sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

Readalong Post #10: Introducing Roses are Blue

by

It’s Poetry Friday, and also day one of the third week in my Readalong. This week  I am delighted to invite you to read along with me (or, if you can’t easily get hold of a copy, just learn a bit more about) Roses are Blue.  Firstly, here’s the beautiful cover, featuring the illustrative genius of Gabriel Evans.

In the last two weeks I have introduced each book by sharing the book trailer but, I don’t have one for Roses are Blue. So, instead I thought I might offer an insight into the book by quoting from the excellent review librarian Debra Pearson wrote of the book when it was included in the The IBBY Collection of Books for Young People with Disabilities in 2015. 

In this verse novel for young readers, narrator Amber Rose struggles to reconcile the two sharply-divided parts of her life: before and after a terrible accident.

You can read the rest of Debra’s thorough review here.

To further introduce you to the story, here’s a clip of me reading the opening pages:

And a little glimpse inside:

In my next few posts I’ll share a bit more about this verse novel. If you have a copy, I’d love if you would read along with me – and even ask me some questions. If you’d like to buy a copy, ask your local bookstore. It is also available online. And if you’d like to chat about the book, share a photo of it on your bookshelf or anything else, use the hashtags #blueroses or #readwithsally, and tag me on Instagram,Facebook or Twitter.

This week’s Poetry Friday roundup is hosted by Christie at Wondering and Wondering (now isn’t that an excellent name for a blog!). Head there to see what other poetry goodness is on offer around the blogosphere and to check out Christie’s very celever bird poem, inspried by Thoreau (and that hashtag: #ThoreaulyInspired – so clever!)

 

Comments

  2. Oh I so enjoyed the pages you read in your video, Sally! Amber Rose’s voice is clear and her relationship/perception of her mum (and all the mums of her classmates) is compelling. I love her contemplations about the mum with the bolt in her tongue. My niece, whose name happens to be Katie Rose, has one and I have asked her at length about it – fascinating. Another one of your books that I wish I could get my hands on. 🙂

    • Thank you Bridget. I wish you could too. I love the thought of my friends so far away reading with me.

  4. Such a clever idea to post such an intriguing glimpse to whet our appetites! Hmmm…

  5. Oh, I , too, am wondering what happened to Amber’s mum. What a great beginning. You definitely have me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more, but also a bit worried about knowing more. I’m already invested in Amber’s happiness!

    • Thanks Molly. Yes, you are right to be worried. Amber (and her mum) are having a very tough time. But the good news is, the story ends with hope.

  7. I am enjoying these peeks inside your books with you. I do wonder what happened to Amber Rose’s mum.

  10. Another great reading, Sally (love your Aussie accent!). You have me on the edge of my seat with this opening. Must find out how Amber Rose’s mum is different!

  11. Sally, your reading is wonderful! Thank you for sharing the review and your voice and the beginning of Amber Roses’ story. I like all the descriptions of the kinds of mums…..then, the “But my mum is really, really different.” Such a great beginning.

    • Thank you AMy. I have always loved reading aloud – but it’s taken me along time to be confident videoing myself doing it.

  13. Your book sounds like a poignant story, Sally. I love the title, brings up some ideas as to how the story goes, then I loved listening to you & seeing those illustrations. Thanks for sharing this book new to me.

  14. I really enjoy hearing you read your work. This story is compelling, the voice first of all, but also the content about different kinds of mums from her very observant and definitely childlike perspective. Lovely writing!

sallymurphy.com.au