Will tug at your heartstrings. Fun story about creativity and not giving up when what you create doesn’t go as planned. Also, a beautiful story about friendship through the years.
A collection of creatures compiled with illustrations by The Ang Ink Artists Collective. Readers will be delightfully frightened- or frighteningly delighted- learning about all kinds of monsters of Philippine Mythology. It was also interesting to see variants of the same creatures based on where in the country it was being told. Includes both English and Tagalog texts.
Domingo (called Sunday by Americans) is a Filipino bounty hunter who track down illegal aliens who he calls ghosts (or multo) since they’re practically invisible entities in the country.
This one centers around the illegitimate daughter of an American general and a Filipino woman. I was excited once I got used to the format of alternating times. It almost reminded me of a telenovela that would play in the evenings in the Philippines. The ending was a bit of a let down.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the consistently incredible Ramon de Ocampo.
Apparently, this is the first in a series- most likely of a two-book arc.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Blogging this year has been difficult for some reason even though I’ve decided to do it only every other week. This was coming from being able to do a weekly post consistently all of last year. But, last year, I think I also decided not to write about my personal life (not that I had much to write about) or my goals so maybe I feel like I haven’t been connecting as much as I want in this platform. But I love this (IMWAYR) community and I love talking about books so I think I’ll go back to sharing more of myself on here.
Even typing that up has been sort of therapeutic and I did remember that when WordPress changed up its layout is when my blogging began to decline. Anyway, to the reviews… (I also haven’t been reviewing as much since I tell myself that I have two weeks to get it done but then I just don’t do it.)
A delightful follow-up to What Happened to You? about a boy who doesn’t want to be praised or lauded for doing the most basic stuff just because he’s seen as disabled. Really thought-provoking but a fun, inclusive story.
I was curious about this book after listening to a Book Friends Forever podcast episode. It’s a wonderful story of how it takes a whole team behind the scenes and often unnoticed to get something done which we usually take for granted.
A fun new graphic series that mashes up different mythologies. In the first installment, the Monkey King faces off with characters from Greek Myths to start his journey of becoming a god. Perfect for fans of Dog Man and Hilo.
We recently had Booki Vivat at the bookstore recently. She was wonderful. Naturally, I wanted to read the graphic novel. The main character is Kacie who wants to be an artists when she grows up and she uses her art to try and figure out the mysterious changes going on in her neighborhood. At first, I thought it was a bit frustrating that characters (especially the adults) just don’t sit down and talk but we’ve all seen it – or experienced it ourselves- when we keep silent about stuff trying not to trouble others especially if they’re young. Perfect for fans of Kayla Miller and Kelly Yang books.
A beautiful novel-in-verse about a Filipino girl leaving her home country behind to reunite with her mom in the US and trying to find comforting, familiar things (as her lolo suggested) in the scarily new landscape she finds herself in. If home is where the heart is, why does she feel so torn?
When she finds an abandoned garden in her new school, she wonders if this can help her root herself to her new home even as she struggles to fit in and continues to worry whether her mom will leave her again.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Readers who enjoyed Virginia Lee Burton’s The Little House and Phoebe Wahl’s The Blue House will want to pick up Our Nipa Hut as the dwelling is as much of a character as the people and needs to be taken care of as it does so much for us. Set in the Philippines during a heavy storm, a father and daughter do everything in their power to make sure their house remains standing by the end of it. The illustrations are lively and full of little details to delight in. This book also includes backmatter material about nipa huts, the Philippines, and climate change.
This was an interesting retelling of Don Quixote to introduce kids to the novel. I decided to read this one since I had just watched a stage production based on the novel so I figured it’d be the perfect time to do so. I didn’t realize Rey Terciero is also Rex Ogle. And apparently, this is just the first book in a new series.
The two main characters are not likable and it felt like a lot of their problems could have been solved if they just took the time to talk to one another. But, that’s easier said and done and hardly how it is in real life. And, like real life, they are messy and their situations are messy. And, as readers, we want to yell at them to stop doing certain things but like watching a train wreck it’s hard not to watch (or, in this case, read) what happens next. Some things were predictable- or maybe inevitable. This novel somehow reminded me of Will & Grace (toxic friendship) and A Little Life (the unnecessary and constant- to avoid specific spoilers- bad things happening) and Ready, Player One (for obvious reasons).
While I haven’t really made the case for why anyone should read it- and, in fact, this novel isn’t for everyone-, I did get into it. I enjoyed being immersed in the gaming world (despite the fact I don’t play any games and most controllers nowadays have too many buttons for my liking). I thought the format was clever. Maybe I learned to appreciate the complicated and complex relationships the characters had with one another, with themselves, and the people they’ve met. And it made me emotional at parts. Part seven really got me and I was trying to keep my composure while reading it in a public place.
This book definitely encourages conversations and I’m dying to hear what people think of it.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Reversible books seem to be a trend nowadays. In this one, two friends are about to meet up but they each encounter a series of obstacles that changes the result of their get together.
Kind of like a mash up of Bodies Are Cool and This Is How We Do It, this inclusive picture books promotes empathy by showing what we may have in common from those who may not look like us.
This would make a perfect baby shower or graduation gift in the lines of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
Beautifully illustrated. I wish it wasn’t marketed as a queer retelling because it’s a bit spoilery and it could have been more powerful if the reader discovered it naturally.
It’s weird I didn’t read this sooner since I’ve read most of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s other novels and enjoyed them. It was probably for some odd reason like I didn’t want to read another one of her books with an orange cover. But I’m glad I did read this. Perfect fantasy adventure of a soon-to-be princess who acquires a magical power from the butterflies she wants to protect. There’s lots of fun fantastical elements that will leave readers turning pages until the end.
I wanted to like this more but the ending was kind of a let down. I was intrigued enough to finish the book and actually enjoyed not being familiar with lots of the words and customs talked about. It felt like too many types of stories were happening all at once to be cohesive and satisfying.
I don’t usually read “romantasy” but the author’s Instagram “apology” posts intrigued me. Not to add another word in quotes but I also don’t usually read “spicy”. However, this was an enjoyable escape about two lovers over different lifetimes and the perils they’re conti- nuously faced with it. I listened to the audiobook which was excellently narrated.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
I wasn’t really looking forward to this installment because a new arc was focused on a character I didn’t like but I really ended up liking this one. I think younger readers will definitely enjoy this one. Very funny.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about this novel and a bit wary of a new Tales of the City story that may potentially tarnish the affection I have for the series but I needn’t have worried. Even though readers aren’t in 28 Barbary Lane but in a manor house in the UK, there are familiar faces to greet them. And this stay will be full of delights and a bit of trouble and what I hope may be the beginning of even more tales.
This little book caught my eye while I was browsing the shelves of a recently opened Friends of the Library bookstore. The title intrigued me- as well as the fact Peter Sis did illustrations for it.
Intriguing. Nerdy. Eerie.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Based on the author’s personal experiences, this beautiful story of resilience and family will resonate with many readers. The illustrations are gorgeous.
I decided to read this because we were having a Grandparents Day Celebration at work. This was a super touching story about a boy visiting his grandmother in the city. The illustrations are superb.
In this follow up to Nana in the City, a boy is excited to show his metropolitan grandmother around his farm lifestyle but worries she might not be as into it as he thought. Sweet story with stunning illustrations.
I don’t know Dan Gemeinhart’s process or anything but I feel like Coyote’s story comes to him naturally instead of him having to work so hard for it. (In other words, it’s like a gift. And, I know that if it comes off as that easy, then it’s actually in fact hard work.) Anyway, a new adventure begins when Coyote discovers her mother’s ashes leading to a cross country trip to find a misplaced book that may contain where she wanted her ashes to be scattered. The emotions are there and it’s quite a wild ride she’ll undertake but I was a bit thrown off when this took place during the start of the pandemic. Other than that, readers will enjoy taking another trip with Coyote.
Fans of Percy Jackson will enjoy this first book in a fantasy duology that might be their first introduction to Philippine mythology. Readers may find a lot in common with eleven-year-old Lulu Sinagtala who loves K-Pop and will do anything for her family. Suddenly, she learns there is much more to her world and herself that puts everything she ever knows in danger.
I did find some parts very inconsistent but I will definitely still read the next book.
I’m glad I heard about the Queer Liberation Library and got their free membership to their curated selection through the Libby app. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have heard about this joyous and quirky graphic novel celebrating being Black, being Queer, and just being who you are. Perfect for older fans of Jerry Craft.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
The breakdown is: 3- Adult novels 0- Adult non-fiction 9- Graphic novels 2- Middle Grade novels 24- Picture Books and Board Books 0- Young Adult novels of which 7- Nonfiction Picture Books 2- Audio Books 3- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 4- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators
I reread the Amulet series to fully appreciate the final book in the series. Here were my quick reviews:
#1: The Stonekeeper- Still memorable as I recall how intense the series starts with a car accident. Immediately exciting and cinematic, especially the final scenes. I still recommend Amulet by saying it’s like a video game in book form.
#2: The Stonekeeper’s Curse- New world. New friends. New dangers. An exciting sequel with an amazing fight sequence.
#3: The Cloud Searchers: Loving the expanding world. At the edge of my seat with all the action sequences. Really upping the stakes.
#4: The Last Council- New locations. Secrets. Betrayals. Glad the next books are out already so I don’t have to wait to see what happens next.
#5: Prince of the Elves- Cinematic in scope and execution. There were some truly incredible spreads.
#6: Escape from Lucien- This one had a very different vibe. Storywise, it made sense to shake things up in a way as everything is starting to lead towards the final battle.
#7: Firelight- Wow! Emotional and exhilarating. Reminds me of how excited I was when I was watching the animated X-Men show in the 90’s and the Phoenix Saga storyline was on. Truly fire!
#8: Supernova- This felt like the calm before the storm. Even after rereading the entire series before the final book comes out, I can’t believe it’s all leading to one last showdown.
I appreciated the fact I was surprised by what happened- and what didn’t happen- in this book to wrap the series. I can only presume that this would have been a completely different kind of story had it been released years before and that time kind of dictated what it is. I need to know what other readers think so I can talk about it without spoiling anything.
This board book series is great for providing representations of all types of people coupled in this case with the different ways kids can play. Great backmatter with additional information and questions to engage the reader.
Kiersten White has crafted a spooky middle grade series. Young horror fans will enjoy all the references. A fun and satisfying ending. The audiobooks are great.
For some reason, I got it into my head to read the Quick & Easy Guides series. This was a good introduction to asexuality but reading more on the subject will definitely be beneficial. Luckily, it has good resources at the back of the book.
I have this problem of using the term “guys” as my default when talking to groups of people- like “What are you guys up to?” or “How are you guys doing?”- even when they aren’t guys at all. And when I’ve gone to certain events, I’ve been seeing the use of pronouns being included in name tags. This book is a quick but informative read for anyone middle grade and older who want to get a better understanding of gender pronouns.
For some reason, I got it into my head to read the Quick & Easy Guides series. This was a good and necessary introduction to consent aimed for high schoolers- although consent should be taught at a young age.
For some reason, I got it into my head to read the Quick & Easy Guides series. This was a good introduction dispelling myths and answering some questions regarding sex and disability.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
The balikbayan box, or a box sent to the Philippines by one who lives overseas who’ve filled it with gifts and necessities, is a staple in lots of Philippine households. In this picture book, a little girl helps her mom fill one up with things their relatives may like. But she includes a wish with the delivery that she hopes will come true.
A beautiful celebration of the Asian American- particularly Chinese-American- identity. A much needed positive encouragement of where one came from and what you can accomplish despite the world giving you obstacles to overcome. A problem I had was the section where the destiny was fulfilled in the child. While a nice concept, what pressure that is!
Fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society and City Spies will enjoy this fun paced mystery adventure series featuring a secret group of skilled and gifted students. This first go-around they have to capture a jewel theft and find a way to save their school.
It’s always interesting to see what Olivia gets herself into because the situations are never quite black or white. It was fascinating to see her dad and her complicated relationship with him.
A wonderful picture book biography about an African American cartoonist that wasn’t afraid to use her platform to shine a light on societal injustices that women and people of color faced.
A sweet story of two cousins reuniting after moving many miles apart.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
One of the most unique picture books I’ve read not only this year but of all time. Unexpected. Fun and a bit gruesome. Perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein’s irreverent poems.
Stunning illustrations pair with lyrical text to show the importance of saying a person’s name correctly. Pronunciation guide is included in the back. Would love to hear the audiobook version of this.
Adapted from her autobiography into a picture book that should be included in every inclusive library. I really need to read more about Coretta Scott King because I didn’t realize how much she had done for civil rights. I feel she’s still overshadowed but she was as much of a change maker as her husband.
Dreamy, trippy. If Alice in Wonderland had a dose of Studio Ghibli. It’s really quite interesting how storytelling from other countries differ than here in the US.
The Janus Silang saga continues in the second volume of this graphic novel series adapted from novels for older teens.
It’s an interesting premise mixing computer gaming, supernatural horror and Philippine mythology.
This would probably be better picked up when the entire series is out to avoid forgetting plot lines and to not give up on it. This book was particularly heavy on expositions but I appreciated some of the things they were trying to do.
A delightful epistolary novella- although the ending was a bit rushed. It’s like hanging out with friends who know all the good gossip.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
I can’t believe I’ve been posting every week this past year! In 2024, I’m hoping to post every other week and maybe just reviews of stellar books and/or of noteworthy ones. I also took a break from posting more personal content and maybe I’ll bring that back. Who knows?
In 2023, I’ve read 514 books so far.
The breakdown is: 17- Adult novels 12- Adult non-fiction 56- Graphic novels 90- Middle Grade novels 329- Picture Books and Board Books 12- Young Adult novels of which 72- Nonfiction Picture Books 54- Audio Books 39- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 64- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators
I appreciate Alex Gino’s ability to write about everyday situations featuring people from the LGBTQ+ spectrum. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all go through the same things despite the differences we impose upon ourselves and one another.
This is a refreshing approach to productivity, perfect to read as we head towards a new year.
I listened to it on audiobook but I think I would have gotten more out of it reading a physical copy. Definitely wouldn’t hurt rereading it.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Built to Last by Minh Lê
Signs of Hope: The Revolutionary Art of Sister Corita Kent by Mara Rockliff
The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology: When You Have to Say: “Excuse Me, Mister Monster Sir!” by The Ang Ink Artists Collective
Multo by Cindy Fazzi
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 