For Ages
8 to 12

From the author of the critically acclaimed novel When Life Gives You Mangos comes a captivating journey of love, loss, and letters. Named a best book of the year by Waterstones!
 
When Brie was younger, her mama used to surprise her with treasure hunts around their island town. After she died three years ago, these became Brie’s favorite memories.

Now, on her twelfth birthday, her mama has another surprise: a series of letters leading Brie on one last treasure hunt.

The first letter guides Brie to a special place.

The next urges her to unlock a secret.

And the last letter will change life as she knows it.

In this poignant coming-of-age story of new memories, surprises, and moments of healing, Kereen Getten beautifully captures the edge of adolescence, when everything is thrilling, amazing, and terrifying in a way it will never be again.
 

★ "This delightful coming-of-age story details a transformative experience, pairing vivid characters with an evocative setting and bringing readers on an unforgettable journey. Dazzling." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

An Excerpt fromIf You Read This

Chapter One

The night before my birthday, Mama would always slip a note under my door. It would read:

Dear Ms. Brie,

Thank you for staying at the Wonderland Hotel. We want to give you the experience of a lifetime, so to begin, please check your choices for breakfast in the morning:

-- CEREAL

-- PORRIDGE

-- MANGO

-- BANANA

-- PINEAPPLE

-- ALL THREE

-- EGG

-- SCRAMBLED

-- FRIED

-- OMELET

-- ALL THREE

-- BACON

-- SAUSAGE

-- PLANTAIN

-- ACKEE & SALTFISH

-- TEA

-- HOT CHOCOLATE

-- MILO

-- ORANGE JUICE

-- WATER

After Mama died, and after I could think about her again without crying, I started slipping Mama’s menu under Nana’s door the night before my birthday, just like Mama used to slip the menu under mine. Every year, I listen for her to go to bed, and giggle under my pillow when she finds it. “What is this? This girl really takes me for a hotel.” But every morning for the last three years, I’ve woken to the smell of breakfast, and all the foods on my list.

That was Nana. Always making a fuss when I asked her for something but…

Under the Cover