A Thief in the Village
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1987

A Thief in the Village

Written by James Berry

Survive storms, guard plantations, and seek lost dreams in a Caribbean tale.

3.5 Goodreads · 69 ratings
128 pages· ~720L

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a vibrant Caribbean setting, Gustas battles a hurricane to save his banana tree, while Nenna and Man-Man guard their coconut plantation from intruders. Becky dreams of a bicycle, and Fanso searches for the father who vanished years ago. Each story weaves a tapestry of hope, resilience, and longing, capturing the essence of childhood and the quest for belonging. Will they find what they seek, or will the island's mysteries hold them back?

From the publisher

Gustas is nearly killed in the hurricane, trying to save his banana tree; Nenna and her brother Man-Man patrol the cocnut plantation in the dead of night, ready to catch interlopers; Becky longs for a bicycle and Fanso longs to find his father who walked out thirteen years ago. This is a wonderfully atmospheric collection of contemporary short stories that bring James Berry’s Caribbean childhood vividly to life.

Awards

Coretta Scott King Honor (1989)
At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
128
Reading age
9–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
~720L
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~4.6
F&P level
~Q
Publication
Published
July 7, 2016
First published
June 25, 1987
Publisher
Puffin
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780141368641

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