The Blue Roses 
By Linda Boyden
Illustrated by Amy Córdova
9781584300373
Every spring Rosalie and her grandfather (Papa) sow tiny seeds that blossom into bright vistas of flowers and vegetables. A red rosebush that is planted under Rosalie's bedroom window when she is born, is later joined by pink and yellow ones "to make a sunset." When Rosalie asks for a blue bush to represent the sky, Papa explains that roses do not come in blue. The winter after Papa dies, Rosalie's blue roses come to her in a dream, symbolizing love, memory, and transcendence.
With gentle words and magical images, this contemporary Native American story tenderly embraces the natural cycle of life. Winner of LEE & LOW's first New Voices Award, The Blue Roses is sure to touch all who read it.
Booktalk with author Linda Boyden
- Awards
-
"Choices"
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
- Interest Level
- Grades 1 - 4
- Reading Level
- Grade 2
- Themes
- Coping with Death, Environment/Nature, Grandparents, Native American Interest
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 3.2
Points: .5
Linda Boyden is of Cherokee and French Canadian ancestry. She is an enrolled member of the United Lumbee Nation. In addition to writing, Boyden works with elementary school children on writing projects and performs as a storyteller specializing in American Indian myths. A native of Massachusetts, Boyden now lives in Pukalani, Hawaii, with her husband. You can visit her at lindaboyden.com.
Amy Córdova is a fine artist who has illustrated several children's books as well. Córdova also works as Art Director of an arts-based cross-curriculum elementary school. Originally from Wisconsin, Córdova now lives in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. You can visit her at amycordova.com.
