If You Read This

If You Read This

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 Praise for If You Read This : ★ 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 "Getten tenderly emphasizes treasuring loved ones while they’re still around and carrying memories after they’re gone." — Publishers Weekly "The strength of the story is in the vibrant community that rises up to support Brie."— School Library Journal "Getten backgrounds her story with a joyful, authentic Caribbean setting that pulls from the beauty of the environment and the solid connections between Brie’s family and her community." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for When Life Gives You Mangos : "A heartfelt and accessible debut about friendship, memory, and forgiveness." —Tae Keller, author of Newbery Medal winner When You Trap a Tiger "Kereen Getten is a bright new voice. Her writing strikes the perfect balance of beauty, depth, and a touch of mango!" —Clare Vanderpool, author of Newbery Medal winner Moon Over Manifest and Printz Honor book Navigating Early "A heartwarming yet suspenseful debut about the strength of family, the turmoil of friendships lost and found, and most importantly, remembering who you are." —Lynne Kelly, author of the Schneider Award winner Song for a Whale  ★ "Getten’s handling of potentially tough topics like family, disability, and religion is spot-on, weaving important discussions into an adventurous, summery plot that just keeps going." — SLJ , starred review ★ "Getten lures readers in. Readers occupy pretty much the same position as the island kids, puzzling over clues and gossip but unable to pry out the truth." — The Bulletin , starred review “A touching novel about letting go of the past and moving on.” — Kirkus Reviews “Deft storytelling and an authentic rendering of a child’s voice make this a promising debut.” — The Horn Book Kereen Getten is the author of the critically acclaimed novel When Life Gives You Mangos. She grew up in Jamaica but now lives in Birmingham with her family. She has previously written short stories for multiple publications. 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 doing it anyway. This morning, though, I don’t smell the food I asked for. So I jump out of bed to see if Nana got my note last night. The frilly dress she buys every year hangs on the back of the door. I ignore it and throw on one of my nicer tops and a pair of black shorts instead. When I come out of my room, I can hear voices and the faint sound of music. I enter the living room from the hallway and peer to the left into the small kitchen at the back of the house. The walls are bright green, painted over from when Mama woke one day and painted the entire kitchen because she saw it in a dream. She and Papa argued that day. He said no one