The Blue Roses

By Linda Boyden

Book Overview

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

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1600606555
• ISBN13: 9781600606557
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.2" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Helping Children Deal with Death through Story

Explaining death to children is a difficult process, and Linda Boyden's book, The Blue Roses, helps soften the blow and gives youngsters faith that life goes on, sometimes in mysterious ways. I sent copies of this book to my young nephews and nieces (ages 5-8)after their favorite uncle died. If anyone has a child who questions the death of a loved one, this book is the answer. The story is beautifully written and the accompanying artwork is a perfect match for this well-told tale.

The Blue Roses

I love this book, I cry every time I read it to the kids. It reminds me of my wonderful relationship with my Grandpa.