
A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling misunderstood or struggling to adjust to a new family dynamic, such as a parent's new partner. Blue Like Friday tells the story of Hal, a sensitive boy who experiences the world uniquely, seeing days of the week as colors. He and his friend Olivia concoct a plan to get rid of his mother's new boyfriend, a plan which leads to unexpected discoveries about family, friendship, and himself. This gentle, character-driven story is perfect for introspective readers aged 9 to 12. It validates the feeling of being different and provides a safe, hopeful space to explore complex family changes and the journey to self-acceptance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with family transitions, specifically a single parent dating and forming a new blended family. The topic of an absent father is a central, though gentle, emotional undercurrent. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, focusing on increased understanding rather than a perfect solution. Hal's synesthesia is presented not as a disorder but as a unique, personal trait, approaching neurodiversity from a secular and affirming perspective.
This book is perfect for a sensitive, introspective 9 to 11 year old who sometimes feels different from their peers. It will resonate with a child navigating a parent's new relationship or grappling with feelings of not quite fitting in. They likely prefer character-driven stories over high-action plots.
The book can be read cold as it handles all topics gently. However, parents should be ready for potential conversations about synesthesia, why some families look different, and why Hal's biological father is not in his life. No specific pages require previewing. A parent has noticed their child seems withdrawn or is acting out in response to a change in the family, like a new partner. The child might have said, "You just don't get it," or, "I wish things could go back to how they were."
A 9 year old will likely focus on the friendship between Hal and Olivia and the fun of their secret plan. An 11 or 12 year old will connect more deeply with the subtext: Hal's internal journey of self-acceptance, the emotional complexity of his family situation, and the poetic nature of his synesthesia.
The use of synesthesia as a core element of the protagonist's character is the book's most unique feature. It functions as a beautiful and effective metaphor for feeling different, elevating a familiar story about family change into a poignant exploration of perception, identity, and empathy.
Hal is a quiet, observant boy who experiences synesthesia, associating days and other concepts with specific colors and tastes. Feeling unsettled by his single mother's new boyfriend, Alec, Hal enlists his more practical friend, Olivia, in a plan to drive Alec away. Their scheme involves a bit of detective work and minor deception. As the plan unfolds, it backfires in unexpected ways, forcing Hal to confront his assumptions about Alec, his feelings about his absent father, and the true nature of his own unique perspective on the world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.