Once I tried writing a story where the main character had monochromatic vision (where one only sees sin black, white, and gray). I didn't ever finish said story because I couldn't quite figure out how to describe the way the character observed the world through their colorless view.
However, the lovely Jaiden Phillips and her middle-grade contemporary story, This Gray Canvas, have proven to me that it is possible to explain monochromatic vision in an engaging, understandable way to readers! (So hats off to you, Miss Phillips. 😜) This Gray Canvas is a heartwarming story that chronicles the trials and triumphs of a young protagonist who has monochromatic vision but can see the color green. Before I share my thoughts, here's a little info about the story! 💚
About the Book
Because how did one explain the gray canvas I was trapped in?
Ethan was born into a world of black and white a medical condition known as monochromatic vision, but with one exception—he can see the color green. After moving from the Colorado countryside to New York City, Ethan struggles to adjust to the busy and colorless atmosphere. When encouraged to join a local art contest by his grandfather and a peppy bookworm named Sophie, Ethan considers it. But when the bullies at school get a hold of his sketchpad, and make fun of his colorless art, Ethan wonders if he has anything worth sharing at all. Because how could anyone understand the gray canvas of his life?
About the Author
Jaiden Phillips is a teen author residing in the mountains of western North Carolina. She has six older siblings and one set of amazing parents! More often than not, you can find her sketching one of her wild ideas, writing out a scene for a book, or giving her sisters a healthy dose of sarcasm. Her debut novel, The Guild of Thieves, is available on Amazon!
Find Jaiden's social media, newsletter, and more here. Fun fact: Jaiden is not only an author but also an artist and she did the cover art for This Gray Canvas! If you check out her Instagram provided in the link above, you'll see more of her pieces of art!
Review
This Gray Canvas was such a sweet read! The struggles (such as change, bullying, and feeling not understood) Ethan faced were very relatable and realistically written. The relationships Ethan had with his family were so wholesome and everyone, from Avery, his sister, to his grandfather were solid, well-written characters. Also, Sophie was the kindest, empathetic, sunshine-filled soul and a great friend to Ethan! The story's plot was engaging and the conflict was satisfyingly resolved. This Gray Canvas was a clean (think G on the movie scale) read and would be the perfect book for middle-grade readers or perhaps as a read-aloud to younger kids!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.
For those who order and submit to this form between June 25th and July 9th you receive a hand-drawn character card of Ethan, the main character of This Gray Canvas. The picture is digitally colored using only colors Ethan can see, so you get to see him the way he sees himself! Physical cards are available for US residents, international readers will receive a digital card that they can print on their own for themselves.
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Did you know that monochromatic vision exists? Do you have a favorite middle-grade story?
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