Violets Are Blue

“While Wren navigates tween life, her mother is also increasingly secretive. These mysterious actions elegantly unfold in Dee’s well-crafted story, which deftly addresses heavy topics such as parental separation and opioid addiction.”

“If you don’t have the work of Barbara Dee in your middle grade library collections, you are really missing out. Book after book she has mastered how to take complex topics and make them approachable and age-appropriate in all of her books. [VIOLETS ARE BLUE] is a masterpiece. … A must read and a must add. #pernillerecommends”

“Barbara Dee is writing some of the best middle grade out there. Fact. … Like all of Dee’s other books, this one handles the more mundane and relatable just as seriously and skillfully as the heavy and specific. … A great read.”

“I loved Barbara Dee’s Violets Are Blue. Wren is a character that a lot of readers are going to fall hard for. From start to finish, this one is a winner. Highly recommend.  (5/5 stars) “

“Weaving two very different but timely topics–makeup tutorial videos and opioid addiction–Dee’s frequently poignant middle grade novel depicts the ways that both adults and children can feel out of control. … With flawed, realistic characters and dynamics, this reconciliatory novel is a believable balm for young people at the mercy of adult choices and scenarios.”

“This powerful middle grade novel by the acclaimed author of My Life in the Fish Tank and Maybe He Just Likes You is a nuanced story that tackles tough issues with compassion and grace.”

“Barbara Dee has done it AGAIN! She tackles tough topics with such great care. She is to middle schoolers today what Judy Blume was to me in the 80s. I give Violets Are Blue ALL the stars and thumbs up.”

“Dee again successfully tackles tough topics, making them relatable for middle-grade readers.”

“A touching, realistic story about a mother-daughter relationship and its ups and downs.”

“Violets Are Blue will break your heart and then piece it back together with infinite care. Barbara Dee expertly captures the struggle to be known and loved within a narrative that presents the complicated reality of addiction. Both Wren and her mother will stay with you long after this story is done.”

“Barbara Dee tunes into issues that impact middle schoolers and writes about them with compassion, insight, and just plain excellent storytelling. I loved this absorbing, accessible novel, which explores the heartbreaking effects of opioid addiction while also celebrating the joys of discovering a passion and finding people who understand you.”

“Barbara Dee has done it again! Violets Are Blue is an emotionally rich 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!“

“Violets Are Blue tackles the subject of addiction with hope and compassion. Readers will cheer for Wren in this story about family bonds broken and redefined, learning to trust, and being true to yourself. I loved it!“

“Told realistically and with compassion, Violets Are Blue provides a fascinating look into the world of special effects makeup, budding friendships, family, and the secrets we keep.”

“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…. Brava to Dee for yet another stunning story. Required purchase for all middle grade collections.”

“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.”