Jamaica Labrish by Louise Bennett
Louise Bennett is best known for writing poetry in patwah, the Jamaican dialect, and this is one of my favourites. Every Saturday morning as a child, my friends and I would watch Ms Lou perform her storytelling on television. A real childhood staple.
Daylight Come by Diana McCaulay
A futuristic drama for teens set in the Caribbean. Daylight Come is about climate change and how it has made the island of Bajacu unbearable. Sorrel persuades her mother Bibi to escape the gruelling city, but their journey is fraught with danger.
Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah
As part of the Voices series that explores untold stories of black Britons, Zephania tells the story of Leonard, sent to England as part of the Windrush generation, and his adjustment to a new and alien world.
Beautiful Jamaica by Evon Blake
This coffee table book about Jamaica explores its natural beauty, food, politics and much more. A must for anyone interested in the past and present history of Jamaica.
These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card
Stanford has been keeping a secret for 30 years. He faked his own death and took on the life of his best friend. Now on his deathbed, the truth comes out. This is a story about secrets, revelations, and ghosts of the past we keep hidden from others.
The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder by Kereen Getten is out now (Pushkin Children, £7.99). You can buy these titles from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.
