Barbara Dee - Violets Are Blue

Author of Maybe He Just Likes You

Barbara Dee

Violets Are Blue

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.

Jamie Sumner, author of Roll with It and Tune It Out

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.

Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air and Saint Ivy

Barbara Dee has done it again! Violets Are Blue is an emotionally rich story that masterfully weaves lifes messy feelings while gently and thoughtfully tackling the difficult subject of opioid addiction. Beautiful. Complicated.

And full of heart. A must read!

Elly Swartz, author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take

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.

Melanie Sumrow, author of The Inside Battle and The Prophet Calls

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!

Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale

I loved My Life in the Fish Tank. Once again, Barbara Dee writes about important topics with intelligence, nuance, and grace. She earned all the accolades for Maybe He Just Likes You and will earn them for My Life in the Fish Tank too.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of Newbery Honor Books Fighting Words and The War That Saved My Life

I felt every beat of Zinny Mannings heart in this authentic and affecting story. Barbara Dee consistently has her finger on the pulse of her middle-grade audience. Outstanding!

Leslie Connor, author of A Home for Goddesses and Dogs and National Book Award finalist The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

My Life in the Fish Tank is a powerful portrayal of a twelve-year-old dealing with her siblings newly discovered mental illness. Author Barbara Dee deftly weaves in themes of friendship, family, and secrets, while also reminding us all to accept what we cant control. I truly loved every moment of this emotional and gripping novel, with its notes of hope that linger long after the last page.

Lindsay Currie, author of The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street and Scritch Scratch

My Life in the Fish Tank rings true for its humor, insight, and honesty. Zinny is an appealing narrator, and her friendships with supporting characters are beautifully drawn.

Laura Shovan, author of Takedown and A Place at the Table

Barbara Dee offers a deeply compassionate look at life for twelve-year-old Zinny, whose older brother faces mental health challenges. This touching novel will go a long way in providing understanding and empathy for young readers. Highly recommended.

Donna Gephart, award-winning author of Lily and Dunkin and The Paris Project

Mila is a finely drawn, sympathetic character dealing with a problem all too common in middle school. Readers will be cheering when she takes control! An important topic addressed in an age-appropriate way.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of Newbery Honor Books Fighting Words and The War That Saved My Life

In Maybe He Just Likes You, Barbara Dee sensitively breaks down the nuances of a situation all too common in our culturea girl not only being harassed, but not being listened to as she tries to ask for help. This well-crafted story validates Milas anger, confusion, and fear, but also illuminates a pathway towards speaking up and speaking out. A vital read for both girls and boys.

Veera Hiranandani, author of Newbery Honor Book The Night Diary

Milas journey will resonate with many readers, exploring a formative and common experience of early adolescence that has too often been ignored. Important and empowering.

Ashley Herring Blake, author of Stonewall Childrens & Young Adult Honor Book Ivy Aberdeens Letter to the World

Maybe He Just Likes You is an important, timeless story with funny, believable characters. Milas situation is one that many readers will connect with. This book is sure to spark many productive conversations.

Dusti Bowling, author of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

In this masterful, relatable, and wholly unique story, Dee shows how one girl named Mila finds empowerment, strength, and courage within. I loved this book.

Elly Swartz, author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take

Maybe He Just Likes You is the perfect way to jump-start dialogue between boy and girl readers about respect and boundaries. This book is so good. So needed! I loved it!

Paula Chase, author of So Done and Dough Boys

A Washington Post Best Childrens Book

An ALA Notable Childrens Book

A Project LIT Book Club selection

A Bank Street Best Childrens Book

An ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project selection

My Life in the Fish Tank

Maybe He Just Likes You

Everything I Know About You

Halfway Normal

Star-Crossed

Truth or Dare

The (Almost) Perfect Guide to Imperfect Boys

Trauma Queen

This Is Me From Now On

Solving Zoe

Just Another Day in My Insanely Real Life

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the authors imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

An imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division

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www.SimonandSchuster.com

First Aladdin hardcover edition September 2021

Text copyright 2021 by Barbara Dee

Jacket illustration copyright 2021 by Erika Pajarillo

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

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