Follett Content Book Detail: Bless the Blood : a Cancer Memoir by Nehanda, Walela

ALL BOOKS & HANDS-ON LISTS  >  2025 EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS CONTENDERS

Bless the Blood : a Cancer Memoir

Author: Nehanda, Walela

Follett Number: 2931UC8
Audience: Young Adult
Publisher: Kokila, 2024
Format: 388 pages ; 22 cm
ISBN-13: 978-0-593-52949-2
ISBN-10: 0-593-52949-9
Dewey: 811
Classifications: Nonfiction

Subjects:
African American Poets
Authorship Therapeutic Use
Autobiographical Poetry
Gender-Nonconforming People
Leukemia Treatment Poetry
Narrative Poetry
Nehanda, Walela
Includes bibliographical references (page 391). "When Walela is diagnosed at twenty-three with advanced stage blood cancer, they're suddenly thrust into the unsympathetic world of tubes and pills, doctors who don't use their correct pronouns, and hordes of "well-meaning" but patronizing people offering unsolicited advice as they navigate rocky personal relationships and share their story online. But this experience also deepens their relationship to their ancestors, providing added support from another realm. Walela's diagnosis becomes a catalyst for their self-realization. As they fill out forms in the insurance office in downtown Los Angeles or travel to therapy in wealthier neighborhoods, they begin to understand that cancer is where all forms of their oppression intersect: Disabled. Fat. Black. Queer. Nonbinary"--Provided by publisher.

From the publisher:
Debut YA poetry and essays about a Black cancer patient who faces medical racism after being diagnosed with leukemia in their early twenties, for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's Shout. When Walela is diagnosed at twenty-three with advanced stage blood cancer, they're suddenly thrust into the unsympathetic world of tubes and pills, doctors who don't use their correct pronouns, and hordes of "well-meaning" but patronizing people as Walela fundraises for surgeries online. But this experience also deepens their relationship to their ancestors, providing added support from another realm. Walela's diagnosis becomes a catalyst for their self-realization. As they fill out forms in the insurance office in downtown Los Angeles or travel to therapy in Beverly Hills, they begin to understand that cancer is where all forms of their oppression intersect: Disabled. Fat. Black. Queer. Nonbinary. In the tradition of Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals, the author details a galvanizing account of their survival despite the U.S. medical system, and of the struggle to face death unafraid.

View the complete list of global reading levels for each title to select resources for every grade that are in line with your student's needs.

  • Audience: Young Adult
 Unlock Reading Levels

Our professional books reviews are licensed from numerous distinguished publications in the field of children's and young adult literature across a wide range of genres and subject areas provided free of charge with the creation of a Titlewave® account.

  • Booklist starred (January 1, 2024 (Vol. 120, No. 9)) (205 words; 1,302 chars)
  • Kirkus Reviews starred (December 15, 2023) (252 words; 1,619 chars)
  • Publishers Weekly starred (November 20, 2023) (191 words; 1,316 chars)
  • School Library Journal (March 1, 2024) (219 words; 1,304 chars)
  • TitleCheck (4 words; 28 chars)

Create Your FREE Titlewave Account to See Full Reviews

Buy This Book

Back To List

More titles from this list 2025 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Contenders.

Export List

Back To List

This list has not been tailored based on budget, curriculum, or other specifications. We encourage you to review this list closely to ensure that it meets the needs of your school community before placing your order.