Did you know that June is recognized in the United States as Caribbean American Heritage Month? This is the 15th year that marks the celebration of the positive contributions that people of Caribbean heritage have made to the fabric of American society. There are over 30 Caribbean countries in the world. People from many of these countries have immigrated to the United States. Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago are the 5 countries that have the largest populations residing in the United States. Also, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, has many citizens who live here as well. There are certain states and cities that have diverse communities of Caribbean Americans. Many of these families reside in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater), Georgia (Atlanta), Massachusetts (Boston), Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and California.

It is important for all Americans to learn about Caribbean Americans who have influenced the culture of this country and all facets of American life. Children and families can also read books by Caribbean American authors including Meg Medina, Margarita Engle, Cedella Marley, and Francie Latour. There are numerous other Caribbean authors who publish children’s literature primarily in the UK and the Caribbean. Here are a few multicultural books that you can add to your collection that are readily accessible in local bookstores or online. Use the books at home during family literacy time, during speech language therapy sessions, or in the classroom. Click here to access the books in my Literacy Shop.

Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings by Francie Latour, Illustrated by Ken Daley

This is an absolutely beautiful and captivating story about a little girl who traveled with her family from up North to Haiti. She’s excited to see her auntie and sit for a portrait. Her magical hands paint stories with effortless strokes. She also learns about her Haitian heritage and heroes of the island. The language in this book is rich and it will be a great addition to your diverse collection of children’s books. Francie Latour currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts with her family.

One Love by Cedella Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

This book embraces diversity and reminds children to see and experience love that surrounds them. Children can demonstrate love in their actions. It’s a good reminder for adults too. This book is adapted from the timeless song One Love, by Bob Marley, the Jamaican artist. Values begin at home and in our communities. With all that’s going on in the world, what’s going on in the heart of mankind? Give thanks when you see the good and work towards a better society every day. This book celebrates unity and team work to build a strong community.

Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

This is a colorful and powerful story about a multicultural young girl. She dreamed of playing the drums, but it was not something that girls were allowed to do in Cuba. This book is full of vibrant illustrations and imagery as she continues to dream. She is determined to learn to play and her father finally agreed to allow her take lessons. Her teacher is mesmerized by her natural ability. Magarita Engle, a Cuban American author, writes this poetic book about the life of Milo Castro Zaldarriago, a Chinese African Cuban girl who boldly broke the taboo against female drummers in Cuba. Girls of color can do amazing things! The illustrator, Rafael Lopez was recognized for his vibrant and captivating artwork in this book.

Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina, Illustrated by Angela Dominguez

Mia, the main character in the book, has a special visitor, her abuela. In fact, her abuela or grandmother leaves her home island to live with her family in America since it’s getting harder for her to live on her own. Mia helps her grandmother learn English while she learns a few Spanish words. Abuela is happy to be with her family, but she feels a bit homesick. One day Mia goes to the pet store with her mom and buys a gift, a parrot, for her abuela to remind her of the ones back home near her Mango tree on the island. They name their new pet Mango and it helps them better communicate with each other. Meg Medina is a Cuban-American author who writes stories that reflects on her multi-cultural and immigrant heritage.

Get Up Stand Up by Cedella Marley, Illustrated by John Jay Cabuay

I absolutely love the message in this book adapted by Cedella Marley, the daughter of Jamaican reggae singer/songwriter, Bob Marley. It’s based on his original song. This book encourages children to be true to who they are, remember what is right, and stand up against bullying. The repetitive line in the book is Get Up, Stand Up, Stand Up for Your Rights. In this simple picture book for young kids, the main character is teased at school. She learns how to stand up for herself and her friends support her. This story is perfect to use with preschool-2nd grade students to learn about anti-bullying and conflict resolution which is prevalent in schools. Click here for a free read aloud. Cedella Marley currently resides in Miami, Florida.

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina, Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez

Meg Medina, Cuban-American author, writes this children’s story set in New York about two best friends, Evelyn and Daniela, who live in the same apartment building. They enjoy spending time with each other. This story describes their friendship and depicts the last day that they play together as Evelyn’s family packs to move to a new city. They promise to stay in touch and remember their special bond. This is a good book for girls to learn the importance of friendship. This book is expected to be released later this year in September of 2020. Meg Medina currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Have you read any of these stories? As a speech-language pathologist, education specialist, small business owner and a Caribbean American woman, I enjoy using multi-cultural books in my speech language therapy sessions. I also read many books with my niece who will begin first grade next school year. It’s important to provide kids access to books that depict their race/culture and races/cultures that differ from the mainstream. I was born in St. Andrew, Jamaica and immigrated to Miami, Florida as a child. I know how important it is for children to see themselves and other cultures reflected in the books that they read.