Dear Haiti, Love Alaine

by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Young Adult (YA)
Technical
  • ID: 3817
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781335910028
  • Published: 2020-12-01
  • Reviews: 3

After an incident at school, Alaine is sent to Haiti for a volunteer immersion project as a form of punishment. Under the watchful eyes of Tati Estelle and her mother, Alaine begins to uncover her family's history in Haiti while also navigating the complexities of her own life. The experience becomes a transformative journey, allowing her to connect with her roots and find personal growth. Along the way, she also finds herself drawn to Tati's charming intern, adding a layer of romantic intrigue to her adventure. This story blends cultural exploration with coming-of-age themes, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

Reviews
Geeks Under Grace · 2021-03-30
engaging 4.00

The novel is praised for its unique narrative style, blending emails, texts, and letters, which adds depth and interest to the story. It is seen as a heartfelt and humorous exploration of culture and identity.

This reviewer loved how the Moulite sisters used a variety of formats like emails, texts, and letters to tell the story. It made the narrative feel fresh and engaging. They also appreciated the balance of heart and humor, which made the heavy themes more approachable. The story's exploration of Haitian culture and identity is both informative and entertaining, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The novel opens with the cross-face slap heard 'round the world.

    Otherwise, violence is sparse.

    A teenage girl suffers a miscarriage, and a character drowns.

Raethe Reviewer · 2020-05-01
fascinating 4.20

The book is commended for its unique portrayal of Haitian mysticism, balancing both its positive and negative aspects. It is seen as a rich and layered exploration of culture and identity.

This reviewer was particularly impressed with how the book handles Haitian mysticism, presenting it in a way that is both fascinating and balanced. They appreciate the depth and complexity added to the story by exploring both the good and bad aspects of Haitian culture. The narrative's layered approach makes it a compelling read, offering a lot to think about and discuss. It's a book that will resonate with readers interested in cultural exploration and identity.

Quick quotes

    Dear Haiti, Love Alaine tackles Haitian mysticism in a really interesting way.

    It shows both the good and bad, while emphasizing how those lines ...

    The novel is a rich and layered exploration of culture and identity.

NPR · 2019-09-06
powerful 4.50

The book is celebrated for bringing Haiti to life as a character, tackling heavy issues with a nuanced perspective. It is seen as a powerful exploration of a girl's journey and discovery.

This review highlights how the Moulite sisters manage to make Haiti feel like a living, breathing character in the story. They tackle serious issues with a nuanced approach, making the narrative both impactful and thought-provoking. The reviewer also appreciates the journey of the protagonist, Alaine, as she discovers more about herself and her heritage. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    Sisters Maika and Maritza Moulite tackle heavy issues in this novel about a girl who gets sent to live with her aunt in Haiti, and discovers ...

    Haiti comes alive as a character.

    The novel is a powerful exploration of a girl's journey and discovery.

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