The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond
  • Published: 9 January 2014
  • ISBN: 9781101585016
  • Imprint: PEN US eBook Childrens
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 240

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond

Formats & editions
EBook
9 Jan 2014
Paperback
15 Jan 2017
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Coretta Scott King Honor winner Brenda Woods’ moving, uplifting story of a girl finally meeting the African American side of her family explores racism and how it feels to be biracial, and celebrates families of all kinds.

Violet is a smart, funny, brown-eyed, brown-haired girl in a family of blonds. Her mom is white, and her dad, who died before she was born, was black. She attends a mostly white school where she sometimes feels like a brown leaf on a pile of snow. She’s tired of people asking if she’s adopted. Now that Violet’s eleven, she decides it’s time to learn about her African American heritage. And despite getting off to a rocky start trying to reclaim her dad’s side of the family, she can feel her confidence growing as the puzzle pieces of her life finally start coming together. Readers will cheer for Violet, sharing her joy as she discovers her roots.
  • Published: 9 January 2014
  • ISBN: 9781101585016
  • Imprint: PEN US eBook Childrens
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 240
Categories:

Also by Brenda Woods

With Just One Wing
When Winter Robeson Came
The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA
Zoe In Wonderland
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
My Name Is Sally Little Song
Emako Blue
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Praise for The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond

SAINT LOUIS ARMSTRONG BEACH--Now on 8 state award lists!
* "The dialogue is strong, smooth, and natural. The food, music, and tempo of New Orleans all come to life. . . . Woods skillfully provides a sense of the growing tension as the storm approaches. The real-life events of Hurricane Katrina . . . are integrated smoothly into the story. While the tragedy of the event is not glossed over, the overall theme is one of hope."--SLJ, starred review
* "Provides a vivid description of what life was like in pre-Katrina New Orleans, and how quickly peoples' lives were shattered. The characters are well-developed, and readers truly will care about their fates."--LMC, starred review
"Spare, moving novel. . . . The authentic New Orleans setting works as a powerful character, adding an extra dimension to this compelling Katrina story."--The Horn Book
* "Gripping addition to the growing body of fiction portraying Katrina's profound effect on children and families. . . . Woods' marvelous characterizations of Saint and Miz Moran more than stand up to the vivid backdrop of the flooded, chaotic city. Shadow's credulity-straining heroics will please kids. A small gem that sparkles with hope, resilience and the Crescent City's unique, jazz-infused spirit."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review




THE RED ROSE BOX--Coretta Scott King Honor winner!
"A timeless universal tale of young girl's road to maturity. An impressive debut."--Kirkus Reviews
"Moving. . . . [Woods] creates some memorable characters . . . and probes historical events in a personal context that may open many readers' eyes."--Publishers Weekly
"Language made musical with southern phrases . . . shapes the era and characters with both well-chosen particulars and universal emotions. . . . Young readers will connect with Leah and feel her difficult pull between freedom, comfort, and her deeply felt roots."--Booklist
"Well-realized, believable characters. Ruth is the embodiment of a sassy eight-year-old and the adults are genuine, loving, and supportive. . . . This story of grief and loss ends on a hopeful note and will appeal to readers."--SLJ

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