The Cay  •  Theodore Taylor LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 137 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A classic story for young adults about Phillip, a boy living with his parents on the island of Curacao, off the coast of Venezuela, during World War II. When the Germans invade the island, Phillip narrowly escapes, but is blinded and stranded on a raft with a cat and an old West Indian. A touching and exciting story of friendship and the trials of racism well-suited for middle-schoolers. (CRB172, $6.50)
Cayman Gold, Lost Treasure of Devils Grotto  •  Richard Trout MYSTERY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 212 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS The first novel in the action-packed, fact-filled, techno-thriller MacGregor Family Adventure Series. While visiting the Cayman Islands with their parents, the three MacGregor kids dive deep into a plot involving modern-day pirates in pursuit of long lost treasure. (CRB192, $15.95)
Dominican Republic, A True Book  •  Elaine Landau CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) An overview of the Dominican Republic -- geography, citizens and history -- for children 6 to 8. With its large color photographs, large-scale maps and focus on kid-friendly topics, this book is an engaging primer. (CRB143, $6.95)
Girl Overboard  •  Aimee Ferris LITERATURE •  2007 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Studying abroad on a yacht in the Caribbean is a dream come true for aspiring marine biologist Marina, but leaving behind her boyfriend proves to be more of a challenge. Marina ends up learning as much about herself as she does about biology. Another installment in the SASS (Students Across the Seven Seas) series. (DIV51, $6.99)
How Tia Lola Came to Stay  •  Julia Alvarez LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 112 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Ten-year-old Miguel has a hard time adjusting to his new home in Vermont, and it's made no easier when his colorful Aunt Lola comes up to visit from the Dominican Republic. A funny and uplifting tale for 9-12-year-olds. Eventually, though, Lola's warmth and spirit helps to unite the family -- and the community. (USE226, $5.99)
In the Days of the Vaqueros, America's First True Cowboys  •  Russell Freedman HISTORY •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 80 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Freedman relates the history of the vaqueros, the ranch hands of the Spanish New World who originated the herding techniques later made famous by North American cowboys. The story begins in Hispaniola in 1494 and really picks up steam in Mexico in the 16th century, the age of the barefoot cowboy. It's a social history and celebration of a bygone era, illustrated with archival images and geared for middle schoolers. (CAM94, $18.00)
My Island and I, The Nature of the Caribbean  •  Alfonso Silva Lee  •  Alexis Lago NATURAL HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A colorful book for young children (ages 4 to 8) about the environment and biodiversity of the Caribbean islands. A pleasant look at the interaction of living things within their natural environment, accompanied by 36 watercolor illustrations. (CRB171, $15.95)
Puerto Rico, A True Book  •  Elaine Landau CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) An introduction to Puerto Rico -- its geography, citizens and history. With its large color photographs, large-scale maps and accessible text, this book is an engaging primer for ages 8 to 10. (CRB144, $6.95)
The Usborne Official Pirate's Handbook  •  Sam Taplin HISTORY •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 80 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Whizzing cannonballs, howling storms, rare diseases Being a pirate isnt all fun and games. But if the thought of a ton of loot spurs you on, take a firm grip on your cutlass and open this book. Its bursting with hints on everything from fearsome flags to proper pirate talk. No self-respecting sea-robber should set sail without it. (CRB202, $12.99)