The world of Caribbean literature, though largely underrepresented in mainstream media, boasts an array of coverage for thematic issues relatable to those of Caribbean heritage.

From Caribbean history, religion, family life and the immigrant experience, the literary products of Caribbean authors offer a world of experiences suitable for all ages and backgrounds.

In case you have yet to indulge in the world of Caribbean literature, here are four works young adult fiction to wet your literary pallet.

1. Dear Haiti, Love Alaine

Author: Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

Heritage: Haitian

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Written by twin sisters Maika and Maritza Moulite, Dear Haiti, Love Alaine features protagonist Alaine Beauparlant, a Haitian American teenager who, following ‘The Incident’, has found herself in quite the pickle.

To redeem herself she is sent to the homeland of her parents, where under the watchful eye of Tati Estelle she learns all there is to know about her cultural roots while writing the report of a lifetime.

2. When Life Gives You Mangoes

Author: Kereen Getten

Heritage: Jamaican

Release Date: October 20, 2020

When Life Gives You Mangoes is a debut novel by Kereen Getten that follows the life of 12-year-old Clara who lives in the fictional community of Sycamore Hill, Jamaica.

Among the many dimensions that there are to Clara is her love for water and surfing. Despite this, ever since last summer’s hurricane she finds herself avoiding both without any recollection as to why she has now become so fearful of her first love.

Clara’s story is one of friends, family, community, forgiveness and healing.

3. Clap When You Land

Author: Elizabeth Acevedo

Heritage: Dominican

Release Date: May 5, 2020

Clap When You Land follows two sisters, Camino Rios and Yahaira Rios, who are unaware that the other exists.

The separate lives of these unlikely sisters come crashing down one summer when their father dies in a plane crash, on his way to the Dominican Republic.

Despite one living in New York and the other in the Dominican Republic, the Rios sisters stunned by the loss, and reeling from the realisation of their father’s two lives, will have to learn what it truly means to be family.

4. The Year I Flew Away

Author: Marie Arnold

Heritage: Haitian

Release Date: February 2, 2021

The Year I Flew Away follows the life of 10-year-old Haitian native Gabrielle, who gets the opportunity to leave her island home and moves to the United States.

It’s an opportunity many of the kids in her village dream of and given the many wonderful things she’s heard of America she’s excited.

After finally making it to the United States, however, Gabrielle quickly learns that America isn’t quite what she’d dreamed of.

Desperately wanting to fit in, Gabrielle makes a deal with a witch and earns herself three wishes, but maybe she’d have been better prepared if someone had informed her of the old adage, “be careful what you wish for”.

READ: Short stories by Caribbean authors to fall in love with