A novel in verse for upper middle grade readers. ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY is a helpful resource to those trying to understand the loss of a loved one.

Sage waits for a best friend to arrive for the planned celebration of Sage’s 13th birthday. The happy time turns into her worst day ever with news that her best friend died on the way to Sage’s house. Life will never be the same without her best friend.

Sage joins a counseling group at school that deals with grief. Her loss was unexpected while a few others in the group knew that death of a person they cared deeply about would eventually happen. How will this group even help when they don’t understand how Sage truly feels. It’s a tough road dealing with all the emotions grief brings about. Sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, pain, and love are the ones mentioned on the book jacket. Will Sage ever arrive at the point of forgiving herself and find solace from others?

The writing flows and although it is a tough story to read, the book had me unable to put it down. Heartbreaking throughout but also a hopeful longing that by the last page Sage will come to understand why grief is such a difficult journey.

The setting of Harlem was a perfect backdrop and the honesty exhibited comes from an author who knows. That counseling group in the story or anyone else in need now has this novel as a discussion starter.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renée Watson

1. The family situation for Sage was well depicted, living with Dad while Mom lives a short distance away. Her go to person though is her aunt and she helps in a comforting way.
2. New friend, Kofi, is also a plus as he is a great listener. Everyone needs a friend like him.
3. The relationship of joy and grief in the healing process is great part of the plot that will be beneficial to many.
4. The author’s note in the back pages is a must read as you will find out what led her to write this novel.
5. Although a tough topic to address for readers, the end result leaves one in a good place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Renée Watson was seven years old, she wrote a 21-page story and her teacher told her, “I think you’re going to be a writer one day!” And she was right. Renée’s been writing ever since: poetry, plays, and books. Some of Renée’s books include The Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, and Love is a Revolution. Her novel Piecing Me Together won two very special awards, the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbery Honor. 

Renée Watson grew up in Portland, Oregon. Many of her books are inspired by the neighborhood she lived in. When Renée is working on a new book, she makes a playlist of songs she thinks her main character would like and listens to it while she writes. She does most of her writing in her writing nook, surrounded by inspiring quotes, photos of loved ones, and art. All because of her books, Renée has traveled around the world. Of all the places Renée has traveled to, her two favorite places are Oregon and New York. She loves them so much, she lives in both places—Portland and Harlem. Renée believes that words are powerful and she wants to use her words to inspire, heal, and change the world.

(For more about Renée and her books visit her author web page)

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