Whether it's at school, where she's the only black girl, or at home with her adoptive white parents, Lahni feels out of place. As if being an outsider weren't enough, a creepy boy starts pestering Lahni, and her parents announce they're getting a divorce. Lahni's not sure she can cope, especially with one more worry piled on: participating in a singing competition. Then Lahni joins a choir to practice for the contest and finally finds a place where she belongs.
Summary Lahni, the adopted daughter of two white parents, is the only African-American in her class, and she feels like an outsider. With her mom and dad fighting all the time, life just seems to get more and more complicated. There’s also a strange boy who keeps following her around, and she’s fed up with his creepy advances. When she is asked to sing in a school talent competition, she is reluctant to participate. But then she and her mother attend a church service and Lahni hears gospel music for the first time. Moved and inspired by the lead singer’s amazing voice, she is determined to face up to her problems and find her own way to shine.
Topics Adoption. Interracial families. Family relationships. School life. Racism and prejudice. Body image. Maturation. Being different. Privacy. Isolation. Interpersonal relationships. Jealousy. Change. Trust. Disappointment. Comfort. Divorce. Confusion. Religion. Singing. Gospel music. Talent. Self-expression. Friendship. Reaching out. Risks. Communication. Self-assertion. Focus. Hard work. Perseverance. Competition. Facing problems. Self-worth. Self-confidence. Coming of age.
SRC Level 4.500000
SRC Points 15.000000
Lexile 730L
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
Language English
JLG Release Date Mar 2008
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Young Adult (Grades 9 & Up)
Young Adult
Young Adult (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
Your older teen readers will appreciate the 12 selections in this category, a diverse mix of fiction and nonfiction covering complex issues and more mature content, from crushes and body changes to friendships and sibling rivalry.