Books

Item Description

In 1668, a young Jamaican girl, Kemosha, secures her freedom from enslavement and finds her true self while sailing to Panama with the legendary Captain Morgan.

Description
Age level: 12+ | Grade level: 7 – 12+ | Lexile Level: HL610L | F&P level: Z+

Part of our Black Sheep imprint for young readers.

In 1668, fifteen-year-old Kemosha is sold by a slave owner to a tavern keeper in Port Royal, Jamaica—the “wickedest city on earth.” She soon flees from a brutal assault and finds herself in the company of a mysterious free Black man, Ravenhide, who teaches her the fine art of swordplay, introduces her to her soul mate, Isabella, and helps her win her freedom.

Ravenhide is a privateer for the notorious Captain Morgan aboard his infamous ship, the Satisfaction. At Ravenhide’s encouragement, Morgan invites Kemosha to join them on a pillaging voyage to Panama. As her swashbuckling legend grows, she realizes she has the chance to earn enough to buy the freedom of her loved ones—if she can escape with her life . . .

What people are saying…

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“Kemosha of the Caribbean is easily the best pirate tale I have ever encountered. If that seems a bold statement, its boldness pales in comparison to Kemosha’s enduring bravery and steadfastness.”
—The Plot Thickens (Black Girls Create)

“Readers are in for a wild ride through this rich mix of cultures, lifestyles [and] languages.”
—Children’s Literature (CLCD)

“While Kemosha may be a product of her times, her dreams, thoughts, and emotional reactions are ones to which modern readers will readily relate.”
—Pirates and Privateers

“A stunning historical adventure that upends stereotypes.”
—The Times (UK)

“Kemosha’s indomitable spirit, determination and wit make for an unforgettable heroine.”
—The Guardian (UK)

“Inspired by accounts of women pirates, this fantastical tale represents the era’s cruelty without romanticizing it. Kemosha’s love and persistence combine with forceful action, the terror of harsh racism and passionate, colourful language.”
—The Toronto Star

“Kemosha’s heart and tenacity are endearing.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Item Special Note

About The Author
ALEX WHEATLE is the author of several best-selling books including the young adult novels Kemosha of the Caribbean, Cane Warriors, and Home Girl, the modern classic Brixton Rock, and the award-winning Crongton series. He is the subject of the historical drama film Alex Wheatle, which is part of filmmaker Steve McQueen’s lauded Small Axe anthology series. His body of work was a finalist for the 2021 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature and has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. His latest work is Sufferah: The Memoir of a Brixton Reggae-Head.

About Akashic Books
Akashic Books is a Brooklyn-based independent company dedicated to publishing urban literary fiction and political nonfiction by authors who are either ignored by the mainstream, or who have no interest in working within the ever-consolidating ranks of the major corporate publishers.

Praise for Akashic Books
“As many in publishing struggle to find ways to improve on an increasingly outdated business model, independents such as Akashic—which are more nimble and less risk-averse than major publishing houses—are innovators to watch.”
—LOS ANGELES TIMES

“It’s heartening that even as the dinosaurs of publishing are lurching toward extinction, nimble independent publishers like Akashic are producing high-quality, innovative content.”
—PORTLAND MERCURY

“Akashic fits in that very slight category of publishers, growing slimmer every day, whose colophon is a recommendation on its own.”
—TORONTO STAR

“Akashic is one of the most impressive of the newer small presses, in part because of editing and production values that rival and perhaps surpass the big houses. We’re grateful to them . . .”
—DENVER POST

“Akashic serves as a prime example of the diversity that marks the small press movement.”
—MYSTERY SCENE

“What’s great about Akashic is its sense of adventure and its smart eclecticism . . . Anything carrying the logo comes with the guarantee that it’s worth checking out.”
—HARTFORD COURANT

“An excellent small press.”
—IN THESE TIMES

“[Akashic] fully conveys the charms and possibilities of small press publishing . . . placing a priority on the quality of the books, rather than the possible marketing opportunities they offer.”
—POETS & WRITERS

“Akashic is the brainchild of the charismatic Johnny Temple, the bassist of the rock group Girls Against Boys. Temple set up Akashic to give attention to literary works that are ignored, as well as to prove that publishers don’t have to exploit their writers.”
—IUNIVERSE.COM