A Solitary Blue

Blurb

A Solitary Blue is a novel by Cynthia Voigt. It was a Newbery Honor book in 1984. It takes place before, during and after the events described in Dicey's Song, Voigt's 1983 Newbery Medal winner and Come a Stranger. Instead of revolving around the Tillermans, however, it revolves around Jeff Greene, a boy who struggles to accept his mother for who she is.
After many years without any contact from Melody, following Jeff's sixth grade year, she asks him to visit her in her family's home in Charleston, South Carolina for the summer. He connects with her and has a wonderful time, bringing joy back in his life. After his visit, he writes letters to Melody on the first day of each month, even though she never writes back. For Christmas, he sends Melody a beautiful scarf but receives nothing from her in return. Jeff convinces himself to excuse Melody for ignoring him, so he can keep loving her.
On his second summer visit one year later, Melody doesn't spend much time with Jeff. She has a boyfriend named Max, whom she spends all her time with instead, and she is never home for more than one day.