58 pages • 1 hour read
Kheryn CallenderHurricane Child
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Hurricane Child?
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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
1010L