10 Children’s Books That Celebrate Caribbean Culture

Caribbean Americans make up some of the largest Black communities in the U.S., but representation isn't always easy to find. These books help.

Though Caribbean immigrants and people of Caribbean descent represent a large chunk of the population, representation has been hard to come by. But that is quickly changing.

For children of Caribbean descent, they are given a unique opportunity to see themselves reflected in the pages of culturally-conscious books. Afro-Panamanian-American author Tamika Burgess believes it’s important for children of all ages to see themselves and their culture reflected in the books they read. “It brings about a sense of normality and validation, aids in self-confidence, and helps break negative stereotypes, especially for readers of marginalized communities. We hardly ever get to read about our nuanced experiences or read, or see a mirror image of ourselves doing everyday things,” she says. “It's important because it lets us know we are just as important as every other culture represented in books. Seeing yourself in books also creates a sense of relatability that makes the reader more interested and connected to the story, which promotes reading as a whole.”

In addition, parents, caregivers, and children who don’t have a personal connection to this area of the Americas are transported to new worlds when curled up with a good read. From vibrant picture books with mythical creatures from the islands to riveting YA novels on connecting to one’s ancestral home, below you’ll find 10 must-read books by Caribbean authors.

Board Books

One Love by Cedella Marley

Inspired by Bob Marley’s iconic anthem, One Love, written by Marley’s eldest daughter Cedella, provides little readers with an early lesson in coming together to affect change. The rhythmic picture book follows a young girl as she enrolls her family, friends, and diverse community in beautifying their neighborhood. The illustrations paired with the lyrics make One Love an enjoyable read for all.

Picture Books

Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale by Marjuan Canady

Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale, by Marjuan Canady, follows Winston on a magical journey to find an ingredient for his favorite dish, callaloo. While on his mission to pick up dasheen bush in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush, Winston ends up on the Caribbean island of Tobago. The 8-year-old not only encounters his grandmother, but a host of folklore characters: Papa Bois, La Diablesse, Soucouyant, and Mama D’lo, among others. Find out the key lesson Winston learns during his search.

Plátanos Are Love

The deliciously descriptive text of Plátanos Are Love, by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, captures the essence of intergenerational family connections and richness of Dominican cuisine and culture.  Abuela passes down culinary heirlooms, making creamy mangú, cutting plátanos verde for tostones, and frying maduros. She shows Esme and her hermanita that plátanos — and their many family recipes—live in her heart. This bilingual picture book has a fun glossary and tasty recipes to try at home.

To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia

Melba wants nothing more than to enjoy carnival. But when she oversleeps, she has to venture to carnival without her family. To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia, by Baptiste Paul, goes on to tell the story of how Melba meets several companions along the way and, when they finally arrive, the group forms their own parade down Main Street. Paul includes a creole glossary (with words like bonswè, manjé and manman), map of Saint Lucia, and details the significance of carnival.

Looking for a Jumbie

Written by Tracey Baptiste, Looking for a Jumbie provides a glimpse into the world of Caribbean folklore. Jumbie, pronounced juhm-bee, is a creature found in Caribbean stories. As Naya’s mama tucks her into bed, she reminds her little one that jumbies are only found in stories. However, Naya believes they come out at night and has her mind set on finding them. While on her search, she encounters a creature with backward feet and a large mouth, a critter with thick fur, sharp teeth and chains around its neck, and a coily-haired sea entity with a long snake tail. Could these be the jumbies Naya has been looking for?

Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

In Eight Days: A Story of Haiti, award-winning author Edwidge Danticat captures the playful imagination of Junior, a young boy who was rescued from the debris of his former home in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. He recounts the eight days below the rubble, which were filled with games that he played with his late friend, Oscar, and little sister, Justine; moments with his Manman and Papa, as well as a trip to the countryside, among other activities. Dedicated to the children of Haiti, this vibrant picture book provides lessons on hope, survival, and resilience.

Middle Grade Novels

Sincerely Sicily

In Sincerely Sicily, by Tamika Burgess, we meet Sicily Jordan. The Afro-Latina sixth grader is faced with several challenges, including making friends in a new school, the grief of losing her Abuelo and an unexpected remark from her Abuela that changes the course of their once close relationship. To top it off, her new classmates don’t understand Sicily’s Black Panamanian identity. But Sicily uses her winning writing skills to share her family’s Caribbean and Panamanian roots.

Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow

Written by author and 15-time Emmy Award-winning actress (best known as "Maria" from Sesame Street) and writer Sonia Manzano, Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow follows four teenagers — Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan — as they navigate the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. While they each experience Fidel Castro’s rise to power individually, see how their worlds entwine. Manzano provides supplementary information, including a timeline and additional resources, for middle-grade readers.

Young Adult Books

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine, by sister-writer duo Maika and Maritza Moulite, is a captivating coming-of-age story that centers 17-year-old Haitian-American Alaine Beauparlant. Alaine’s world changes course after her mother, a well-known broadcast journalist, is involved in an explosive TV moment. The incident coincides with her Latin American history and creative writing class, and Alaine’s humor nearly causes the teen to get suspended. She’s able to complete her coursework and project in her family’s homeland with her mother and aunt, the Haitian minister of tourism. As Alaine unearths her family’s history, which includes the matriarch Marie-Louise Coidavid, she’s maneuvering through a new environment, her understanding of Vodou, and her mother’s Alzehimers diagnosis, among other things.

Clap When You Land

Written by Elizabeth Acevedo, author of Beastgirl & Other Origin Myths, The Poet X, With the Fire on High and Inheritance: A Visual Poem, Clap When You Land is a verse novel loosely based on the aftermath of the American Airlines flight 587 crash in 2001. The tragedy melds the worlds of two sisters — Camino, in the Dominican Republic, and Yahira, in New York City  — who learn of one another through the death of their father. In their own words, read how sisterhood rises above long-kept secrets.

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