If You Read This - by Kereen Getten

About the Book

"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"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

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

Review Quotes

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

About the Author

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 including Notts Review and Adhoc Fiction. She was nominated for Best Short Fiction 2018 and highly commended for the FAB prize. Visit her website kereengetten.com or on Twitter @KereenGetten and Instagram @KezyWrites.