Books About The Caribbean · 68 titles considered

The Best The Caribbean Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the caribbean? 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 The Caribbean

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1882

Treasure Island

A young boy discovers a pirate's treasure map, but danger lurks on the high seas.

336 pages· 67,946 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 552,214 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Jim Hawkins stumbles upon a pirate's treasure map, igniting a perilous adventure. As he sets sail with Doctor Livesey and Squire Trelawney, treachery brews among the crew. The cunning Long John Silver, with his own designs on the treasure, poses a threat. Can Jim outwit the infamous pirate and claim the fortune, or will the lure of gold lead to his downfall? Amidst villains and wild seas, the quest for Captain Flint's treasure tests courage and loyalty. Will Jim's spirit of adventure triumph over the perils that await on Treasure Island?

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 · 1,537 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 · 811 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

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

A Comb of Wishes

By Lisa Stringfellow

A girl finds a magical comb, sparking a dangerous wish with a vengeful mermaid.

272 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 569 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Kela, grieving her mother's death, discovers a mysterious comb in a coral cave. This treasure belongs to Ophidia, a mermaid who demands its return in exchange for a wish. Kela's deepest desire is to bring her mother back, but such a wish comes with a perilous cost. As the ocean's magic weaves its spell, Kela must decide how far she's willing to go and what she's willing to sacrifice. Will her wish bring healing or unleash a storm of consequences? Dive into a tale where folklore and fate collide in the Caribbean's depths.

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 · 2,728 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

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Wind Rises

By Timothée de Fombelle, François Place (Illustrator), Holly James (Translator) · Book #1 in the Alma series

A girl seeks her lost brother amid the perils of the slave trade, while a thief hunts treasure on a ship.

410 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,436 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1786, young Alma's quest to find her brother leads her through a dangerous Africa scarred by the slave trade. Meanwhile, in Lisbon, Joseph Mars, an orphan and thief, boards a slave ship seeking pirate treasure. As their paths converge, both must confront the harsh realities of their worlds. Will Alma save her family and heritage? Can Joseph uncover the true purpose of his journey? Their intertwined destinies reveal a tale of resilience and compassion across continents and seas.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

The Only Road

By Alexandra Diaz · The Only Road series

A boy flees Guatemala, risking everything for a new life in the U.S.

Americas Award (2017)

320 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,800 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jaime's life in Guatemala shatters when his cousin is murdered by a ruthless gang. Fearing he's next, Jaime embarks on a perilous journey to New Mexico with his cousin Ángela. As they navigate danger and uncertainty, Jaime must confront his fears and find courage in the face of loss. Will he find safety and a new beginning, or will the shadows of his past catch up with him? This gripping tale of survival and hope explores the lengths one will go to for a chance at a better life.

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

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Field

By Baptiste Paul, Jacqueline Alcantara (Illustrator)

A pickup soccer game unites a community, but can they outplay a tropical storm?

30 pages· 151 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 702 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a vibrant Caribbean village, a girl and her brother rally their community for a spirited soccer match. As friends and family gather, the joy of the game fills the air. But as teams form and the field is cleared, dark clouds loom. Will a sudden tropical rainstorm wash away their plans, or will the love of the game prevail? Experience the thrill of soccer, the power of teamwork, and the beauty of diversity in this lively tale where the field calls to all.

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Browse by age

The Caribbean Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about the caribbean for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$899

The Little Mermaid

Ages 2–4 · 2018

A mermaid's love for a prince risks everything in a Caribbean twist.

Series

Sale price

$1099

Vámonos a Havana

Ages 0–5 · 2020

Explore Havana's vibrant culture through bilingual adventures.

Sale price

$1299

Proud to Be Latino: Food/Comida

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Explore Latino culture through its diverse and delicious dishes.

View all the caribbean board books

Browse by age

The Caribbean Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the caribbean for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1895

Auntie Luce's Talking Paintings

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A girl discovers her identity through her aunt's paintings in Haiti.

Sale price

$1899

Planting Stories

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young Puerto Rican woman travels to New York City and becomes a storyteller and puppeteer at a public library, sharing her abuela's folktales with children and families.

Sale price

$1799

The Squeaky Door

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A squeaky door keeps a little boy awake. Can Granny solve the bedtime mystery?

Sale price

$899

The Faithful Friend

Ages 5–8 · 1995

Two friends face dark magic on a quest for love, risking everything.

Sale price

$1899

Granny's Kitchen

Ages 3–6 · 2022

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

Sale price

$1899

Dive In

Ages 7–10 · 2020

Explore a vibrant coral reef and its fascinating creatures without leaving your home.

Sale price

$1999

Cendrillon

Ages 7–10 · 1999

A godmother's magic and wit transform a servant girl's fate in a Caribbean twist on Cinderella.

Sale price

$799

How Many Days to America?

Ages 4–7 · 1988

A family flees their island, risking everything for a new life in America.

Sale price

$1799

Looking for a Jumbie

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A girl ventures into the night to prove mythical creatures are real. Are her new friends what they seem?

Sale price

$1795

Calling the Water Drum

Ages 5–9 · 2016

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

Sale price

$1799

A Story about Afiya

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A dress captures a girl's magical childhood adventures.

Sale price

$1789

Juan Bobo Goes to Work

Ages 8–12 · 1388

A well-meaning boy's attempts at work lead to comedic chaos.

View all the caribbean picture books

Browse by age

The Caribbean Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the caribbean for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$799

The Island of Lost Horses

Ages 9–12 · 2014

A girl discovers a wild mare, unlocking a centuries-old mystery that could save the world's rarest horses.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$795

Rise of the Jumbies

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Children vanish, suspicion rises, and a perilous ocean quest begins.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$2499

The Jumbie God's Revenge

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A furious god's wrath threatens an island. Can Corinne uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$1099

Enchanted Air

Ages 12–15 · 2015

A girl torn between two worlds faces a revolution that threatens her dreams and family.

Sale price

$899

Serafina's Promise

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A young girl faces an earthquake's aftermath to fulfill her secret promise.

Sale price

$1199

The Surrender Tree

Ages 12–18 · 2008

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

Sale price

$999

Rooting for Rafael Rosales

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A baseball dreamer and a bee-saving activist discover a life-changing secret.

Sale price

$899

90 Miles to Havana

Ages 9–12 · 2010

Three brothers face bullies and uncertainty in a new world far from home.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

The Jumbies

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A fearless girl faces mystical threats to save her island from a mysterious stranger.

Series

Sale price

$999

Timothy of the Cay

Ages 10–12 · 1993

Stranded after a shipwreck, two unlikely allies must survive and find hope on a deserted cay.

Sale price

$1699

The Year I Flew Away

Ages 8–12 · 2021

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

Sale price

$799

Hurricane Child

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl confronts spirits and secrets to find her missing mother during a hurricane.

View all the caribbean chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about abolitionists Books about buried treasure Books about Cuba Books about culture Books about family life Books about Feminism Books about friendship Books about pirates

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Caribbean

Great books, picked for their age.

The Caribbean Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

The Caribbean Picture Books

The Caribbean Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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