I cannot be objective in reviewing Iris by Toni Owen-Blue and illustrated by Anja Uhren. Not because I ever shared the narrator’s overwhelmingly tragic situation, but because the pitch-perfect authenticity of her voice is totally convincing, and once you believe in this irresistible voice, the emotional impact from this book is stunning. Iris is a young girl, perhaps an early teen or not quite. Outwardly, she displays the proclivities and concerns of anyone so young. Inwardly, she shares only the confusion. But she is as observant and astute as the wisest of old souls, and her words will tear your heart in two. The questions that she asks in innocent contemplation are what reveal a hard reality: Iris is physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by a mother she cannot characterize honestly, because she accepts the self-portrayal thus provided.

Although it is so labelled, Iris is not a children’s book, nor does Toni Owen-Blue offer any childish escape from the reality of this young girl’s plight. Hidden in the words she speaks confessionally to you as a valued co-occupant of her mind is nothing less than a moral indictment of those who would participate in, ignore, and allow such an abuse of guiltless children. What incredible power lies buried in the simplicity of her words. What a blatant disregard is revealed by the subtlety of her unanswered pleas. What a suffering of guilt the reader feels for remaining helpless to intervene. And one must not overlook the perfect complement of tone provided by the artistry of Anja Uhren, whose exquisitely masterful illustrations augment every word spoken by the young Iris.

No, there is no objectivity remaining here. To read this book is to face one’s absolute responsibility for any child’s protection. Fortunately, Ms. Owen-Blue provides the reader with such an opportunity at the end. Devastatingly for the reader, it comes too late for Iris.

Iris by Toni Owen-Blue introduces us to Iris, a child who has to deal with a lot in her life. This is a story full of emotional moments that include knowing when she is going to get hit during an argument. A story told totally from her point of view, it is truly her story as she tells it well, warts and all, as the old saying goes. She is a special girl who just wants to tell her story.

This is a short book, but truly a read with an impact. It is a child's story and it is told from young Iris's point of view completely, but it can impact on an adult as well. Iris is a girl who walks through her life feeling different and weird, and her life is not the most normal as well, which likely leads to her feelings of being weird. Iris has parents, but they are not what I would call good ones. Iris's mom is a surgeon and always keeping the long hours of the profession, and her dad, while he works in his home office, is pretty well absent. This leaves Iris to fend for herself as well as taking care of her little brother. Her life changes when she meets Lotus and they become friends. Iris finally sees what it would be like to be a real child.

This book is so touching and so emotional that you can't help but feel connected to Iris, and the desire to help her with her social issues and her issues in general is strong. If you know a kid who is struggling with being different or having a different home life, this would be a good book for them. It will let them know they aren't alone and will help them find the skills to cope.