106 pages • 3 hours read
Tracey BaptisteThe Jumbies
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste follows 11-year-old Corinne La Mer, who accidentally awakens a jumbie—a malevolent spirit—in the forest. With her friends, she learns to use folk magic to subdue the jumbie and save their island. The group encounters various magical and dangerous obstacles, ultimately defeating the jumbie, Severine, and restoring peace to their community. The book includes themes of slavery.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tracey Baptiste's The Jumbies captivates readers with its rich Caribbean folklore and compelling storyline. Praised for its vivid imagery and strong female protagonist, it stands out in middle-grade fantasy. Some critics noted pacing issues and occasional predictability, but these do not detract significantly from its charm and cultural authenticity.
Who Should Read The Jumbies?
A reader who enjoys the eerie, folk-tale atmosphere of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman or the mythological richness of Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi would find delight in The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. This middle-grade novel combines West Indian folklore with spine-tingling adventure, ideal for readers aged 8-12 who love magical realism and cultural tales.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
680LBook Details
Fantasy
Fairy Tale / Folklore
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Relationships: Mothers
Life/Time: Coming of Age