Books About Cuba

The Best Cuba Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Places Around the World, featuring 14 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about cuba? 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.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cuba

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013

The Lightning Dreamer

By Margarita Engle

A young poet defies societal norms and fights against slavery in 19th-century Cuba.

192 pages· 11,142 words· Est. 1 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,539 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 19th-century Cuba, young poet Tula defies an arranged marriage and uses her verses to challenge the brutal institution of slavery. As a daring abolitionist, she risks everything to fight for justice. Will her words ignite change in a world that demands her silence? Discover the courage of a girl who transforms her passion for books into a powerful weapon against oppression. Tula's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of poetry.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Forest World

By Margarita Engle

A boy discovers a sister and a dangerous secret in Cuba.

208 pages· 18,347 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 392 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Edver, a Cuban-American boy, reluctantly visits Cuba and discovers a sister, Luza, he never knew. As they bond over a shared love for the jungle, their online prank attracts a poacher, threatening the land they cherish. Can they unite to protect their newfound home?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Cuba in My Pocket

By Adrianna Cuevas

A boy's journey from Cuba to the U.S. tests his courage and hope for family reunion.

Golden Kite Honor (2022)

320 pages· 53,005 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 813 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1961, twelve-year-old Cumba is sent alone from Cuba to Florida after the Bay of Pigs invasion. Struggling with a new language and culture, he clings to memories of home. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, Cumba wonders if his family will ever reunite or remain separated by the sea. Will he find belonging in this new land, or will the distance prove insurmountable? This poignant tale explores the resilience of a young refugee facing the unknown.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2020

Letters from Cuba

By Ruth Behar

A young girl escapes Poland for Cuba, striving to reunite her family amidst rising dangers.

272 pages· 50,715 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,989 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: On the brink of World War II, Esther flees Poland for Cuba, leaving her sister behind. In a new land, she discovers unexpected kindness and a hidden talent, but also faces the shadow of Nazism. Through heartfelt letters, Esther chronicles her journey, determined to reunite her family before time runs out. Can she bridge the distance and overcome the looming threats? This tale of resilience and hope explores the power of connection in the darkest times.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

By Carmen Agra Deedy, Michael Austin (Illustrator)

Can a cockroach find true love with a coffee test?

Odyssey Honor (2009)

32 pages· 1,024 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,729 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Martina, a charming cockroach, seeks love but is clueless about marriage. Her grandmother suggests a unique test: spill coffee on suitors' shoes to gauge their temper. As each fails the Coffee Test, Martina questions if true love is possible. Will she find a partner who passes this unusual trial, or is she destined to remain alone? Dive into this whimsical retelling of a Cuban folktale, where a little green cockroach's quest for love is as unpredictable as it is heartwarming.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2015

Drum Dream Girl

By Margarita Engle, Rafael López (Illustrator)

A girl defies tradition to become a drummer in a music-filled world.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2016)Charlotte Zolotow Award (2016)

42 pages· 372 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,972 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: On a vibrant island where girls are forbidden to drum, one girl dares to dream. In 1930s Cuba, she secretly practices, her heart set on breaking the silence. When her music finally echoes through the city, will it change the rules forever? Inspired by Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, this tale of courage and rhythm challenges tradition and celebrates the power of dreams. Can one girl's passion transform a community and inspire dreamers everywhere?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2011

A Mango in the Hand

By Antonio Sacre, Sebastià Serra (Illustrator)

A boy's quest for mangoes teaches him lessons in perseverance and generosity.

32 pages· 1,596 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 178 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Francisco embarks on a solo journey to gather mangoes for a special dinner. Faced with swarming bees and empty hands, he returns to his father, who offers wisdom through proverbs. As Francisco learns perseverance, he shares his bounty with family, discovering the joy of giving. Will his kindness be rewarded? This heartwarming tale blends humor and life lessons, enriched with Spanish proverbs.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2020

Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage

By Rebel Girls, Nancy Ohlin · A Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Chapter Book series

A ballerina defies blindness to dance on the world stage.

128 pages· 10,724 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 229 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Alicia Alonso dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, but as her vision fades, her path seems impossible. Determined, she practices with her fingertips, refusing to let blindness stop her. Can she find a way to dance again and inspire audiences worldwide? Discover a tale of resilience and the power of art to transcend limitations.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2010

The Red Umbrella

By Christina Diaz Gonzalez

A girl flees Cuba, facing a new life in America alone.

304 pages· 54,908 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,111 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1961, Lucía's carefree Cuban life shatters as revolution looms. Her parents send her and her brother to America alone. In Nebraska, she grapples with a new world, longing for home. Will she ever reunite with her family, or will she be forever changed? Discover a poignant tale of identity, culture, and the meaning of home.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008

The Surrender Tree

By Margarita Engle

In war-torn Cuba, a nurse transforms caves into secret hospitals. Can she heal a divided nation?

Newbery Honor (2009)Americas Award (2009)Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2009)

384 pages· 11,128 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,016 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1896 Cuba, amidst the chaos of war and reconcentration camps, nurse Rosa defies danger by turning hidden caves into makeshift hospitals. As she aids all who seek her help, regardless of race or allegiance, Rosa becomes a beacon of hope. But can her courage and compassion mend a nation torn apart by conflict? Discover the true story of Rosa la Bayamesa, a folk hero who dared to heal in a time of despair. This poetic journey through Cuba's fight for freedom will leave you breathless, questioning the true cost of independence.

The Bookroo Book Club