DO YOU REMEMBER THE COLOR BLUE?

An eloquent memoir in questions and answers, as Alexander (On My Own, 1997, etc.) tackles the children’s queries she most often encounters. The essay format is a departure for Alexander—her story of blindness began in the autobiography Taking Hold (1995)—but it retains the anecdotal intimacy of the previous book. Ultimately upbeat, she conversationally recounts her journey from fear and despair to having a family and becoming a successful writer. Without self-pity, she describes the difficulties and frustrations of learning how to negotiate a world designed for the sighted. Her sense of humor—especially when talking about her family, or mistakes she has made in the process of living—is always apparent, but it gains strength in her honesty. Her answers are followed by seven tasks that palpably simulate blindness for readers; there is also a short list of helpful tools, e.g., Braille clothing tags that identify the color of the cloth, along with a discussion of ways the blind benefit from modern technology. A witty, wise, inspiring book. (Nonfiction. 9-12)