The Blue Roses

By Linda Boyden, Amy Córdova

    A modern-day Native American girl learns to understand the cycle of life after her grandfather dies.

    Description

    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.

    About the Creators

    Linda Boyden

    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. The Blue Roses is based on a dream she had after her own grandfather died. A native of Massachusetts, Boyden now lives in Pukalani, Hawaii, with her husband. This is her first book. Visit her online at lindaboyden.com.

    Amy Córdova

    Amy Córdova is a fine artist who has written and illustrated Abuelita's Heart and has illustrated several other 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. The Blue Roses is her first book with Lee & Low.

    Reviews

    • "This fine debut is a heartwarming story about a special bond a young Native American girl shares with her grandfather... Youngsters who have lost a loved one or who share a special relationship with an older adult will relate to this touching story, which clearly shows what healthy grieving is like."

      - Booklist
    • "What sets Boyden's work apart is her depiction of contemporary Native American culture, with Rosalie's family living in a small-town community. Their everyday life and loss connect them to universal experiences of growth and death that cross cultures. Cordova's paintings have static quality that reinforces the reflective tone of the text. . . the book would be suitable for one-on-one sharing with children who are mourning a grandparent or other relative."

      - School Library Journal
    • "A gentle story of family ties, loss and dreams."

      - Kirkus Reviews

    Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600606557
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2002
  • Trim Size 9 × 8.2 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / Native American
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • Themes Childhood Experiences and Memories, Coping with Death, Environment / Nature, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Grandparents, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Overcoming Obstacles, Realistic Fiction
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading Q
  • ATOS Book Level 3.2
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 600
  • Reading Level 2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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