Blue citizens are absolutely superior to all others, especially ignorant, uncivilized Orange. Poppy has been taught this relentlessly for twelve years. But when she accidentally crosses the forbidden border and is befriended by Marigold—a tangerine-skinned girl—and her kind-but-quirky family, Poppy is forced to rethink everything. Questioning that Blue is Best or the rest of the 50 Rules governing Poppy’s world would get her sent to a dangerous Detention Center. Or worse. But how can she return to her blindly obedient, anti-Orange life now that she knows the truth?

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The setting is a place separated by history and color. Red, orange, yellow and blue mark the separate areas. Citizens’ skin color match their particular area.

Poppy is blue and Marigold is orange. When these 12-year-olds first meet it’s only the beginning of an unlikely friendship. In Poppy’s land it is illegal and life threatening to cross the border and interact with another color.

The third person narration shines through twenty-five chapters. Friendship and discovering deep rooted misconceptions form the backdrop. The ending is gripping as people from the colored coded lands face-off with devastating results. Thankfully there is still hope.

Poppy and Marigold is a good choice for a read-aloud in a classroom. The story would also make a great starting point for discussion. The author includes 14 questions to get you started following the perceptive Acknowledgment page.

Fantasy lovers have a unique story to add to their reading list and one even adults would enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(For more visit Meg’s author website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.