The Sky Is Not Blue

A boy's creativity and self-confidence challenge and inspire his teacher.

What do you see outside your window? If you're like Robert, you'll see that the sky isn't always blue. Robert has an artist's eye and an independent mind who knows what he knows, even when his teacher, Mrs. Murphy, disagrees. She wants Robert to use blue crayon to represent the sky, but Robert knows that the sky is more varied, more vivid, much more beautiful than that.

Children learn many things from their teachers, yet sometimes teachers can learn from students! Robert holds fast to what he knows and believes. And Mrs. Murphy comes to agree that the sky is not just blue. It's a spectrum of rich and changing colors that remind her of children full of joy and imagination.

The Sky Is Not Blue invites a conversation about individual perspectives and encourages children to trust and express their beliefs.

Joy Jones is a teaching artist, playwright, and author of acclaimed books for children including Tambourine Moon and Jayla Jumps In. A popular presenter and trainer, she speaks and writes on issues related to cultural diversity, Black history, and the arts. Her books and cultural contributions have been recognized by the American Library Association, Pen America, and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities; the city of Washington, DC, honored her with the Mayor's Community Service Award. Joy founded DC Retro Jumpers, a Double Dutch exhibition team that offers classes jump-rope performances and has served as a cultural ambassador abroad. Her plays have been staged in New York, California, and Washington, DC. Joy is the former Director of Community Relations at The Psychiatric Institute of Washington and currently plans and implements innovative programs for DC Public Library. Find her at joyjonesonline.com.