The Boy Who Painted the World

I got The Boy Who Painted The World by Melody J Bremen for my 12 year old grandson and decided I should read the book first just in case my grandson shouldn't read it because it wasn't appropriate! I am so glad I read this book myself because this book was very enjoyable for any middle grade children and anyone else including my age as a senior citizen! Just for the lessons learned by this boy during the different stages of this boy's life from the age of five years and up, this book is worth reading! Why a mother would abandon her child is beyond me, but the people he meets are outstanding enablers that help him and are my favorite characters in their own way! I will be sure to get my grandson to read this book!

Yes, this book is for 'Middle-Grade Level' readers. However, I often read this sort of book thinking how my grandchildren would digest and respond. I also read with the experience of having processed much literature for many years, before university, in university and since. From the years of my experience working in a psychiatric unit as a counsellor with children the ages focussed on in this story, I can remember children with tragic stories very like those `in this story. After reading one early review I had expected a completely hopeless account that, in the formula of fiction today, came to a sad, dead end. That's not in this story! This is a well constructed, well-balanced and delightful tale with characters who don't disappoint. I only wish I came upon many such contemporary books for adults!

I'm not middle grade or young adult (64 1/2, actually) but I had to give 5 stars as this is a totally wonderful book. Homeless, and therefore nearly invisible, Indigo survives on the streets with the help of Jade, who knows the ins and outs. When they are separated, Indigo remembers what she taught him. He soon learns there is an additional element to those of food and shelter for survival--friends.

I downloaded this book even though it was a kid’s book thinking it was something my nine year old grandson would like. I am so glad I did! This was the most wonderful story I’ve read in a very long time! The character development was amazing! I feel as though I know each and every one.ms. Bremen painted a glimpse of abandonment, poverty and fear in vivid colors. The little boy, Indigo, became to life on the page! She went on to show the goodness in humanity, the value of family, compassion, bravery, it’s all here. If you are worn down by the hatred and the cruelty of this past election and you’re frayed from dealing with Covid, do yourself a favor and indulge. What a wonderful break from reality! This is how the world, our world, is supposed to work!

While the subtitle of this book indicates a middle grade novel, this book can be enjoyed by adults as well. It tells the story of Indigo, a ten-year-old boy who is abandoned by his mother. He finds a friend with Jade, an older teen, who tries to take care of him until fate intervenes. They are separated and Indigo is forced to fend for himself. Indigo has a passion for painting. It fuels his desire to survive. He is resilient and resourceful. While Indigo is wary of trusting others, he gradually learns to reach out and experience a connection to others.Bremen does a marvelous job of painting her characters and developing them for her readers. Each page reveals a different layer. This book is addictive, once opened the reader will have difficulty putting it aside. Readers cannot wait to discover what will happen to Indigo and his newly found friends and enemies.This is a powerful story about resilience, homelessness, and adoption. These issues are addressed within a moving novel that encourages deep thought and discussion. Highly recommended for readers aged ten and older.

Indigo's voice is so engaging and strong, I couldn't put his story down. I love that the Universe sends those people and things his way that he needs when he needs them the most; his story illustrates the synchronicity of how well things work when we let go and let God, if you will.I hated that I chose to read this story on a plane when my tissues were riding above in a carry-on and I was strapped in by the Fasten Seatbelts sign. Indeed, I had to stop reading once for a bit.That Indigo spouts philosophical quotes when a friend needs them demonstrates how well he has learned to look on the bright side when that's needed. I love how his generosity of spirit is stronger than either his needs or those of the neediest people around him (such as the mean kids at the shelter), and his default reaction is to be loving and giving. Bravo!An uplifting story well worth the time to read! Enjoy it.

This was one of the best little stories I have read in a while. While geared toward middle grade students, I highly recommend it for any age person who wants to read a good, well written, inspiring story. It was written in the first person, from the eyes of a 10 year old boy who was abandoned on a street corner by his mother at age 5. He was befriended by a homeless teen who took care of him for the next 5 years. When she is arrested for shoplifting, he must find a new place to stay and a way to get food. He named himself Indigo after his favorite color, and although he never learned to read or write , was always compelled to draw. This is his story... I won't say more so as not to give the rest away. It is well worth the read.

This was a great book about children who can be overlooked by society and social agencies. You feel as if Indigo is a friend by the time you have finished the book, he was helped by other homeless people and by strangers who he felt drawn to be with, such as the two graffiti artists, Keisha and Jessie, and Jessica, a young girl who had cancer. You will be surprised by how Indigo, a ten year old artist, survived by doing odd jobs for people, living in a cardboard box, and living out his dream.

I was excited to read this book. Indigo is a fitting name, meaning a deep blue or purple, which brought to mind the colour of a fresh bruise. Especially apt for a young boy who dreams of being a painter. The character of Indigo is likable, if at times naïve. Yet, don’t get me wrong he is not false naïve: Indigo acted young for the average ten year olds I know, but this worked well in the context on his upbringing: on the streets since he was five, with no schooling and with little access to technology. Other characters, especially a homeless teenager, Jade, Craig who sees Indigo skip diving and Grace, the painter, felt like real people.There were many moments that resonated with me as a reader, so I would recommend this book. At times this scaffolding of the story is too obvious for older readers, but that does not make Indigo’s journey lose its charm. I expected yet did not expect the narrative threads that arose in all their entirety. This was a nice mix which made the story credible. In order not to given anything away to the reader’s self-discover, I will simply state that at one moment Indigo’s story of his own self-discovery prompted tears.As the plot tackles themes of abandonment, resilience, openness, poverty, generosity, ambitions, friendship and family I think this could be a very popular book for school libraries. It is also a great book for younger readers, to inspire them towards positive perspectives. Publishers would make a big mistake not to pick it up and promote it. This is a book with art on every page. Literally.

This book is amazing and very original. At first, I wasn't so sure but after a few pages I couldn't put it down. It was sad in some places, and me , being a very emotional reader,cried. Indigo is a very suiting name.

I couldn’t put this book down. It doesn’t matter what age you are, this is a must read book. Beautifully written😊

Loved this book. It kept me awake. P.s i am in my 50s. Loved the characters. In my head Jade gets adopted by the same couple.

My Daughter couldn`t put this book down, She read it in 2 days