title: The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond
author: Brenda Woods
date: Nancy Paulsen Books; 2014
main character: Violet Diamond

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond is for those at the younger end of the YA spectrum. Violet Diamond’s universe blossoms as she learns about what makes her who she is. She’s a biracial child growing up with her white mom, step-sister and grandparents. They’re a very close and loving family.

Violet finds out that she can meet her other grandmother, her dead father’s mother, the grandmother who has rejected her daughter-in-law and seemingly also her granddaughter. They meet, the past is easily forgotten and Violet is able to spend time with her grandmother, whom she calls Bibi. With Bibi, Violet begins to learn more about the father she misses and she’s learning about her family members she never knew she had. Nothing really drives the story. For most of it, Violet is just hanging out with grandma having a great time. A smooth, easy breezy read.