. Highly recommended!
October 13, 2021
Barbara Dee has done it again! Violets are Blue is an emotionally raw story that masterfully weaves life’s messy feelings while gently and thoughtfully tackling the difficult subject of opioid addiction. Beautiful. Complicated. And full of heart. A must read!
December 4, 2021
What never fails to amaze me about Barbara Dee stories is the way she is able to get into the heart of her middle grade characters. This book is no exception to that!
November 17, 2021
4.5 stars, it was a good book i enjoyed it :)
May 21, 2021
Absolutely 🌟 ALL THE STARS 🌟 for this MG novel. Barbara Dee did it again!
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Thx to the publisher @simonkids for the ARC; out 9.28.21.
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Barbara Dee is one of my top 10 favorite middle grade authors. She has an ability to capture the middle school experience better than almost anyone else. Voice is one of her strong suits and VIOLETS features yet another strong first-person protagonist that readers will fall for.
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Tough topics are tackled here (substance abuse, divorce, bullying), but they are handled with care and respect. Must read/must buy.
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"Actually blue violets do exist in nature...purple ones are more common, but just because something is weird doesn't mean it's not real."
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Wren's parents are divorced and she lives with her mother in a new town where they moved after a bullying incident in her last school. In her spare time, Wren is obsessed with watching YouTube makeup artists and creating special effects with makeup herself. Her new friend Poppy finds out about Wren's skills and convinces her to do the makeup for her school's production of Wicked. Being involved in the school musical keeps her busy--so busy that she doesn't notice how her mom's behavior is changing. Soon Wren discovers that her mother has been hiding dangerous secrets that could hurt them all.
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #violetsareblue
.
Thx to the publisher @simonkids for the ARC; out 9.28.21.
.
.
.
Barbara Dee is one of my top 10 favorite middle grade authors. She has an ability to capture the middle school experience better than almost anyone else. Voice is one of her strong suits and VIOLETS features yet another strong first-person protagonist that readers will fall for.
.
.
.
Tough topics are tackled here (substance abuse, divorce, bullying), but they are handled with care and respect. Must read/must buy.
.
.
.
"Actually blue violets do exist in nature...purple ones are more common, but just because something is weird doesn't mean it's not real."
.
.
.
Wren's parents are divorced and she lives with her mother in a new town where they moved after a bullying incident in her last school. In her spare time, Wren is obsessed with watching YouTube makeup artists and creating special effects with makeup herself. Her new friend Poppy finds out about Wren's skills and convinces her to do the makeup for her school's production of Wicked. Being involved in the school musical keeps her busy--so busy that she doesn't notice how her mom's behavior is changing. Soon Wren discovers that her mother has been hiding dangerous secrets that could hurt them all.
.
.
.
#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #violetsareblue
October 15, 2021
Wren’s life gets turned upside down when her parents fighting turns in to her dad leaving. Wren, an artist of the sense, finds herself lost in CatFX videos doing commercial makeup - think superheroes, movie characters, special effects. After her father leaves and remarries to Vanessa (with twins on the way) - Wren is now toggling back and forth between home and Brooklyn. Home being a place where her mom is there as an ER nurse, but also not there sometimes. Wren can’t entirely figure out what’s going on with her mom, but as she does what her mom asks - makes new friends, socializes, has after school activities - her mom starts to become more and more secretive and Wren learns the meaning of strong love in family; even if the family is divided.
💜💙
Barbara Dee has become the epitome of tackling tough topics in a way that are SO unbelievably middle grade friendly. I read this in one setting and the whole time knowing how much students of mine will be able to relate. Whether it’s the divorce, the moving, the “weird” hobbies, the friendship issues, the new half siblings, a stepmom, or the family member with an opioid addiction - something in this will be relatable to almost every kid. I truly loved the message and found myself hanging on to every moment rooting on Wren and wanting to hug her all at the same time.
💜💙
Barbara Dee has become the epitome of tackling tough topics in a way that are SO unbelievably middle grade friendly. I read this in one setting and the whole time knowing how much students of mine will be able to relate. Whether it’s the divorce, the moving, the “weird” hobbies, the friendship issues, the new half siblings, a stepmom, or the family member with an opioid addiction - something in this will be relatable to almost every kid. I truly loved the message and found myself hanging on to every moment rooting on Wren and wanting to hug her all at the same time.
April 29, 2021
12yo Renada's life is upended when her parents divorce. Her mother is struggling at work, and struggling at home - the divorce has been hard on her and she gets more and more withdrawn and private. Hoping for a fresh start, they move to a new town over the summer, where mom gets a job as a nurse. Rennie wants a fresh start, so changes the spelling of her name to Wren. Making a friend right away, Poppy lets Wren practice special effects makeup on her and encourages Wren to help with the makeup for the school musical "Wicked." But when Wren's mom doesn't show at opening night, Wren begins to realize that her mom's sickness is more than sore knees and long working days.
Barbara Dee tells a complicated story of middle school social structure, dealing with divorce, finding yourself, and the effects on a child living with a parent with an addiction without it feeling like too much was going on. As an adult, I saw the addiction signs right away, but for a younger reader without background knowledge, the story will slowly unveil itself right along with Wren. I really enjoyed it.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
Barbara Dee tells a complicated story of middle school social structure, dealing with divorce, finding yourself, and the effects on a child living with a parent with an addiction without it feeling like too much was going on. As an adult, I saw the addiction signs right away, but for a younger reader without background knowledge, the story will slowly unveil itself right along with Wren. I really enjoyed it.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
October 4, 2021
This was such a moving story about a 12-year old who is navigating her parent's divorce, a new school, and her mother's increasingly strange behavior. Her one saving grace is her obsession with Cat FX, a YouTuber who does special effect make-up. Wren discovers both her talent and refuge in learning to do make-up and has a tendency to keep to herself. The author's compassionate handling of divorce and addiction from a middle school girl's point of view is completely realistic, and the arc with the make-up was truly unique and kept me even more interested. I ended up reading most of it in one sitting as things became increasingly out of control for Wren. Although my heart ached for Wren, I thought that the stuff with the make-up helped keep the tough stuff from becoming completely overwhelming, even as it helped Wren to cope. I highly recommend this book to both students and adults, but especially if students are dealing with divorce or addiction in their family.
This was my first book by the author, but I'm already looking forward to checking out more of her work.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my first book by the author, but I'm already looking forward to checking out more of her work.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2021
Thank you @simonkids for sharing the newest by @barbaradeebooks with #bookexcursion
Wren’s story, as heart-wrenching as it is, is so important. As she struggles to adjust to living with her mom in Chicago and visiting her dad and his new family in Brooklyn, Wren’s mom is acting weird. From lying about her shifts at the hospital, to forgetting important events in Wren’s life, this #mgstory shows the affects of addiction on kids whose parents are struggling.
I’m true fashion, Barbara Dee writes about tough topics for kids in a way that I truly believe builds empathy. As I tell my students and children, some day you will meet someone struggling, or witnessing a loved one struggle. And even though you may not be able to directly help them, you can build background and experiences through literature to help build empathy.
I am thankful for this book coming out into the world this September.
Wren’s story, as heart-wrenching as it is, is so important. As she struggles to adjust to living with her mom in Chicago and visiting her dad and his new family in Brooklyn, Wren’s mom is acting weird. From lying about her shifts at the hospital, to forgetting important events in Wren’s life, this #mgstory shows the affects of addiction on kids whose parents are struggling.
I’m true fashion, Barbara Dee writes about tough topics for kids in a way that I truly believe builds empathy. As I tell my students and children, some day you will meet someone struggling, or witnessing a loved one struggle. And even though you may not be able to directly help them, you can build background and experiences through literature to help build empathy.
I am thankful for this book coming out into the world this September.
September 3, 2024
This book was incredibly good. It is well written and has a great story. I have a bit of a background with stage crew so it was nice to have a book about it. I also liked the detail the author used when describing the makeup. It made me have the sudden urge to look up a video and do a look myself. I also enjoyed the little bit of mystery with the mom. I totally recommend this book to every one. 🧜🏻♀️
August 5, 2021
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing/Aladdin and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release September 28, 2021.
"Here's my secret message to you guys: fantasy is not the opposite of truth."
I'm back to doing reviews (even though I haven't finished this round of polishing my manuscript yet) because there are more books coming out this fall that I couldn't resist and want to spread the word about!
All the complex elements of Violets Are Blue are blended together with care by the author, Barbara Dee, and as expertly as I imagine Cat FX, our protagonist Wren's favorite YouTuber, would do it. Wren is a makeup aficionado and daughter of an ER nurse, who has recently moved to a new town. While things start looking up for her, things are falling apart for her mother, which culminates in a discovery that I think most readers will see coming, but is no less devastating for it. We're going to get to that, I promise.
First, though, we have to talk about makeup, because it's going to provide a perfect base to build on for the rest of the review.
Have I mentioned lately how much I adore the incredibly niche interests that middle grade protagonists have? Probably, but I'm going to say it again, because one of the things that drew me to requesting this book (aside from the beautiful cover, which showcases this) is the fact that Wren is an aspiring special effects makeup artist. It's such a unique hobby, and Wren's passion for it is clearly displayed in the description of every technique and pigment that she or Cat FX uses.
Makeup also provides a source of tension in the novel: her mother becomes concerned that she is using it as a way to isolate herself socially—which is a whole other complicated issue that the book deals with—and many of the makeup products that Wren uses over the course of the story were high-end items bought for her by her dad's new wife and which Wren feels like she needs to keep hidden from her mother. Wren ends up finding a way to make her hobby part of her social life by volunteering to do makeup for her school's stage production of Wicked. More importantly, though, by illustrating that Wren hides makeup bought by her stepmom, the author demonstrates that she cares about her mother's feelings and will do what she can to keep the peace in the house, while simultaneously beginning to hint that something is deeply wrong.
I think there is just the right balance of Wren being suspicious of her mother's actions—the constant locking of her door, erratic behavior and anger—as well as a reasonable amount of denial that anything is out of the ordinary. I don't know how much authority I can say this with, since it's been a long time since I was Wren's age and I've never had kids, but I thought her trust in her mother felt very authentic and that there was a naturally gradual progression towards her realization. The indications of what's going on with the mother are layered in really well.
Wren's other relationships throughout the story are just as messy and genuine. First, there's her dad. Although I was upset with him in the beginning because he's a major reason that the parents separated, he's actually still a good dad. He wants to stay part of Wren's life, and wants the best for her mother, and comes all the way from Brooklyn to stay with her when the worst happens. Then there's Vanessa, the dad's new wife. She wants Wren to be a part of the wedding and is actually the impetus for her interest in makeup. She continues to be supportive foster this by buying and sending products to Wren in the mail; eventually Wren comes to really like both Vanessa and her new twin stepsiblings. I truly appreciated how the author turned my expectations of these characters on their head and complicated my preconceptions of them. Her friendships are a little less emotionally turbulent but are still significant. Coming off having a very intense frenemy, Wren is justifiably concerned about fitting in and finding friends at her new school. Thankfully, she finds Poppy, a very enthusiastic girl in her class who won't let her stay in her shell. There's also Kai, who is on tech crew for the musical and asks Wren if she can do some character makeup for him, inviting her to a con. That ends up being a major factor later in the book, at a point where I thought it had been completely forgotten. The way the author handles Kai's crush on Wren—and her lack of one on him—is awkward, of course, but resolved in a way that left me feeling pretty good about their friendship.
There were a couple moments early on when I got a little confused about the timing of some events, and I didn't quite realize that I was reading flashbacks. At least, I think that the first two trips to Brooklyn were flashbacks? That's probably my fault because I was just blazing through pages without bothering to orient myself in time and space.
I do have a slightly bigger problem with the description of the book, because... that's it. That's the whole thing. It's not so much that I don't like what the last paragraph promises, because I do—it's that I felt the promise there wasn't fulfilled. Very little is devoted to Wren "starting over" in her "devastating new normal." And I want to be completely clear—I actually like that things end up somewhat up in the air for the characters and that a lot of things are left undiscussed or uncertain, like whether Wren has to move to Brooklyn and the difficult nature of her feelings toward her mother; it's just that I expected more of the plot to be focused on that, given the synopsis. But honestly, despite how much attention I've devoted to that here in this review, it doesn't really detract from the book at all for me!
Because ultimately, the author—and the narrative—have done their job perfectly, crafting a stunning book about a middle schooler living with divorce, bullying, and opioid addiction that feels real. It portrays the mother realistically and often sympathetically; she lashes out in anger, yes, but I don't really think she's villainized, and I think that's a good thing. Violets Are Blue is touching, subtly powerful, and provides a window into a situation that children do often find themselves in. Showing them that they are not to blame for not knowing, and that sometimes even adults are not aware of what's really happening, is incredibly important, and Barbara Dee accomplishes this in an exceedingly compassionate way.
"Here's my secret message to you guys: fantasy is not the opposite of truth."
I'm back to doing reviews (even though I haven't finished this round of polishing my manuscript yet) because there are more books coming out this fall that I couldn't resist and want to spread the word about!
All the complex elements of Violets Are Blue are blended together with care by the author, Barbara Dee, and as expertly as I imagine Cat FX, our protagonist Wren's favorite YouTuber, would do it. Wren is a makeup aficionado and daughter of an ER nurse, who has recently moved to a new town. While things start looking up for her, things are falling apart for her mother, which culminates in a discovery that I think most readers will see coming, but is no less devastating for it. We're going to get to that, I promise.
First, though, we have to talk about makeup, because it's going to provide a perfect base to build on for the rest of the review.
Have I mentioned lately how much I adore the incredibly niche interests that middle grade protagonists have? Probably, but I'm going to say it again, because one of the things that drew me to requesting this book (aside from the beautiful cover, which showcases this) is the fact that Wren is an aspiring special effects makeup artist. It's such a unique hobby, and Wren's passion for it is clearly displayed in the description of every technique and pigment that she or Cat FX uses.
Makeup also provides a source of tension in the novel: her mother becomes concerned that she is using it as a way to isolate herself socially—which is a whole other complicated issue that the book deals with—and many of the makeup products that Wren uses over the course of the story were high-end items bought for her by her dad's new wife and which Wren feels like she needs to keep hidden from her mother. Wren ends up finding a way to make her hobby part of her social life by volunteering to do makeup for her school's stage production of Wicked. More importantly, though, by illustrating that Wren hides makeup bought by her stepmom, the author demonstrates that she cares about her mother's feelings and will do what she can to keep the peace in the house, while simultaneously beginning to hint that something is deeply wrong.
I think there is just the right balance of Wren being suspicious of her mother's actions—the constant locking of her door, erratic behavior and anger—as well as a reasonable amount of denial that anything is out of the ordinary. I don't know how much authority I can say this with, since it's been a long time since I was Wren's age and I've never had kids, but I thought her trust in her mother felt very authentic and that there was a naturally gradual progression towards her realization. The indications of what's going on with the mother are layered in really well.
Wren's other relationships throughout the story are just as messy and genuine. First, there's her dad. Although I was upset with him in the beginning because he's a major reason that the parents separated, he's actually still a good dad. He wants to stay part of Wren's life, and wants the best for her mother, and comes all the way from Brooklyn to stay with her when the worst happens. Then there's Vanessa, the dad's new wife. She wants Wren to be a part of the wedding and is actually the impetus for her interest in makeup. She continues to be supportive foster this by buying and sending products to Wren in the mail; eventually Wren comes to really like both Vanessa and her new twin stepsiblings. I truly appreciated how the author turned my expectations of these characters on their head and complicated my preconceptions of them. Her friendships are a little less emotionally turbulent but are still significant. Coming off having a very intense frenemy, Wren is justifiably concerned about fitting in and finding friends at her new school. Thankfully, she finds Poppy, a very enthusiastic girl in her class who won't let her stay in her shell. There's also Kai, who is on tech crew for the musical and asks Wren if she can do some character makeup for him, inviting her to a con. That ends up being a major factor later in the book, at a point where I thought it had been completely forgotten. The way the author handles Kai's crush on Wren—and her lack of one on him—is awkward, of course, but resolved in a way that left me feeling pretty good about their friendship.
There were a couple moments early on when I got a little confused about the timing of some events, and I didn't quite realize that I was reading flashbacks. At least, I think that the first two trips to Brooklyn were flashbacks? That's probably my fault because I was just blazing through pages without bothering to orient myself in time and space.
I do have a slightly bigger problem with the description of the book, because... that's it. That's the whole thing. It's not so much that I don't like what the last paragraph promises, because I do—it's that I felt the promise there wasn't fulfilled. Very little is devoted to Wren "starting over" in her "devastating new normal." And I want to be completely clear—I actually like that things end up somewhat up in the air for the characters and that a lot of things are left undiscussed or uncertain, like whether Wren has to move to Brooklyn and the difficult nature of her feelings toward her mother; it's just that I expected more of the plot to be focused on that, given the synopsis. But honestly, despite how much attention I've devoted to that here in this review, it doesn't really detract from the book at all for me!
Because ultimately, the author—and the narrative—have done their job perfectly, crafting a stunning book about a middle schooler living with divorce, bullying, and opioid addiction that feels real. It portrays the mother realistically and often sympathetically; she lashes out in anger, yes, but I don't really think she's villainized, and I think that's a good thing. Violets Are Blue is touching, subtly powerful, and provides a window into a situation that children do often find themselves in. Showing them that they are not to blame for not knowing, and that sometimes even adults are not aware of what's really happening, is incredibly important, and Barbara Dee accomplishes this in an exceedingly compassionate way.
June 29, 2021
Thanks to EdelweissPlus and the publisher for the digital ARC of this book.
Well, Barbara Dee has done it again and found the middle grade voice of Wren this time. She's struggling to figure out who she is and where she fits in her family after her parents divorce. She discovers a passion for theatre type makeup after visiting her Dad and his new girlfriend who is pregnant. Wren is told they're also getting married and then feels torn between her Dad and his new family and her Mom who seems to be struggling after the divorce. Wren also then has to deal with moving, but decides that it could be a fresh start for her and developing some friendships.
She does develop a friendship with a girl, Poppy, who also then gets her to help with the school theatre production. Wren isn't super excited about participating, but her Mom has threatened to take away her computer and her connection to her favourite online makeup artist if she doesn't do some more socializing. This is where she also gets to know Kai better and they end up involved in an exciting adventure towards the end of the novel as Wren finds that they have a lot in common.
Wren is close to her Mom, but also struggles in her relationship with her. There are times when they'e close and then times when her Mom will seemingly get mad at her for no reason. Her Mom seems to be tired because of her work as a nurse and has a bad knee, but is also sleeping a lot at times. Wren doesn't like how her Mom locks her bedroom door to keep the cat out either. Wren tries to do her best to make her Mom happy and have her Mom be proud of her, but is that enough. What's really going on in their relationship?
I'm not going to give away all of the story, but its a lovely struggle of coming to terms with who you are and the real truth of the people that love you. It's figuring out what your passions are, not being afraid to share those and finding your people. Wren is a wonderful example of so many kids who are having a tough time with divorce as well and feeling caught in the middle. Gorgeous and HIGHLY recommended!
Well, Barbara Dee has done it again and found the middle grade voice of Wren this time. She's struggling to figure out who she is and where she fits in her family after her parents divorce. She discovers a passion for theatre type makeup after visiting her Dad and his new girlfriend who is pregnant. Wren is told they're also getting married and then feels torn between her Dad and his new family and her Mom who seems to be struggling after the divorce. Wren also then has to deal with moving, but decides that it could be a fresh start for her and developing some friendships.
She does develop a friendship with a girl, Poppy, who also then gets her to help with the school theatre production. Wren isn't super excited about participating, but her Mom has threatened to take away her computer and her connection to her favourite online makeup artist if she doesn't do some more socializing. This is where she also gets to know Kai better and they end up involved in an exciting adventure towards the end of the novel as Wren finds that they have a lot in common.
Wren is close to her Mom, but also struggles in her relationship with her. There are times when they'e close and then times when her Mom will seemingly get mad at her for no reason. Her Mom seems to be tired because of her work as a nurse and has a bad knee, but is also sleeping a lot at times. Wren doesn't like how her Mom locks her bedroom door to keep the cat out either. Wren tries to do her best to make her Mom happy and have her Mom be proud of her, but is that enough. What's really going on in their relationship?
I'm not going to give away all of the story, but its a lovely struggle of coming to terms with who you are and the real truth of the people that love you. It's figuring out what your passions are, not being afraid to share those and finding your people. Wren is a wonderful example of so many kids who are having a tough time with divorce as well and feeling caught in the middle. Gorgeous and HIGHLY recommended!
October 13, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Aladdin for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. Here is that review:
4.5 stars
Barbara Dee has done it again! Readers who come to this novel because they are fans of Dee's previous work and those who are entirely new to this author should be equally pleased with the great result here.
When the novel begins, it's clear that Wren, the m.c., is headed for a lot of changes. She is 12-years-old, her parents are fighting constantly, her parents are suddenly living separately, her dad and his new partner are immediately on the marriage train (and she's also pregnant with twins), and Wren is also about to move. This kid experiences more upheaval in a few weeks than many folks encounter in their teens in general, and it's compounded by the facts that she is an only child and her mom is clearly not managing any of the new changes in a healthy manner. The one escape Wren enjoys is watching Cat FX videos: makeup tutorials on YouTube. I love this timely inclusion and the various symbolic connections it affords throughout!
As an adult reader, it is heartbreaking to watch Wren know that something is going wrong with her mother but have no idea how to fix it let alone any authority with which to do so. She's a character who is easy to root for, and readers of all ages can learn a lot about empathy from getting to know her.
The end did feel a bit rushed to me, and while I'd have loved to see some of those final plot points developed, I really enjoyed the novel overall. I'll absolutely be recommending it to students who want to see great examples of middle grade contemporary and themes of divorce, friendship, and addiction. I am always looking forward to more from Barbara Dee!
4.5 stars
Barbara Dee has done it again! Readers who come to this novel because they are fans of Dee's previous work and those who are entirely new to this author should be equally pleased with the great result here.
When the novel begins, it's clear that Wren, the m.c., is headed for a lot of changes. She is 12-years-old, her parents are fighting constantly, her parents are suddenly living separately, her dad and his new partner are immediately on the marriage train (and she's also pregnant with twins), and Wren is also about to move. This kid experiences more upheaval in a few weeks than many folks encounter in their teens in general, and it's compounded by the facts that she is an only child and her mom is clearly not managing any of the new changes in a healthy manner. The one escape Wren enjoys is watching Cat FX videos: makeup tutorials on YouTube. I love this timely inclusion and the various symbolic connections it affords throughout!
As an adult reader, it is heartbreaking to watch Wren know that something is going wrong with her mother but have no idea how to fix it let alone any authority with which to do so. She's a character who is easy to root for, and readers of all ages can learn a lot about empathy from getting to know her.
The end did feel a bit rushed to me, and while I'd have loved to see some of those final plot points developed, I really enjoyed the novel overall. I'll absolutely be recommending it to students who want to see great examples of middle grade contemporary and themes of divorce, friendship, and addiction. I am always looking forward to more from Barbara Dee!
June 11, 2021
Wren, a 12 year old middle schooler, is in a bit of a whirlwind. Her parents just divorced and her mom decided she needed a change of scenery. This means that Wren is tasked with learning a new town, new school and new friends. Not that she minds. She never really felt like she fit in at her old place.
See, that's the thing with Wren, she never really feels like herself, like she belongs. Which is why she loves watching make-up tutorials online. She can transform herself into anyone she pleases, and can also hide behind her makeup bag when working on others.
She's so busy making new friends and working on the school's musical that she doesn't really pay attention to her mom's absences, flakiness, and ever-changing work schedule. She chalks up her behavior to her career as a nurse and her stress over the divorce, but is it something more?
Barbara Dee does such a great job of writing middle schoolers like middle schoolers, filled with self-doubt, loneliness and an intense fear of not fitting in. Wren's inner voice is strong, and the reader can hear her wonder about her mom's strange behavior, doubting her own instincts left and right. She doubts her skills as a make-up artist, despite persistent praise. She doubts her budding friendships at her new school. It all seems so melodramatic, but in reality it is EXACTLY how those kids think and feel. Because of this, kids will always gravitate to Dee's stories. As they will to this one.
Highly recommend for kids in grades 5 and up.
Thanks to the author, Aladdin Publishing and Media Masters for an early review copy. Can't wait to share with the #LitReviewCrew.
See, that's the thing with Wren, she never really feels like herself, like she belongs. Which is why she loves watching make-up tutorials online. She can transform herself into anyone she pleases, and can also hide behind her makeup bag when working on others.
She's so busy making new friends and working on the school's musical that she doesn't really pay attention to her mom's absences, flakiness, and ever-changing work schedule. She chalks up her behavior to her career as a nurse and her stress over the divorce, but is it something more?
Barbara Dee does such a great job of writing middle schoolers like middle schoolers, filled with self-doubt, loneliness and an intense fear of not fitting in. Wren's inner voice is strong, and the reader can hear her wonder about her mom's strange behavior, doubting her own instincts left and right. She doubts her skills as a make-up artist, despite persistent praise. She doubts her budding friendships at her new school. It all seems so melodramatic, but in reality it is EXACTLY how those kids think and feel. Because of this, kids will always gravitate to Dee's stories. As they will to this one.
Highly recommend for kids in grades 5 and up.
Thanks to the author, Aladdin Publishing and Media Masters for an early review copy. Can't wait to share with the #LitReviewCrew.
July 15, 2021
I was immediately drawn in by how each chapter starts with a short monologue from the youtube channel Cat FX. I was intrigued connecting the "words of the wiser" from each of these sets of advice originally about applying makeup, to 7th grade Wren's life. I also really found Wren's passion, special effects makeup, to be a new and fresh addition to her character.
What wasn't new is Barbara Dee's ability to understand middle school students and portray them with such honesty. As the child of divorce, I found this book to be so authentic as Wren is torn between her father and his new love and her mother, who is still reeling from the divorce and moves them to a new town to start over. I actually really liked how both parents were fantastic in some ways and flawed in others. The contrast between the two parents also helped to show early on that something isn't quite right with Wren's mother. There are lots of clues that lead up to the discovery that she is struggling with pain killer addiction. This was handled in a sensitive way perfect for upper middle grade readers.
And it wouldn't be middle school without lots of confusion about friends, crushes, and fitting in, all of which this story delivers with honesty, humor, and hope. This story should be in every upper middle grade library and will be loved by students. It is fantastic! Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy with #LitReviewCrew
What wasn't new is Barbara Dee's ability to understand middle school students and portray them with such honesty. As the child of divorce, I found this book to be so authentic as Wren is torn between her father and his new love and her mother, who is still reeling from the divorce and moves them to a new town to start over. I actually really liked how both parents were fantastic in some ways and flawed in others. The contrast between the two parents also helped to show early on that something isn't quite right with Wren's mother. There are lots of clues that lead up to the discovery that she is struggling with pain killer addiction. This was handled in a sensitive way perfect for upper middle grade readers.
And it wouldn't be middle school without lots of confusion about friends, crushes, and fitting in, all of which this story delivers with honesty, humor, and hope. This story should be in every upper middle grade library and will be loved by students. It is fantastic! Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy with #LitReviewCrew
June 20, 2021
In Violets are Blue, Barbara Dee brought the characters and their stories to life in a way that keeps the reader invested in their well-being and happiness. From the first page to the last page, you are pulled right into their world, as if the world around you doesn't exist. It truly feels like you are right there in the thick of their experiences. The main character Wren loves watching Cat FX special effects makeup tutorials and experimenting with makeup. It's wonderful to see she has a friend who supports and encourages her makeup art, and that her dad and new stepmom support her as well. She also is navigating the new territory of a move to a new town and school, a divorce, remarriage and new siblings, and a mother whose behavior is changing in a way that unfolds slowly through the book mirroring the way the main character herself discovers it. Reading this book was like being invited right into the lives of these characters. Everything felt realistic and authentic, including the way the story ended.
#LitReviewCrew thanks Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Barbara Dee for sharing an Advanced Reader's Copy with us.
#LitReviewCrew thanks Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Barbara Dee for sharing an Advanced Reader's Copy with us.
July 14, 2021
Barbara Dee connects to teens through each of her books! Maybe He Just Likes You is a popular lit circle choice for my 7th graders and I believe this one will be too!
Wren is living through a divorce, friend challenges, new school, new home, and her relationship with her mom is changing in a way that confuses Wren. Wren’s escape is her favorite YouTube streamer, Cat FX, who demos her makeup artist work. Wren’s talent continues to grow and is noticed but her heart still worries about mom!
Why is she forgetting?
Locking her door?
You will not be able to read this book without leaving the last page with Wren’s character in your heart and on your mind. She may be fictional but to think young people are going through these experiences breaks my heart! Wren is brave, courageous, and resilient.
Must read!
Wren is living through a divorce, friend challenges, new school, new home, and her relationship with her mom is changing in a way that confuses Wren. Wren’s escape is her favorite YouTube streamer, Cat FX, who demos her makeup artist work. Wren’s talent continues to grow and is noticed but her heart still worries about mom!
Why is she forgetting?
Locking her door?
You will not be able to read this book without leaving the last page with Wren’s character in your heart and on your mind. She may be fictional but to think young people are going through these experiences breaks my heart! Wren is brave, courageous, and resilient.
Must read!
June 20, 2021
Barbara Dee does it once again. She has tackled a tough topic and made it accessible for middle grade students. Wren is dealing with divorce, moving, being picked on at school, and finally a parent addicted to opioids. Wren turns to watching her favorite YouTuber to block out the reality of what's happening in her life. She learns to do makeup and is successful with the help of her step mom - which she hides from her own mom, who appears depressed most of the time. She meets Kai and Poppy who are also a good distraction from dealing with her mom. Makeup artistry helps Wren to cope, but when things get tougher and tougher she finds she has to face her problems head on. This title publishes in September 2021 and is ideal to add to any library from grades 4+.
Read
October 30, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Parental divorce
Parental divorce
April 20, 2022
Kai was the best character but it was a pretty good book.
May 3, 2021
“‘Actually blue violets do exist in nature,’ Cat FX said cheerfully. ‘Purple ones are more common, but just because something is weird doesn’t mean it’s not real.’” (ARC, 256)
Seventh grader Renata’s life is in turmoil: Her father has suddenly moved out and to Brooklyn and is getting married and having twins. She finds out her that parents are getting a divorce, and her only friend in school is mean to her. Then her mother decides that they will move to a new town where she can work in a different hospital and Rennie can begin again in a new school.
The only constant in Rennie’s life is her obsession with special effects makeup which is learning from videos posted by Cat FX. “Little by little, step by step, she’d start transforming herself into different fantasy creatures.… ‘Don’t be afraid to explore the weirdness of these characters,’ Cat FX would say as she was applying Elmer’s glue to her eyebrows. ‘Because here’s my secret message: there’s good weird and bad weird.… Good weird tells the world who you really are.’” (ARC, 25-26)
In her new school Wren, as Renata now calls herself, is making small transformations to navigate new peers and begin making friends. “At school it was like everyone was onstage all the time.” (185) She becomes friends with Poppy, but she is not sure how to read the popular Avery who may be a “mean girl “ like her former friend. And there is Kai who she can talk to but others see as “weird” and who may like her more than as a friend.
When Poppy discovers Wren’s gift for applying fantasy makeup, she talks Wren into doing the makeup for the school musical, Wicked. The drama kids are impressed with her talent. “I had a funny feeling right then, like I was floating above the table, looking down at myself. And hearing my own voice saying, ‘See, Wren. This is how it looks when you finally fit in.’” (ARC, 86)
While on her trips to her Dad’s, she is well treated by her father and his new wife Vanessa, things are strange at home. Her mother has been sleeping a lot, misses her shifts at work, accuses Wren of “talking behind her back” to her father, and puts a lock on her door. Wren is having trouble communicating with her. And then Wren finds pills in her mother’s bathroom, pills that her mother admits to taking from the hospital for the pain in her knee.
“But I couldn’t stop thinking about this other feeling I had: how sometimes when Mom looked at me, it was like she didn’t even see my face. Like my features had been deleted, one by one, and all she was seeing when I stood in front of her was white foundation, and powder, layer on top of layer, making ne go blurry. Until finally I disappeared too.” (ARC, 218)
As Wren faces the complexities of her mother’s addiction and rehabilitation, she discovers that sometimes, as with Cat FX’s directions about mermaid makeup, people frequently “[leave] something out.” But now she has Krystal; her extended family—her father, Vanessa, and the twins; her new friends—Poppy, Avery, Kai, and the drama kids; and a therapist.
Barbara Dee’s newest new novel tackles yet another crucial topic that affects more of our readers than we may know and belongs in every middle school classroom to generate important discussions. Based on the staggering data from the combined 2009 to 2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, about 1 in 8 children (8.7 million) aged 17 or younger lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year substance use disorder (SUD). About 1 in 35 children (2.1 million) lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year illicit drug use disorder. (www.samhsa.gov)
Seventh grader Renata’s life is in turmoil: Her father has suddenly moved out and to Brooklyn and is getting married and having twins. She finds out her that parents are getting a divorce, and her only friend in school is mean to her. Then her mother decides that they will move to a new town where she can work in a different hospital and Rennie can begin again in a new school.
The only constant in Rennie’s life is her obsession with special effects makeup which is learning from videos posted by Cat FX. “Little by little, step by step, she’d start transforming herself into different fantasy creatures.… ‘Don’t be afraid to explore the weirdness of these characters,’ Cat FX would say as she was applying Elmer’s glue to her eyebrows. ‘Because here’s my secret message: there’s good weird and bad weird.… Good weird tells the world who you really are.’” (ARC, 25-26)
In her new school Wren, as Renata now calls herself, is making small transformations to navigate new peers and begin making friends. “At school it was like everyone was onstage all the time.” (185) She becomes friends with Poppy, but she is not sure how to read the popular Avery who may be a “mean girl “ like her former friend. And there is Kai who she can talk to but others see as “weird” and who may like her more than as a friend.
When Poppy discovers Wren’s gift for applying fantasy makeup, she talks Wren into doing the makeup for the school musical, Wicked. The drama kids are impressed with her talent. “I had a funny feeling right then, like I was floating above the table, looking down at myself. And hearing my own voice saying, ‘See, Wren. This is how it looks when you finally fit in.’” (ARC, 86)
While on her trips to her Dad’s, she is well treated by her father and his new wife Vanessa, things are strange at home. Her mother has been sleeping a lot, misses her shifts at work, accuses Wren of “talking behind her back” to her father, and puts a lock on her door. Wren is having trouble communicating with her. And then Wren finds pills in her mother’s bathroom, pills that her mother admits to taking from the hospital for the pain in her knee.
“But I couldn’t stop thinking about this other feeling I had: how sometimes when Mom looked at me, it was like she didn’t even see my face. Like my features had been deleted, one by one, and all she was seeing when I stood in front of her was white foundation, and powder, layer on top of layer, making ne go blurry. Until finally I disappeared too.” (ARC, 218)
As Wren faces the complexities of her mother’s addiction and rehabilitation, she discovers that sometimes, as with Cat FX’s directions about mermaid makeup, people frequently “[leave] something out.” But now she has Krystal; her extended family—her father, Vanessa, and the twins; her new friends—Poppy, Avery, Kai, and the drama kids; and a therapist.
Barbara Dee’s newest new novel tackles yet another crucial topic that affects more of our readers than we may know and belongs in every middle school classroom to generate important discussions. Based on the staggering data from the combined 2009 to 2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, about 1 in 8 children (8.7 million) aged 17 or younger lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year substance use disorder (SUD). About 1 in 35 children (2.1 million) lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year illicit drug use disorder. (www.samhsa.gov)
November 4, 2021
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Violets Are Blue is an incredibly realistic middle-grade depiction of a child dealing with a recent divorce and a mother’s downward spiral into depression and addiction. I think what I loved most about this book is how believable Wren’s thoughts and feelings are. Her sense of guilt and confusion over her parents’ divorce and the fact that she actually kind of likes her stepmother is palpable. It would have been easy for Dee to draw Wren’s father as the stereotypical bad guy here—he is cheating on his wife, after all. But to Wren, he’s still her father and she loves him despite what he did to hurt her mom. At the same time, she realizes that her mother is rightfully hurt, and Wren feels like she has to tread very carefully with her mom because of that. Then there’s the fact that her mom is lying to her about a lot of things; I appreciated the fact that Wren realizes on some level that things aren’t right at home, but she can’t quite figure out what’s going on. This felt very realistic to me. Even though Wren misses clues (clues that I, as an adult, found obvious), it always seems reasonable that she might miss them. She has no frame of reference for a drug addiction, so there is no reason for her to jump to this conclusion. My heart broke for Wren as she navigated this difficult situation and felt like she couldn’t talk to anyone about what was happening because she was afraid she would just make things worse for her mother (or for her relationship with her mother). As always, Dee writes a compelling middle grade novel that tackles tough subjects in a way that feels relatable. Oh, and I didn’t even mention Wren’s hobby of doing special effects makeup (which she learns about from YouTube)—I think kids will definitely relate to that, even if makeup isn’t specifically their thing.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Media Masters Publicity for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Violets Are Blue is an incredibly realistic middle-grade depiction of a child dealing with a recent divorce and a mother’s downward spiral into depression and addiction. I think what I loved most about this book is how believable Wren’s thoughts and feelings are. Her sense of guilt and confusion over her parents’ divorce and the fact that she actually kind of likes her stepmother is palpable. It would have been easy for Dee to draw Wren’s father as the stereotypical bad guy here—he is cheating on his wife, after all. But to Wren, he’s still her father and she loves him despite what he did to hurt her mom. At the same time, she realizes that her mother is rightfully hurt, and Wren feels like she has to tread very carefully with her mom because of that. Then there’s the fact that her mom is lying to her about a lot of things; I appreciated the fact that Wren realizes on some level that things aren’t right at home, but she can’t quite figure out what’s going on. This felt very realistic to me. Even though Wren misses clues (clues that I, as an adult, found obvious), it always seems reasonable that she might miss them. She has no frame of reference for a drug addiction, so there is no reason for her to jump to this conclusion. My heart broke for Wren as she navigated this difficult situation and felt like she couldn’t talk to anyone about what was happening because she was afraid she would just make things worse for her mother (or for her relationship with her mother). As always, Dee writes a compelling middle grade novel that tackles tough subjects in a way that feels relatable. Oh, and I didn’t even mention Wren’s hobby of doing special effects makeup (which she learns about from YouTube)—I think kids will definitely relate to that, even if makeup isn’t specifically their thing.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Media Masters Publicity for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
September 18, 2021
Difficult issues mix with make-up for a touching story about family, friends, and finding ones self.
Wren loves make-up and devours any video about the artistry where she can. Although she doesn't admit it, she's quite talented, too. But all of that takes a backseat as her parents divorce, her mother battles with tough working hours, and a move, which is supposed to make everything better. When Wren gets a chance to let her make-up talents shine, she's not so sure she wants to do it or not, especially when the tough secrets her mother has been hiding start coming to light.
The idea of weaving a girl's interest into make-up artistry into a tale already gives this one a unique and fun twist. The author starts each chapter with tips from Wren's videos and, mixed in these, are wise words, which glide right along with the plot and deeper problems. This aspect was refreshing and well done, already adding a lot to the read. But then, the entire thing is well written.
Many difficult themes are packed into these pages as Wren first experiences the divorce of her parents, meeting a new step-mother, having new step-siblings, losing best friends, moving to a new place, first crushes, and, finally, parents and drug abuse. And there are even more snuck in. Still, the author does a great job at sliding this into a seamless story, which flows as smooth as make-up. It's kept age appropriate and demonstrates how some problems aren't immediately visible.
While this is a deeper read on some ends, it's actually an easy read. The dialogue and characters stay natural, and the plot keeps a steady pace, letting one scene sit, and then going right into the next. It's never boring nor does it waste time on descriptions or an overflow of feelings and thoughts. And this is where I missed a little more on the character depth and felt like everything sometimes superficially flowed by without any real emotional connections. But this did improve as the story went along.
This is definitely an enjoyable read and hits themes middle graders will recognize and sympathize with. It definitely gets a 'thumbs-up' from me. I received an ARC and enjoyed this one quite a bit.
Wren loves make-up and devours any video about the artistry where she can. Although she doesn't admit it, she's quite talented, too. But all of that takes a backseat as her parents divorce, her mother battles with tough working hours, and a move, which is supposed to make everything better. When Wren gets a chance to let her make-up talents shine, she's not so sure she wants to do it or not, especially when the tough secrets her mother has been hiding start coming to light.
The idea of weaving a girl's interest into make-up artistry into a tale already gives this one a unique and fun twist. The author starts each chapter with tips from Wren's videos and, mixed in these, are wise words, which glide right along with the plot and deeper problems. This aspect was refreshing and well done, already adding a lot to the read. But then, the entire thing is well written.
Many difficult themes are packed into these pages as Wren first experiences the divorce of her parents, meeting a new step-mother, having new step-siblings, losing best friends, moving to a new place, first crushes, and, finally, parents and drug abuse. And there are even more snuck in. Still, the author does a great job at sliding this into a seamless story, which flows as smooth as make-up. It's kept age appropriate and demonstrates how some problems aren't immediately visible.
While this is a deeper read on some ends, it's actually an easy read. The dialogue and characters stay natural, and the plot keeps a steady pace, letting one scene sit, and then going right into the next. It's never boring nor does it waste time on descriptions or an overflow of feelings and thoughts. And this is where I missed a little more on the character depth and felt like everything sometimes superficially flowed by without any real emotional connections. But this did improve as the story went along.
This is definitely an enjoyable read and hits themes middle graders will recognize and sympathize with. It definitely gets a 'thumbs-up' from me. I received an ARC and enjoyed this one quite a bit.
April 16, 2022
A hard hitter for me and such a solid middle grade read Violets are Blue centers on Wren, a seventh grade girl who finds a passion (and distraction) in SFX makeup. Wren's parents are getting a divorce in the opening of the book and her father is getting remarried. Rather than center the book on the common 'fitting in to a new family' plot line, Dee focuses in on the internal turmoil and friction Wren feels between her two family homes in a way I've never seen a middle grade book get. My parents divorced when I was about Wren's age and her internal dialogue is achingly familiar at times. I love the way we see all of Wren's uncertainty and the strange juggling act that is middle school with non standard kid interests, and freshly divorced parents. There is also the underlying story and ending twist(I did see it coming fairly early but this is a book for middle school students so no fowl there) that throws the novel into a new light. This worked well for the book and kept the drama high but was not personally to my tastes (though I think the teens will be totally down). The twist:
Overall I found this to be an excellent middle grade story full of strong emotions, relatable yet novel experiences, and interestingly varied characters. The pacing and timeline at the beginning are a wee bit wonky, but that's my only real complaint. I can't wait to start recommending this book to the youths!
Overall I found this to be an excellent middle grade story full of strong emotions, relatable yet novel experiences, and interestingly varied characters. The pacing and timeline at the beginning are a wee bit wonky, but that's my only real complaint. I can't wait to start recommending this book to the youths!
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