his great-grandmother; in Baltimore, he is simply Jeff Greene. During his initial visit to Charleston, upon seeing his mother for the first time in nearly five years, Jeff feels "like a man must who has been kept in a dungeon for years and years, and he steps out into the sunlight for the first time." This physical movement between Baltimore and Charleston mirrors Jeff's emotional conflict between his parents. Lacking a personal identity, Jeff molds himself to fit what he believes his mother desires in Charleston and what he thinks his father expects in Baltimore.

His mother appears to be the more affectionate and caring figure. She has convinced Jeff that his father is an inadequate parent—cold, unloving, and dull. Jeff finds little in his reserved and thoughtful father’s behavior to challenge this view. However, when Melody once again betrays Jeff's love and trust in the warm and cheerful setting of Charleston, he seeks refuge from this now-painful place filled with sorrow and disappointment. Jeff discovers an uninhabited island where he can sail daily, avoiding painful human interactions. The island symbolizes Jeff's retreat from life, yet it also offers something positive. In solitude, Jeff begins to heal from the revelation of his mother's true nature. On the island, he starts to gather his inner strength, preparing himself to return to what he perceives as the unloving environment of Baltimore. However, in Baltimore, he realizes that his father does genuinely care for him. The Professor may not speak much about love, but he is dependable and trustworthy, always present.

Understanding Jeff's unhappiness and the negative memories tied to the Baltimore house, the Professor talks with Jeff about the possibility of relocating. They sell their home and move to a smaller one in Crisfield, on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The Professor, a man of few words but keen insight, recognizes that this new house and its surroundings remind Jeff of "his" island. This is where Jeff will find happiness. Crisfield becomes Jeff's true home. Charleston and Baltimore were merely places he resided or visited; they never felt like home.

In the New York Book Review, Voigt has been praised as "a wonderful writer with powerfully moving things to say." Her diverse array of images and symbols can transform ordinary, everyday events into something extraordinary and enchanting. Voigt understands that young readers perceive the possible as reality, and she crafts her stories to align with their expectations. While maintaining realism, she presents themes of happiness, healing, and love as attainable.

In A Solitary Blue, the blue heron stands out as the most prominent symbol. Jeff admires the heron's beauty and its preference for solitude. This bird dislikes being disturbed and is easily startled by sudden movements. The heron's nature mirrors Jeff's own, as he becomes cautious, distrustful, and reclusive following his mother's abandonment. The only moments when the heron is not scared away by people occur when Jeff and Dicey are together in the sailboat.

Voigt employs simple yet evocative language, and her descriptions of the blue heron and Jeff's serene island are almost poetic. Her dialogue perfectly suits each character. The Professor initially speaks in near monosyllables until he and Jeff develop mutual understanding and trust; afterward, he reveals himself to be articulate but never overly talkative. In contrast, Melody is verbose, with light and humorous dialogue when happy, emotionally charged language when she desires something, and sharp, bitter words when angry. This adept use of language brings all the characters, even minor ones like Miss Opal, to life. It adds depth to the story, ensuring that even those with small roles in Jeff's narrative are seen as real people, not mere stereotypes.

Melody's early abandonment of her child and subsequent betrayal of his trust form one of the most poignant themes in A Solitary Blue. This portrayal of a mother highlights a harsh emotional reality: some individuals, even parents, may never develop the capacity for mature love. Melody's love, characterized by selfishness and narcissism, is unsettling. However, it is essential for Jeff's growth that he recognizes Melody's true nature. Although the relationship between Jeff and his mother remains strained, he ultimately reaches a point where he can express anger toward her. Jeff embarks on a journey to trust himself enough to gain the freedom to shape his own destiny.

A solitary blue heron stood quietly, partially obscured by the pale marsh grass. Jeff felt a profound sense of solitude, akin to the lone blue heron.
Voigt handles this scenario with remarkable sensitivity. Jeff distances himself from his mother due to her repeated betrayals, a decision reached after significant self-reflection. Neither Melody's ultimate betrayal nor Jeff's rejection is driven by malice. After the final betrayal, Jeff discovers an isolated island where he feels comfortable and as though he has returned to a place where he can be his true self, without hiding or pretending even to himself. However, Voigt underscores that while this retreat may aid Jeff's healing process, it does not resolve his issues. Jeff remains isolated; he has uncovered a part of himself but has yet to integrate it into a cohesive identity that can thrive in society. Upon returning to Baltimore, he clings to the image of the island but struggles to focus on anything else. His guitar, once a vital part of his life, sits neglected in his room, and his academic performance declines to the point of suspension.

Jeff finally begins to heal when he leaves his "island" to share his emotions with the Professor, realizing in the process that his father loves him. By allowing emotions to penetrate his emotional barriers, Jeff becomes capable of experiencing a full range of feelings. Though he still carries painful memories, he can now live a richer life and cherish some positive memories as well.

A Solitary Blue is the third installment in a series of six books focusing on the Tillerman family. Each book showcases many of the same characters but from varying perspectives. Jeff Greene appears in four of the six books. He is introduced as a minor character in Dicey's Song, portrayed as a likable yet insecure and anxious teenager who feels a connection to the Tillermans. A Solitary Blue tells Jeff's own story. He returns in Come a Stranger, where Mina Smith observes him. Mina describes Jeff as one of those exceptional individuals capable of profound love, noting that his only romantic affection has been for Dicey Tillerman. In Sons from Afar, Mrs. Tillerman briefly considers Jeff's character, revealing that he has left for college. The remaining two books in the Tillerman series are Homecoming, which introduces Dicey and her siblings, and The Runner, which follows the story of Bullet Tillerman, Dicey's uncle.

Donahue, Rosanne. "New Realism in Children's Fiction." In Masterworks of Children's Literature, edited by William T. Moynihan and Mary E. Shaner. Vol. 8. New York: Chelsea House, 1985. This work provides a critical examination of new realistic children's books and their influence on the genre. A Solitary Blue is analyzed within the framework of novels portraying children who manage to survive independently.

Irving, Elsie K. "Cynthia Voigt." Horn Book (August 1983): 410-412. Offers an intimate perspective on Cynthia Voigt from her mother's viewpoint.

Jameson, Gloria. "The Triumph of the Spirit in Cynthia Voigt's Homecoming, Dicey's Song, and A Solitary Blue." In Triumphs of the Spirit in Children's Literature, edited by Francelia Butler and Richard Rotert. Hamden, CT: Shoe String Press, 1986. This piece highlights how the characters Dicey and Jeff demonstrate resilience as they face challenges and grow personally.

Lukens, Rebecca J., ed. A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature. 3rd ed. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman, 1986. Explores the theme of love in A Solitary Blue and how Jeff's internal struggle enriches the narrative.

Reed, Arthea J. S. "Transition from Childhood into Adulthood." In Reaching Adolescents: The Young Adult Book and the School. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1985. This chapter interprets Jeff's two visits to his mother as symbolic of his journey into adulthood.

Voigt, Cynthia. "Newbery Medal Acceptance." Horn Book (August 1983): 401-409. Voigt elaborates on her beliefs regarding quality literature for young readers.

Voigt, Jessica. "Cynthia Voigt." Horn Book (August 1983): 413. A personal reflection on Cynthia Voigt written by her daughter.