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

Kheryn Callender

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Hurricane Child reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Hurricane Child | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Hurricane Child Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Hurricane Child Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

Hurricane Child Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Hurricane Child Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Hurricane Child Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Hurricane Child Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Hurricane Child Character Analysis

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Themes

Hurricane Child Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hurricane Child Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hurricane Child Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hurricane Child Essay Topics

Hurricane Child

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hurricane Child?

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Book Details