Out of the Blue

Name: Out of the Blue
ISBN: 9780140380668

by Sarah Ellis

For children grappling with unexpected changes or wondering about their origins, this tender story explores what truly makes a family.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with the arrival of a new sibling, especially through adoption, or is asking big questions about family origins and belonging. This gentle and humorous story is about 12-year-old Megan, an only child whose predictable life is upended when a baby is mysteriously left on her family's doorstep. As her parents navigate the practicalities, Megan becomes convinced the baby, nicknamed Blue, is a magical being from the sky. The book tenderly explores themes of identity, acceptance, and what it truly means to create a family. Its whimsical approach makes it a comforting and accessible read for ages 8-12, perfect for opening conversations about how families can be formed through choice as well as biology.

Loneliness & Belonging Love & Family Family & Siblings Self-Confidence & Identity New Sibling Humor Curiosity & Wonder Growing Up

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

A baby is left on a doorstep, but the story focuses on the welcoming family, not the abandonment.

Sensitive Topics

The book's central premise is child abandonment. However, the approach is metaphorical and very gentle, viewed through a child's fantastical lens. The trauma of the event is not the focus. Instead, the story centers on the receiving family's love, wonder, and acceptance. The resolution is hopeful and grounded, as the family formally adopts Blue, affirming that family is built on love and choice. The perspective is secular.