Ollie's Hainted Blues

An abandoned child gets new roots when an elderly Black woman from the Gullah Geechee community takes her in and makes her feel at home, in this poignant novel by National Book Award finalist Shelia P. Moses.

A year after Ollie’s father dies, her stepmother, Miss Pauline, abandons her at a train station. Fortunately, the folks in town where she’s been left know just where to bring her—to Miss Dearly. One of the first things Ollie notices, besides Miss Dearly’s kindness, is that her doors and porch ceiling are all painted blue. Ollie quickly learns that, according to a Gullah Geechee tradition, the “haint blue” paint keeps away evil spirits. And it seems like the haint blue is doing its job, because as Ollie acclimates to life with Miss Dearly, enjoying amazing meals, helping with chores, and soaking up Miss Dearly’s endless supply of wisdom, she’s never felt more secure. Even being a little bullied at school doesn’t get her down. But then they get word that Miss Pauline’s coming back for Ollie. A court date is set, but since Miss Pauline isn’t one to play by the rules, Miss Dearly decides it’s time to take Ollie to Sapelo Island, where her people are. There, protected and loved among the Gullah Geechee community, Ollie begins to understand that the magic of haint blue is fine, but the real magic is in people and their love—and the people who love Ollie are going to work together to make sure Miss Pauline never again lays a finger on her.