Where The Guava Tree Stands

Some homes you carry in your suitcase. Others, you leave buried under a guava tree.

In this moving novel-in-verse, Mina has just uprooted her life in St. Kitts to start over in Orlando—a place of strange food, strange people, and a silence that stretches between her and the world. Back home, everything was guava-sweet and familiar. Here, even her voice feels too heavy to carry.

Through whispered memories, new friendships, and the poetry of everyday moments, Where the Guava Tree Stands traces one girl’s journey through culture shock, homesickness, and finding pieces of herself in unexpected places.

Narrated with raw honesty and lyrical beauty by Jonielle Lowman, this audiobook invites you into the heart of a girl learning that where you come from never really leaves you—and sometimes, it's the root that helps you bloom.

Perfect for fans of Brown Girl Dreaming and Inside Out & Back Again, this is a story for anyone who’s ever felt caught between two worlds.

“Williams’s wholesome, melodic debut sings a song of resilience, hope, and power… A luminous story of success and positivity.”

— BookLife Review

“Williams’ lyrical poetry and chronological narrative make for a lovely, flowing middle-grade read… A warm and tender immigration tale.”

— Kirkus Reviews

“A moving novel-in-verse that paints a vivid picture of immigration and identity… Written with tenderness and truth.”

— Readers’ Favorite

“A poignant, emotionally resonant read… Highly recommended for school and community library collections.”

— Midwest Book Review

© 2025 Leah T. Williams (Audiobook): 9781962776110

Release date

Audiobook: 21 June 2025