Shades of Blue

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Author(s)

Joyce Scarbrough

Publisher Name

Blue Attitude Books

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction

Age Range

13+

Release Date

October 17, 2015

ISBN13

978-1517546748

ISBN10 or ASIN

JoJo and Sam have been best friends since he moved in next door when they were five years old. JoJo has always liked the ways Sam is different from other boys, but now that they’re both 14, he’s changing in ways she’s not so sure she likes. Just when she thinks she’s getting used to his new muscles and the way other girls are looking at him, she sees the bruises on his back and knows his step-father is beating him. JoJo tries to get Sam to leave, but he says he can’t desert his mom and step-sister. He makes JoJo promise not to tell anyone or he’ll be sent away to live with his grandmother in Tennessee. When Sam’s mom witnesses the abuse for herself, she finally stops drinking and stands up for all of them, but that’s when Sam’s step-father turns deadly.

User reviews

4 reviews

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0(4)

Plot

5.0(4)

Characters

5.0(4)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0(1)

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This has to be one of the best YA novels I’ve ever read.

February 02, 2016

Overall rating

5.0

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This has to be one of the best YA novels I’ve ever read. Although it’s an awful long time since I’ve been a teenager, I had instant identification with the protagonist, a desire to find out about her, and so, a need to read on. Tension kept increasing as the story developed, to explode into the final denouement. Believable characters and action, vivid description and completely age-appropriate ways of thought and behavior bring the story to life.
The novel conveys several important messages of morality and ethics, but never by preaching (even by one character to another), and never on the surface. Perhaps the most important is not to judge people on the basis of rumor. For example, one girl is introduced as “backseat Britney,” the girl who gives a good time to any boy. We find out that this reputation is false, being deliberately generated slander, and when we learn her history, compassion just has to replace judgment. Many other lessons, similarly well presented, make this an inspiring guide to behavior for youngsters, as I said, without seeming to be so. On the surface, it’s just an exciting read.
The story has a female protagonist, and I think will primarily appear to girls, but boys should enjoy it, too.
Only one thing puzzled me while reading. The title is “shades of blue,” and many of the chapters are named for blue colors. I thought this must be a girl thing: I couldn’t see a connection. Even this got resolved on the last page.

Dr Bob Rich 1 reviews

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Touching. Poignant. Swoonworthy.

November 01, 2015 (Updated: November 01, 2015)

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5.0

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The only book with the word "Shades" in the title that you'll ever need!

Good Points

Shades of Blue is a fabulous book. It tears your heart out at times, especially when you learn of the abuse that Sam and his step-sister, Brittany, endure. And JoJo is a spunky, plucky girl whose devotion to Sam will almost make you cheer out loud. This book is layered, and complicated at times because of everything the kids face in it, but it's also loaded with innocence and wonderment. JoJo's self discovery and tender moments with Sam are beyond swoonworthy! I highly recommend this book! Joyce never disappoints. Her grasp of characterization breathes life into a book, and you'll love the people in her stories so much, you'll expect them to walk through your front door. Excellent read, amazing author. Pick up Shades of Blue!

Lee Ann Ward Top 1000 Reviewer 3 reviews

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An Emotional Ride

October 29, 2015

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5.0

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Suspenseful and engaging story with amazing characters.

Carrie Dalby Top 1000 Reviewer 3 reviews

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A great Story

October 28, 2015

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5.0

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This is such a sweet love story. About two kids growing up next door and going from best friends to falling in love. There is a lot of rocks to climb over for the two young kids. Things that are not predictable. This book will keep you guessing and you will not want to put it down. Be prepared to fall in love with JoJo and Sam. Even though their lives are like two different worlds, that doesn't stop the sweet love they have for each other and the support they give to one another in the time of need. Sometimes love is just written in the stars. A must read.

Good Points

This story has a lot of twists and turns on every page. You can't put it down.