From the Publisher
* “Violet’s a bright, engaging biracial preteen. . . . Infused with humor, hope and cleareyed compassion—a fresh take on an old paradigm.”
— Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Woods deftly raises complex issues of race and identity and leaves them open for discussion: whether race matters, what makes a family, how it feels to be different, and what it means to be biracial. ‘To white people,’ Violet thinks, ‘I’m half black. To black people, I’m half white. . . . Is that what I am, a percentage?’"
— Publishers Weekly
“Violet is a winning protagonist, full of questions and full of hope. She’s believably complex. . . . Her self-conscious reflections enable readers to parse the symbolism behind her name and see how her experiences are helping her grow into a person who fits it—a sometimes shy, sometimes sparkly and strong person to whom many readers will relate.”
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— various
SAINT LOUIS ARMSTRONG BEACH—Now on 8 state award lists!
* “The dialogue is strong, smooth, and natural. The food, music, and tempo of New Orleans all come to life. . . . Woods skillfully provides a sense of the growing tension as the storm approaches. The real-life events of Hurricane Katrina . . . are integrated smoothly into the story. While the tragedy of the event is not glossed over, the overall theme is one of hope.”—SLJ, starred review
* “Provides a vivid description of what life was like in pre-Katrina New Orleans, and how quickly peoples’ lives were shattered. The characters are well-developed, and readers truly will care about their fates.”—LMC, starred review
“Spare, moving novel. . . . The authentic New Orleans setting works as a powerful character, adding an extra dimension to this compelling Katrina story.”—The Horn Book
* “Gripping addition to the growing body of fiction portraying Katrina’s profound effect on children and families. . . . Woods’ marvelous characterizations of Saint and Miz Moran more than stand up to the vivid backdrop of the flooded, chaotic city. Shadow’s credulity-straining heroics will please kids. A small gem that sparkles with hope, resilience and the Crescent City’s unique, jazz-infused spirit.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Library Media Connection
Drama abounds as family secrets are revealed. As usual, Brenda Woods’ characters are interesting and realistic. Everyone will find someone to identify with. This ‘biracial’ novel covers the subject with sensitivity, realism, and accuracy which not many books do.
various
• “Violet’s a bright, engaging biracial preteen. . . . Infused with humor, hope and cleareyed compassion—a fresh take on an old paradigm.” — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Woods deftly raises complex issues of race and identity and leaves them open for discussion: whether race matters, what makes a family, how it feels to be different, and what it means to be biracial. ‘To white people,’ Violet thinks, ‘I’m half black. To black people, I’m half white. . . . Is that what I am, a percentage?’" — Publishers Weekly
“Violet is a winning protagonist, full of questions and full of hope. She’s believably complex. . . . Her self-conscious reflections enable readers to parse the symbolism behind her name and see how her experiences are helping her grow into a person who fits it—a sometimes shy, sometimes sparkly and strong person to whom many readers will relate.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Violet is a winning protagonist, full of questions and full of hope. She’s believably complex. . . . Her self-conscious reflections enable readers to parse the symbolism behind her name and see how her experiences are helping her grow into a person who fits it—a sometimes shy, sometimes sparkly and strong person to whom many readers will relate.
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2013-10-23
Violet's a bright, engaging biracial preteen, resigned to a "predictable summer of boring nothing" in small-town Washington; happily, for her and for readers, she couldn't be more wrong. Violet, 11, appreciates her loving family—busy neonatologist mom; sister, Daisy, 17; mom's lively, ex-hippie parents—she's just tired of explaining she belongs. She wouldn't have to if her dad, an African-American doctor, hadn't died in a car accident before her birth. In mostly white Moon Lake, Violet's a rarity; her one black friend attends a different school. Adopting a kitten is fun, but lightening her hair? Big mistake. (It was supposed to look "sun-kissed," like Daisy's—not orange.) Although Roxanne, her dad's mother, a famous artist, has refused contact (she has her reasons), Violet engineers a meeting at a Seattle gallery, persuading her mom to take her. Rebuffed at first, Violet persists until Roxanne invites her for a visit, and what was frozen begins to thaw. Both families are stable, intelligent and well-intentioned, but forgiveness and trust require contact; healing can't happen at a distance. Violet's no tragic mulatto—she'd survive estrangement, but in reconnecting with her dad's family and cultural roots, she'll thrive, fulfill her vast potential and, in doing so, enrich both families' lives across the racial divide. Infused with humor, hope and cleareyed compassion—a fresh take on an old paradigm. (Fiction. 8-12)
