Caroline Murphy is a Hurricane Child.
Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline has had her share of bad luck lately. She's hated and bullied by everyone in her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit only she can see won't stop following her, and -- worst of all -- Caroline's mother left home one day and never came back.
But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend -- and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush.
Now, Caroline must find the strength to confront her feelings for Kalinda, brave the spirit stalking her through the islands, and face the reason her mother abandoned her. Together, Caroline and Kalinda must set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother -- before Caroline loses her forever.--from the publisher
224 pages 978-1338129304 Ages 8-12
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Prepare to be swept up by this exquisite novel that reminds us that grief and love can open the world in mystical ways.
Twelve-year-old Caroline is a Hurricane Child, born on Water Island during a storm. Coming into this world during a hurricane is unlucky, and Caroline has had her share of bad luck already. She's hated by everyone in her small school, she can see things that no one else can see, and -- worst of all -- her mother left home one day and never came back. With no friends and days filled with heartache, Caroline is determined to find her mother. When a new student, Kalinda, arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, seems to see the things Caroline sees, too. Joined by their common gift, Kalinda agrees to help Caroline look for her mother, starting with a mysterious lady dressed in black. Soon, they discover the healing power of a close friendship between girls. Debut author Kheryn Callender presents a cadenced work of magical realism.--from the publsher
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One year and three months ago, Caroline's mother left the island. Postcards came for a while. Caroline is sure it's just a matter of time before she decides to take her father's rowboat and goes to find her mother.
For now she is stuck in a Catholic school where the teacher hates her for the color of her skin and the other girls pelt her with rocks and harsh words. Until the day the new girl comes.
Kalinda, the new girl, instantly popular joins Caroline's class. That's when Caroline finds a friend, her first love and someone else who sees the visitors from the spirit world.
An early coming of age, coming out story, that weaves in mental illness, abandonment, bullying, racism and prejudice set in a Caribbean culture.
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
