HMH Book Clubs

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.

HAN NOLAN has won many awards for her teen fiction, including the National Book Award for Dancing on the Edge. She lives in New England.

Q> Why does Janie change her name to Leshaya?
Q. What is it about blues singers like Etta James and Billie Holiday (p4) that touches Leshaya?
Q. Why isn”t Leshaya happy with the James family? Why does she steal from them?
Q. Twice Leshaya decides to leave Etta with Harmon (p115). What is her motive the first time? The second time? Why doesn”t Leshaya leave her bag of stolen items?
Q. Paul tells Leshaya, "You don”t let anybody care about you. You don”t let anybody get close enough!" (238) Why do you think Leshaya pushes people away?
Q. How does taking care of Mama Linda at the beach house change Leshaya?
Q. Do you think Leshaya is following her dreams or running away from things?