All the Blues in the Sky is a beautifully told novel in verse about a girl grieving the death of her best friend. The reader goes on a journey with the protagonist, Sage, as she feels guilt over what happened and copes with her grief. This is an important novel for any reader who has lost someone. Grief is different for everyone. Watching Sage go through it shows that it is a hard process, but you grow from it and heal. This was a wonderful story about grief, resilience, and the power of friendship.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This beautiful novel in verse offers a raw perspective on grief, but also on friendship, hope, and love. As an adult, I found myself sharing so many quotes from this book, as they are helping me through an anniversary of significant loss. I can relate to Sage and her anger, her guilt, and her tears. But I also appreciate Renee Watson's glimmers of hope and happiness, despite such tremendous loss. This book would be an amazing support for any young person who has lost someone significant to them, but can also be a window into that loss for their friends and loved ones. Watson has taken a tough topic and turned it into something relatable. I will absolutely recommend this book to students and add it to our library collection!

Watson's writing is always a gift and I appreciated the new territory she is entering with this short novel. It starts after the death of the main character's friend and shows how she grieves and carries on with life. Despite a sad topic, I didn't find it to be a tear jerker. For middle grades but relatable for adults as well. ARC from NetGalley

Thank you Bloomsbury Children's Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: Sage is left reeling after her best friend is killed in a hit-and-run accident and she blames herself. She learns about the grieving process while making new friends, starting grief counseling, and her beloved aunt Ini, all the while, she struggles to move forward and grapples with regret over not having the chance to say goodbye.

Themes: friendship, loss, and life with grief

“Grief is like hunger. Just because you eat today doesn’t mean you won’t need to eat tomorrow.”

This upper middle-grade novel masterfully combines verse and prose to depict Sage's journey as she navigates grief and new, often uncomfortable experiences following the loss of her best friend. The writing is incredibly well-crafted, reminiscent of Kwame Alexander's style, blending poetic elegance with emotional depth.

Sage's story is a raw, honest portrayal of grief, a topic that feels necessary for young readers to explore. It was heartening to see Sage seeking help and realizing that joy and sorrow can coexist. The narrative also emphasizes the resilience of those who continue to get up each day and survive after a loss, offering hope and encouragement.

Whether readers have experienced grief themselves or not, this beautiful and heartbreaking novel will resonate deeply, fostering compassion and understanding. Sage's journey reminds us all of the power of healing, love, and finding light in the darkest moments.

Another brilliant, beautiful book by Watson!

Themes of loss, grief, guilt, and resiliency.

A novel in verse perfect for older MG and YA readers.