Born Blue

by Han Nolan

Book Overview

Leshaya is a survivor. Rescued from the brink of death, this child of a heroin addict has seen it all: revolving foster homes, physical abuse, an unwanted pregnancy. Now, as her tumultuous childhood is coming to an end, she is determined to make a life for herself by doing the only thing that makes her feel whole . . . singing. Han Nolan pulls no punches in this hard-hitting story of a girl at the bottom who dreams of nothing but the top.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152046976
• ISBN13: 9780152046972
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Born Blue is Golden

When you first meet Janie, you know her life must be tough from the way she speeks and her lack of comprehension of everyday concepts common to suburban life. Janie comes from a heroine addict mother and right away the reader is sprung into her journey. Janie goes through many hardships including foster care, being sold for heroine, kidnapping, and constantly has new people in and out of her life. All the while Janie-Leshaysa is going after her dream of being a singer. Don't be fooled, this novel isn't some sappy musician's story. This novel is fierce and Leshaya is raw. It's amazing to see her effect on the people she comes across and their reaction to her. You think you know what is going to happen, but really you have no idea.There are so many twists and issues such as Janie's identitiy- who is her father, her baby's father, her denial of being white. I loved the ending because Nolan surprises the readers. The book is somewhat unconventional and readers will read the book from start to finish. Please beleive that readers will remember Janie-Leshaya long after finishing the novel.

WOW!

This book was so amazing.I read this book ounce and just had to read it again.It is one of my favorite books and it is a book that I recomend for any1.Born Blue deserves an award................a very special one.Whenever blue you know what book to turn to

Troubled girl who has stayed with me.

This book is so touching. Jane/Leshaya is a troubled child who stumbles along from one problematic situation to another. All along, I felt her pain and kept hoping the sun would shine and keep shining for this girl. It's been over a week since I read this book and the main character is still with me. I keep hearing her voice in my head. I only wish that I could hear her singing voice. My only problem is that her dialect didn't always ring true with me, however, it's not overdone. This is an excellent read. I'd recommend it to teens or anyone who loves a good read.

Leshaya moves into your heart & mind

Leshaya will climb inside your head and bounce around for weeks after you've finished Born Blue. It's a tragic story of girl who didn't get what she needed - and deserved - and your heart will ache for her at every turn of the page.Leshaya is one of the most memorable young American narrators since Huck Finn.

A Compassionate View of RAD

Many professionals are writing about reactive attachment disorder, but this is the first book I've encountered that allows the reader to see into the soul of a child with this condition. The author does not attempt to sponge up the messes the protagonist creates for herself. Instead Han Nolan helps the reader understand why a child with this condition views the world without empathy for others. The protagonist's only concern is for herself because she cannot trust anyone else to care for her. The world is, after all, a very dangerous place. Despite the protagonist's anti-social actions, the reader experiences compassion for her. Perhaps this book will help more people become aware of RAD. We must continue to seek therapeutic alternatives for these children.