'Indigo Blue' is a story written from the point of view of an eleven year old girl, Indigo. She lives at home with her mum, Anna, her mums boyfriend, Max and her sister Misti. However, after another vicious night, Indigo's mum tells Indigo that her and Misti will be moving out and going elsewhere away from Max. Scared and confused, Indigo follows her mums wishes and constantly reminds herself that it's her mums fault Max left her, her mum is clumsy, always has bruises and is often forgetful so she falls over some more. However, when they end up in a damp and dark flat with scary noises in the middle of the night, Indigo finds herself accepting the truth behind the fights. As well as the horrible dramas at home, Indigo braves school and finds herself battling with her best friend Jo, over boys and castings in a play, as well as finding herself confused about who she should trust and tell the truth to about home. Will it all be happy ever afters for Indigo?Truthfully, I didn't think I'd enjoy this book at all. Cathy Cassidy is a strong writer who always has harsh topics which she covers beautifully, however I felt like the idea of an abusive step father and a confused yet heartbroken mother would be too strong and a little corny compared to other tales I have read. Yet, I was incredibly wrong! Cathy Cassidy has portrayed how a violent relationship effects a younger child, leaving them to cope with the siblings as well as the downfall of it all afterwards. The truth about abuse in relationships is highly truthful in this novel and as well as showing the truth from a child's point of view, you also get the sense of confusion and heartache from the victim of the violent abuse. As well as dealing with this as a harsh topic, Cathy has amazingly added in the thought of 'everyday girl problems' where Indigo is suffering the idea of loosing her best friend Jo just because some guy looked at her. Although these dramas don't compare to the harsh truths at home for Indigo, Cathy has clearly added them to show how Indigo has to either: be a normal child despite everything at home, or that she IS a normal child despite everything at home. It also gives a more relatable approach for people, as not everyone would have suffered an abusive relationship in their life or witnessed one, whereas everyone has lost friends over petty arguments. Overall, the story is strong with a good character build up. The characters all have amazing personalities that spill into the page, and the book is simply written to accustom to the idea of it being from an eleven year old. Each setting is amazingly etched into your brain using imagery, and also Cathy hasn't made the book to day-dreamy with too many hopes and wishes. It is the cold, hard truth at most times. Also, the main drama is the relationship between Indigo's mother and her mothers boyfriend. There isn't an overdramatic amount of drama which completely engulfs the story and makes it hard to process, understand and enjoy.I'd recommend this book to young readers for something to maybe introduce them to the darker side of novels and the harsh drama side of things. I also think that people who enjoy the harsh reality kind of novels would enjoy this.
Indigo Blue is a good book I think. It makes you think. Indie has nothing. She has a mom and a baby sister Misti. My least favorite character would have to be Max. He is abusive, both physically and verbally. At the end of the book he almost kills Indie's mom in a car crash. My favorite character would have to be Indie. She is so strong. Her life is like crumbled up and thrown in the trash. My favorite part is the part when Indie tries out for the classroom play. Indie really wants to be in that play. She also gets the main part! And guess what! Her friend Alisha also gets that part. That way they get to practice together! This book really makes you think about what you have. It makes you feel like you are so fortunate for what you have!
What do You think about Indigo Blue (2005)?
I LOVE Indigo Blue!Despite the fact that it is a children's book, it presents us with real-life problems. I think we should have and read more books like this. In Indigo Blue, I see that Indie needs to carry burdens that she shouldn't suppose to bear. I was like reading adults' life and problems told with the perspective of a young girl; broken heart, fear, injustice, jealousy, assault, all described perfectly with Indie's innocent perspective. This book reminds us, adults, that whenever parents get hurt, children hurt more.I take my hat off to Cathy Cassidy.
—Fadilla Putri
A real adventure. A true friend. Meet... Indigo BlueBluebells, bluebirds, blue skies, blue jeans.Indigo's mum loves the colour blue- it's the colour of all her favourite things.When mum announces that they're moving- just Indie, Mum and baby Misti-Indie doesn't understand.Why the hurry? Where are they going?Will her best friend, Jo, still be there for her?In a dingy old flat with a grumpy neighbour, no heating and only biscuits to eat, Indie begins to realize that her mum's got a reason for running away- a secret no one can admit...Cathy Cassidy is known for writing books for a younger generation, but in this book she does address much more sensitive issues. But since the story is told from Indie's POV, she didn't fully understand the abuse that her Mum was receiving from her partner, Max. A older reader would be able to see this much quickier.I did really like this book though, it was a test of love and friendship. Indie wondered if her best friend, Jo, would be there once she went back to school after moving suddenly, or would Jo have moved onto a new friend.I loved Jane, who was Anna (Mum's) best friend. She helped her through the seperation from Max and was (almost) always there for Anna, Indie and Misti. She would bring food and care for the children.I also loved Ian who lived in the flat above theirs, I was worried about his character at first. I was scared that he might hurt the family, but no. Not at all. He was the kindest character.I loved Aisha, she was a great friend to Indie and she didn't care about where she lived.This was a very good book, it was light hearted while still addressing important issues such as domestic abuse and friendship.
—Charliee' (Ohana means family)
I was recommended to read this book following a discussion with my 10 year old cousin. I was a bit surprised that she would be reading about such sensitive issues at her age but she is well above her own reading age.Cathy Cassidy addresses some very sensitive issues in this story with the main issue being about domestic abuse. I think she has written the story subtly from Ingido's point of view, and Indigo does not fully understand what is truly going on between her Mum and Max. I think it is the adult reader that can see the message much quicker then a 10 year old would. It is a sad story where Indigo, her Mum and little sister Misti leave her Mum's partner and end up living in a shabby flat. Mum tries her best to do it up by painting every surface with brightly coloured paint, but it is obvious to the reader that it is not a nice place to live. Indigo struggles getting to school each day and her old best friend is not showing her the support she needs.I think this book would be a helpful resource to read in the classroom. I think it would help a teacher introduce sensitive issues such as domestic abuse and friendship issues.
—Angela O'donnell
