If you’re of the mindset that you have to be old to pursue and accomplish your dreams, young author John S. Poitier, a native of Freeport Grand Bahama, is a good reason to have you rethink that position. At a mere 16 years of age, Shaquille, as he is called by family and friends, has recently ticked off his newly published book, Mangoes In The Summertime, a collection of inspirational poems published by Inspire Publishing, from his ever-growing bucket list.

An avid reader, writer, and debater, Shaquille is the past Junior Achievement Vice President of Human Resources, the Head Boy at Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy, and is a firm advocate for social equality. Though still a student, he has high aspirations of pursuing a course of studies in Nursing and Biochemistry, which would eventually assist him in realizing his dream of becoming a general surgeon.

In Mangoes in the Summertime, Shaquille shares his views of humanity through the eyes of a youth. In his usual meticulous way, each aspect of his book was given much thought. The young author noted that the title reflects on those periods in life when one experiences moments of joy and peace (mangoes) for some time (summertime) before a period of unhappiness.

“Regardless of your age,” Shaquille asserts, you will possibly have questions about your existence, purpose, or if there is a Divine plan for your life. In his didactic way, Shaquille speaks to these questions through poetry. “It’s a celebration of life, death, and everything in between,” he says. But each poem takes you on a journey that begs an expression of humor and sorrow. Shaquille bravely bares his soul through each line of the book. “My poetry fluctuates between good and evil, light and darkness, prompting readers to think about our current existence—virtue or villainy?”

Shaquille is still a youth at heart who enjoys listening to music, playing video games, traveling, and attending Family Bible Study despite the heavy topics covered in his book. He is the son of John W. Poitier and Nurse Virginia L. Poitier, who are thrilled at their son’s accomplishment and say that it is their joy to support Shaquille in realizing his publishing dream. John has two sisters, Johnelle Poitier-Kelly, and Johnique Poitier. He is also the proud uncle of 3-year-old A’mani McIntosh.

Mangoes In The Summertime is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com or by contacting the author.