Caribbean Stories. Young Voices. Real Life.
Stories Written for the
Ones Who Needed Them.
You know the feeling of opening a book and not seeing yourself anywhere in it. These are the stories that were missing — YA and middle grade fiction about identity, belonging, and finding your voice, written by someone who spent her own childhood looking for them too.
You can also find my books at your local library, including Hoopla and Libby.
The Books
Six novels. One author. All heart.
New here? Pick the line below that sounds like you, then grab that book today.
- If school and words have never come easy — start with Words Were the Enemy.
- If you need permission to just rest — start with Black Girls Day Off.
- If you've ever felt caught between who you are and where you're from — start with Sweet Like Sugar Cane.
- If home feels like two different places at once — start with Neither Out Far Nor In Deep.
- If you want to feel connected to a place, even from far away — start with Where the Guava Tree Stands.
- If you want a story that keeps you guessing — start with Where Is Noemi?
Words Were the Enemy
Seventh grade would be hard enough even if words were not out to get her. A novel in verse for every student who has ever erased a sentence before anyone could read it.
Black Girls Day Off
A story about rest, joy, and what happens when Black girls finally give themselves permission to just be.
Sweet Like Sugar Cane
A coming-of-age story set in St. Kitts exploring identity, belonging, and the sweetness of home.
Neither Out Far Nor In Deep
A story of growing up between two worlds — Caribbean roots and the pull of elsewhere.
Where the Guava Tree Stands
A lyrical tale rooted in Caribbean landscape, family, and the ground beneath your feet.
Upcoming Event
Island Reads Challenge
A reading competition for Forms 1–5 students in St. Kitts and Nevis. Read one of the island series novels for free, post a short video sharing your thoughts, and you could win $250 USD, awarded in person in St. Kitts.
Learn MoreUpcoming Event
Black Girls Day Off
An event celebrating rest, joy, and community for Black women and girls. More details coming soon.
Register Here
Meet the Author
Caribbean girl. Storyteller. Writing the books I needed as a kid.
Leah T. Williams is a Caribbean-born author, middle school ELA teacher, and college English professor based in Central Florida. She grew up in St. Kitts and writes stories she needed as a girl — stories where Caribbean and Black children see themselves on the page.
Her six novels span YA, middle grade, and mystery, all rooted in the belief that the right story at the right moment can change everything.
Shop Her BooksWhat Readers Say
Why readers love these stories
"An emotional rollercoaster that blends history, culture, and storytelling in a way that really stays with you."Amazon Reader — Black Girls Day Off
"The authentic voice and island setting made me feel like I was right there. A beautiful and emotional coming-of-age story."Goodreads Reader — Sweet Like Sugar Cane
"One of the best coming-of-age stories I've read in a long time. The characters felt real and unforgettable."StoryGraph Reader — Neither Out Far Nor In Deep