Pass It On; a Treasury of Virgin Islands Stories

Book excerpt: While growing up in the middle of the twentieth century in the Virgin Islands, Boysie becomes known for his boldness and pulling creative pranks. Mr. Smith owns the finest genip tree in East End and already knows that Boysie likes to sneak into his orchard to taste the produce. One day when Boysie recruits two friends to help him pick the fruit while Mr. Smith is napping, the adventure doesn’t go as planned. Soon after being punished for his previous prank, Boysie makes an ill-fated choice to “borrow” a bundle of wood for his mother and realizes there are consequences for lies. When Boysie decides to learn how to swim, he is mentored by a friend who teaches him the importance of believing in himself rather than showing off in front of others. As his experiences continue, what will Boysie learn next? Pass It On shares stories that weave historical events and life into a tapestry that recaptures the bittersweet essence of the past lifestyle of the people of two small Virgin Islands villages.