Perfect for fans of the coming-of-age suspense in Where the Crawdads Sing, this book is a Southern Gothic novel about two kids precariously balanced on the ledge overlooking the chasm of adulthood, holding on to each other to keep from going over. This emotional mosaic of a book by the acclaimed author of the True Blue Trilogy and After Me checks all the boxes for readers who love 3-dimensional characters in a thrilling plot.
"Shades of Blue is an exciting read that adults as well as teenagers will enjoy. It's a story of everyday people who refuse to allow violence and cruelty to prevail. Sam, JoJo, and Britney show by example that courage, friendship, humor and compassion can overcome life's hardships. It's a coming of age story well told by a gifted wordsmith. Highly recommended for positive messages and realistic characters." - Midwest Book Reviews
"In a fast-paced series of events, Joyce Scarbrough writes a beautiful story about the troubles of adolescent kids getting a taste of the real world. The plot is well-structured in detailed exposition and rising action." - LitPick Student Reviews
"I'd recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a story about the tough stuff in life." - Long and Short Reviews

"The day I saw the bruises on Sam's back, I knew his stepfather was beating him."

Fourteen-year-old JoJo's innocence is shattered the day she sees the bruises on Sam's back and knows his stepfather is beating him. And Sam won't let her tell anyone because of the hold his stepfather has on his mother and the power his wealthy family wields in the small Georgia town where they live. As JoJo tries to convince Sam to get him and his stepsister Britney away from the abuse, they discover just how dark the family secrets are, and just how dangerous of a man his stepfather really is.

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