Kheryn Callender's Hurricane Child is praised for its evocative language and rich cultural backdrop, capturing the reader with its emotional depth and vibrant depiction of the Caribbean. The novel's strengths include its layered protagonist and exploration of identity and resilience. However, some find the pacing uneven and the supporting characters underdeveloped.

A reader who enjoys Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender is likely interested in middle-grade novels featuring diverse protagonists and coming-of-age stories. Fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang or The Crossover by Kwame Alexander will appreciate its themes of self-discovery, identity, and resilience.

Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender follows Caroline Murphy, a queer Black girl living on Water Island, US Virgin Islands, as she sets out to find her missing mother. Along the way, Caroline navigates school bullies, a hostile teacher, island culture, and her growing feelings for a new girl named Kalinda. Caroline's journey involves encounters with ghosts and learning about her own family's complex history, ultimately leading to personal growth and new relationships. The book includes themes of depression, hauntings, abandonment, and a brief conversation about suicide.

Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Romantic

- Hurricane Child is the debut novel of Kheryn Callender, who later went on to win multiple awards, including the Stonewall Book Award.
- The novel is set in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering a rich cultural backdrop that draws from Callender's own Caribbean heritage.
- The book received recognition by being selected for the American Library Association's 2019 Rainbow Book List, highlighting its significance in LGBTQIA+ literature.

**Caroline Murphy**  
A resilient 12-year-old girl born during a hurricane, who possesses the unique ability to see spirits and struggles with her mother's absence while navigating life at a Catholic school.

**Kalinda Francis**  
Caroline's confident and talkative classmate who also sees spirits, leading her to bond with Caroline over their shared experiences and play a significant role in Caroline's journey.

**The Woman in Black**  
A mysterious spirit who appears to Caroline during times of loneliness, offering her a sense of protection and connection to her mother's disappearance.

**Doreen Murphy**  
Caroline's mother, whose absence drives the narrative as Caroline searches for her, while fondly remembering her mother's love and tender moments they shared.

**Miss Loretta Joseph**  
The Catholic school principal whose independence and empathetic nature provide Caroline with guidance and support as a role model.

**Caroline's Father**  
Caroline's father lives with her on Water Island and navigates his challenges as a single parent while trying to maintain a connection with Caroline and reconcile with Doreen.

**Anise Fowler**  
A school bully who exemplifies a lack of empathy, frequently targeting Caroline and contributing to her feelings of isolation.

**Marie Antoinette**  
A timid classmate of Caroline's, who, despite initial reluctance, becomes a friend and shares a similar feeling of invisibility at school.

Kheryn Callender

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Hurricane Child

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