Books About Haitian Americans

The Best Haitian Americans Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about haitian americans? 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.

Mama's Nightingale
The Shortlist

Our 5 Favorite Books About Haitian Americans

Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Mama's Nightingale

By Edwidge Danticat, Leslie Staub (Illustrator)

A child bridges separation with stories, hoping to reunite her family torn by immigration detention.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2016)
32 pages· 1,173 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 859 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Young Saya's world shatters when her mother is detained. Clinging to her mother's voice on tapes filled with Haitian folklore, Saya finds solace and strength. Inspired, she pens her own tale, a heartfelt plea that could reunite her family. As her father fights for their future, Saya's story becomes a beacon of hope. Can a child's words mend the divide and bring her mother home? This poignant narrative explores the power of storytelling amidst the harsh realities of immigration and separation, revealing the resilience of a child's heart.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Year I Flew Away

A girl makes a deal with a witch to fit in, risking her true self.

256 pages· 58,912 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,241 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1985, Gabrielle moves from Haiti to Brooklyn, facing language barriers and bullying. Desperate to fit in, she strikes a deal with a witch to become the perfect American. But as she loses touch with her identity, Gabrielle, with her new friends, including a talking rat, must confront the witch to reclaim her true self. Will she succeed in reversing the spell and finding where she truly belongs?
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2016

Calling the Water Drum

By LaTisha Redding, Aaron Boyd (Illustrator)

A boy's drum becomes his voice after a tragic journey from Haiti.

32 pages
4.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 130 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Henri's world shatters when a perilous escape from Haiti leaves him alone. Stranded in silence, he finds solace in drumming, a rhythm that bridges his past and present. As he taps out his grief, his uncle and a neighbor help him find his voice in a new land. Will the beat of his drum guide him to healing and hope?
Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2019

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager

A witty teen navigates high school cliques and love in Texas, risking it all on prom night.

372 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 8,521 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Norris Kaplan, a sharp-tongued Black French Canadian, lands in a Texas high school, armed with sitcom stereotypes. As he labels classmates like the Cheerleaders and Loners, unexpected friendships and a potential romance with Aarti emerge. But when prom night goes awry, Norris must decide if it's time to drop his defenses and embrace the messy, real connections he's made. Can he reconcile his snarky outlook with the warmth of newfound relationships?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–16 · 2015

Untwine

A tragic accident leaves a twin trapped in silence, unraveling family secrets.

320 pages
3.7/5 Goodreads · 3,181 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Giselle Boyer, once inseparable from her twin Isabelle, wakes in a hospital, unable to speak or move after a devastating accident. As she revisits her past, Giselle must confront the unraveling of her family and the bonds that define her. Will her love for those closest to her guide her to recovery, or will she remain lost in longing and regret? This poignant tale explores the strength found in the face of loss and the mysteries of sisterhood and family.
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