Just in time for Christmas, Kelly Magnus introduces a fresh book that brings Caribbean history, mythology, and modern culture to life for young readers.
From Jamaica’s Blue Banyan Books, two graphic biographies of Marcus Garvey and Mary Seacole present the complex history of two of Jamaica’s most fascinating and transformative figures in a fascinating full-length comic format. Masu.
my name is marcus is an empowering biography of Jamaica’s first national hero, a pioneer of black nationalism and Pan-Africanism. The book was written by poet, author, and longtime Garvey scholar Jeffrey Phillip, and includes illustrations by Shaquille Cross and Marcel Hemings.
my name is maryWritten by Tanya Batson-Savage and illustrated by Taja Winkle, this book explores the legendary story, from its origins in Jamaica to its entrepreneurial efforts in Panama to its catering and nursing exploits on the battlefields of the Crimean War. It chronicles the life of Mary Seacole, a nurse and businesswoman.
Beware of Hartman (Scholastic Press, 2024) is a spooky mystery for ages 8 to 12 by Barbadian author Shakira Bourne. The book is heavily based on Caribbean mythology, with the young heroine Josephine battling a variety of disasters, including natural, social, and mythological disasters.
Tracy Baptiste of Trinidad Moco Magic: Carnival Chaos (Penguin Random House, 2024) was launched to enthusiastic reviews from U.S. trade publications. Set in the story of a Trinidadian teenager who moves to Brooklyn for Carnival season, this book blends homegrown and immigrant experiences, humor, mystery, and a healthy dose of Caribbean culture. I am.
Both Bourne and Baptiste’s books are sequels to the series. Beware of Hartman It is the second of Josephine Against the Sea series, while moco magic Baptiste extension freedom fire series and joins her earlier bestsellers. jumbee series. So, once you’ve whetted your young readers’ appetite with these articles, there’s plenty more to satisfy them.
