Books About Jamaica

The Best Jamaica Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about jamaica? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Usain Bolt
Rocket Says Clean Up!
Julie and the Mango Tree
The Chalk Doll
The Shortlist

Our 9 Favorite Books About Jamaica

The Blue Pickup
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

The Blue Pickup

By Natasha Tripplett, Monica Mikai (Illustrator)

A girl and her granddad revive an old pickup, uncovering stories and memories.

40 pages· 650 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 277 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: In the heart of Jamaica, Ju-Girl cherishes days spent in her granddad's garage, tinkering with cars and listening to tales of his old blue pickup. Once a symbol of joy, the truck now sits idle. When Ju-Girl suggests restoring it, her granddad hesitates. Together, they embark on a journey to breathe life back into the pickup, discovering the power of memories and the joy of creation. Will they succeed in reviving the past and forging new stories? This tale of love and legacy unfolds with vibrant illustrations, celebrating the bond between generations.
Usain Bolt
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · 2024

Usain Bolt

By SANCHEZ VEGARA ISABE · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover the journey of a boy who became the fastest man alive.

32 pages· 538 words
4.3/5 Goodreads · 158 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Usain Bolt, a young boy from Jamaica, dazzled the world with his extraordinary speed. From a rural town to Olympic glory, his journey is a testament to dreams realized. As he shattered records, Usain faced immense pressure and challenges, yet his determination never wavered. How did he become the fastest man on Earth? Dive into his inspiring story and uncover the secrets behind his legendary achievements. This tale of perseverance and triumph encourages young dreamers to believe in the power of their aspirations, no matter the odds.
Rocket Says Clean Up!
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Rocket Says Clean Up!

By Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Rocket Says... series

A young activist rallies her community to clean a trash-filled beach.

40 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 392 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Rocket visits her grandparents on the islands, only to find their beloved beach overrun with trash. When she discovers a turtle trapped in a net, Rocket's determination ignites a community effort to clean up the shoreline. Can her passion for the environment inspire others to protect nature from plastic pollution? Join Rocket as she leads a movement to preserve the beauty of the beach and safeguard its wildlife. This tale of youthful activism encourages readers to dream big and take action against environmental challenges.
Who Was Bob Marley?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2017

Who Was Bob Marley?

By Katie Ellison, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life of Bob Marley, from his childhood in Jamaica to his rise as a reggae superstar.

112 pages· 7,441 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 418 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Explore the journey of Bob Marley, a rural Jamaican who rose to global fame with his band, The Wailers. His unique reggae sound and Rastafari beliefs resonated worldwide, championing the marginalized. Even after his passing, Marley's legacy as a cultural symbol endures, with his album 'Legend' topping reggae charts. Dive into his life story and uncover how he became an international icon.
Granny's Kitchen
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2022

Granny's Kitchen

By Ken Daley (Illustrator)

A girl must cook the perfect Jamaican breakfast when Granny can't help.

32 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 183 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: On a vibrant Jamaican island, Shelly-Ann learns to cook with her Granny. Each attempt ends in disaster, but when Granny is too tired to cook, Shelly-Ann must summon courage to create the perfect Jamaican breakfast. Will she succeed and connect with her roots, or will her culinary dreams crumble? Dive into this heartwarming tale of determination and cultural discovery.
When the Beat Was Born
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2013

When the Beat Was Born

By Laban Carrick Hill, Theodore Taylor III (Illustrator)

Discover how DJ Kool Herc's beats transformed music and culture forever.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2014)
32 pages· 1,085 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,630 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: In 1973, Clive Campbell, known as DJ Kool Herc, revolutionized music at a Bronx party. His innovative style extended musical breaks, sparking a dance movement that united rival gangs. From his Jamaican roots to his Bronx youth, Kool Herc's story reveals the birth of a genre that reshaped global culture. How did one DJ's creativity ignite a worldwide phenomenon?
The Mysterious Caravan
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1975

The Mysterious Caravan

By Franklin W. Dixon · Book #54 in the The Hardy Boys series

A death mask leads the Hardy Boys into a perilous rescue mission across continents.

182 pages· 33,682 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,487 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Summary: On a winter getaway in Jamaica, the Hardy Boys discover an ancient death mask. When their friend William is kidnapped for it, Frank and Joe race against time to save him. Their quest entangles them in their father's airline-ticket theft case, leading them into a web of danger that stretches all the way to Africa. Can they unravel the mystery and rescue William before it's too late?
Julie and the Mango Tree
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Julie and the Mango Tree

By Sayada Ramdial (Illustrator)

A girl pleads with a stubborn mango tree for her favorite fruit.

32 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 148 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Julie adores mangoes, but the tree in her yard refuses to share its bounty. On a sweltering afternoon, she tries every trick to coax a mango down. Can Julie's persistence win over the unyielding tree, or will she be left longing for her favorite treat? Discover the playful tug-of-war between a determined girl and a stubborn tree in this delightful tale.
The Chalk Doll
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

The Chalk Doll

By Charlotte Pomerantz, Frané Lessac (Illustrator)

A sick girl finds comfort in her mother's childhood tales from Jamaica.

32 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 55 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Young Rose, bedridden with a cold, listens as her mother shares vivid stories of her Jamaican childhood. From clickety-clacking to school on mango heels to crafting a cherished rag doll, these tales inspire Rose to create her own doll. Will this connection to her mother's past help Rose feel better? Discover the warmth of family stories and the magic of imagination.
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