Novel set in rural WALES in the mid 1980s
Children’s novel set in JAMAICA
9th October 2020
When Life Gives You Mangoes by Kereen Getten, children’s novel set in JAMAICA.
It is the Summer holiday and Clara is kicking around for something to do. She spends a lot of time with her friend Gaynah and they are off doing what little girls do – eating mangoes when no-one is looking, going to the beach, picking leaves, and finding new games to play. There is fishing with her father and learning to surf. Then, a new girl from London – Rudy – arrives and dynamics change for the young children. Gaynah recedes into the background whilst Clara and Rudy bond and find their own adventures.
There is however the cloud that hangs over Clara. Something happened last Summer and she cannot recall what, but it affects her even now.
Up on the hill is a large house, inhabited by Clara’s uncle but the word has been put about that people are not to associate with him. However, no-one will spell out why. As a hurricane heads towards the island, the children start to unravel the mystery of last Summer.
This is so much a story of friendship, loss and difference. And it is also a story of Jamaica. A lovely novel for children to pick up for an immersive trip into another culture. A great choice for #WorldKidLit month (September), encouraging children to read beyond their own borders. A great children’s novel set in Jamaica.
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