Love Always, Blue

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to navigate the complex reality of a parent's mental illness or the aftermath of a difficult separation. This story provides a mirror for adolescents who feel they must be the 'grown up' in their relationship with an unstable parent. It follows fifteen-year-old Blue as she visits her father in New York, only to realize that his brilliance as a playwright is entangled with deep psychological struggles. Mary Pope Osborne captures the bittersweet transition from childhood idolization to a more realistic, albeit painful, adult understanding of family dynamics. While it touches on heavy themes of manic behavior and depression, it is ultimately a story about the strength found in setting boundaries and the enduring nature of love. It is an essential read for teens who need to know they are not responsible for 'fixing' their parents.