If you’re traveling to Jamaica as a family, check out these books that will get kids excited about Jamaica and will expose them to the country’s culture and history.
Traveling to Jamaica. Two selections great for introducing younger children to travel to Jamaica are Anya Goes to Jamaica and Jehvon Goes to Jamaica. For a food-focused introduction to the country, try Granny’s Kitchen: A Jamaican Story of Food and Family.
Famous Jamaicans. Who Was Bob Marley?, part of the Who Was series, tells the story of Bob Marley’s journey from rural Jamaica to becoming an international star. Bolt: The Fastest Man on Earth is appropriate for older elementary or middle-school readers, and is the biography of the world-record holding sprinter.
Folktales. Anancy And Why The Sea is Salty: A Jamaican-American Folktale shares life lessons about teamwork and problem solving through the antics of the know-it-all spider. The River Mumma, aimed at older elementary and middle-grade readers, is the legend of a mermaid who keeps watch over the waters’ creatures and guards hidden treasure.
Stories Set in Jamaica. The Wooing of Beppo Tate, is great for older elementary and middle-grade readers, and follows the account of life in a small village in Jamaica. For younger readers, Anna Carries Water is the family story of Anna who can’t carry water on her head like her elder siblings. For non-fiction, try The Mermaids of Jamaica, the tale of a two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner in synchronized swimming.
The complete list is below. If you or your family have other favorites, please let me know!
2. Bolt: The Fastest Man on Earth
5. Granny’s Kitchen: A Jamaican Story of Food and Family
6. Anancy and Why The Sea is Salty: A Jamaican-American Folktale
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