Cynthia Voigt’s A Solitary Blue continues the exploration of themes popularized during the 1970s new realism, focusing on the complexities of growing up within a dysfunctional family. This coming-of-age narrative delves into the life of a young protagonist who, in the absence of attentive adults, faces internal conflicts that shape their journey to maturity. The motif of self-reliance found in Voigt’s work echoes through time, mirrored in timeless fairy tales like “Hansel and Gretel” and biblical tales such as that of Joseph and his coat of many colors. These narratives highlight the resilience of young individuals navigating life's challenges alone.

Voigt's body of work, including the acclaimed Tillerman series, further explores this theme of youthful autonomy. The series is anchored by titles such as Homecoming (1981), which was inspired by an image of children waiting in a car outside a supermarket, Dicey’s Song (1982), honored with the Newbery Medal, and others like The Runner (1985), Sons from Afar (1988), and Seventeen Against the Dealer (1989). These stories revolve around the Tillerman family—Dicey, James, Sammy, Maybeth, and Grandma Tillerman—each book weaving their individual and collective narratives. Though A Solitary Blue stands alone in its story, it is intrinsically linked to this series as a companion to Dicey’s Song, rather than a direct sequel.

Praised for their realism, Voigt's novels emphasize the importance of understanding and harmony across generations. Her characters are compelling, growing and evolving through open communication and self-discovery. With a keen understanding of adolescent dialogue and an optimistic perspective on the resilience of youth, Voigt crafts narratives where characters may not always achieve a conventional "happily ever after," but they do convey that meaningful understanding and growth are attainable through effort and empathy.