Rose Sees Red

Cecil Castellucci's "Rose Sees Red" is a moving chapter book about an unexpected friendship between two young girls, Rose and Yrena, set against the backdrop of a single transformative night in New York City. Rose is initially withdrawn and unhappy, while Yrena, a Russian dancer, feels trapped in her home. Their chance encounter leads them on an adventure that helps them both discover freedom, connection, and a renewed sense of hope. The narrative gently explores themes of loneliness, cultural identity, and the power of human empathy, making it suitable for readers aged 8-11, and a thoughtful read-aloud for slightly younger children.

A new novel from YA superstar Cecil Castellucci Rose has given up. She's given up on friendship, on happiness, on life being anything other than black, black, black.Yrena wants out. She's a dancer who doesn't want to dance, a prisoner in her own home, a resident of New York who never gets to see the city. To Rose, Yrena has always been the Russian girl who lives next door, seen through the window but never spoken to. At least not until Yrena crashes into Rose's room-and Rose's life-and sets in motion a night in New York City that none of them will ever forget. From YA superstar Cecil Castellucci, this is the story of cold hearts and cold wars warmed by simple human connection and the liberty of being young and free in the early hours of a new day.