Touch Blue, by Cynthia Lord, is about an island off the coast of Maine. The families living there are worried about their small school being closed by the state because there aren’t enough students to keep it open, and some families would have to move to the mainland. They get an idea and take in foster children so there will be more students at the school so it can stay open. It also means that several children will have homes with families who will care for them.
Tess is 11 years old and lives with her family on the island. She has always wanted a sister to play with. She remembers an old saying: “Touch blue, and your wish will come true,” and she carries a small piece of blue sea glass, touching it often as she wishes and hopes that the child coming to live with her family will be just like Anne in the book Anne of Green Gables.
Thirteen-year-old Aaron’s mother is an alcoholic and didn’t take care of him. He lived with his grandma until she died, then was moved to different places until coming to live with Tess’ family. He’s nothing like Anne and doesn’t like living on the island. He misses his mom, is very unhappy and insecure, and stays in his room.
My favorite part is when Aaron puts his head on Jacob’s (Tess’ dad’s) shoulder, because I like to do that with my GrandDad. I live with him and my Grandma, who adopted me and love me. I really liked this book because it reminded me of my life.
“What Kids Are Reading” is a regular feature in the Sun, highlighting children’s books available for young readers in Santa Maria. This week’s recommendation was made by Samuel Waterman, a fourth-grader at the Laureate School who likes to read books with his grandmother, Ariel Waterman.
This article appears in Feb 16-23, 2012.