The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson

Two young girls move from Brooklyn to Barbados to live with their grandmother after their mom can't take care of them any longer. Hyacinth is the grandmother to Phaedra and Dionne and is a wonder of knowledge. The differences in weather, food, clothes and speech are monumental to the girls at first and Hyacinth slowly teaches them the island way. Her message is lost on the older girl, Dionne at first but then she comes around to the wisdom of her grandmother. The younger sister, Phaedra, is a sponge wanting to fit in and find her mother in the island ways. Hyacinth feels the loss of her daughter but sees her in the girls in small ways. It is no surprise that when mom fails them and their dad shows up after years of abandonment, it is Hyacinth's love that will keep them whole. This is a story of family, love and belonging. It transcends culture and age and will find a place in your heart.