I visited a new children’s bookstore in Camas, Washington, which you can read about here.
This week, I’ll be sharing all Filipino books I’ve read this month. Ideally, with each Goodreads review, I was going to include a link to Bookshop.org or Libro.fm but I barely had the time and energy to do this!
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky And Other Classic Philippine Legends by Maria Elena PaternoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
My #FilipinoReads feature for August is The Girl who Fell from the Sky and Other Classic Philippine Legends as told by Maria Elena Paterno and illustrated by Albert Gamos.
This is a collection of eight stories that tell the origins of certain places (islands, mountains, etc.) all over the Philippines.
I’m tempted to buy the entire set of this series retelling various myths and legends from the Philippines.
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Doña Esmeralda, Who Ate Everything by Melissa de la CruzMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A fun and interesting (and slightly less traumatic) take on Nick Joaquin’s “Lilit Bulilit and the Babe-in-the-Womb.” I highly recommend reading the author’s note in the back of the book to learn more about the similarities but, in this picture book, Doña Esmeralda is a tiny woman who has a big hairdo and likes to eat kids’ unwanted food through a straw. She’s fine with it until she wants more- and better food. I enjoyed all the Philippines references (since it’s supposed to take place there). I wish the illustrations were a bit different, though.
Includes a recipe for lumpia.
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Surely Surely Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada KellyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
List-loving Marisol Rainey is back and, this time, having to face one of her least favorite things in the world- kickball.
The more I read of Marisol, the more I appreciate the character- the way she deals with her worries and her fears. There’s a wonderful supporting cast of characters to help her including a best friend who loves learning different languages and a classmate who claims he can talk to animals.
My favorite parts were when Erin Entrada Kelly shouts out other writer either in her text or in her illustrations- including another Filipino author Mia P. Manansala.
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Fierce Filipina: Inspired by the Life of Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio by Maxie Villavicencio PulliamMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This picture book biography shines a light on an unknown- at least, to me- hero of the Philippine Revolution, Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio, written by her great-great-granddaughter.
Able to see beyond the privilege her family’s wealth- and her light skin- afforded her, she helped fight against the cruel Spanish colonizers who were denying the Filipino people their freedom in their own country.
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One Hundred Percent Me by Renee Macalino RutledgeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A positive affirmation of celebrating being mixed race and being whole and complete and unique as oneself.
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The Angel of Santo Tomas: The Story of Fe del Mundo by Tammy YeeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sometimes I like to type in “Filipino” in a library catalog’s search bar and see what comes up. I normally wouldn’t have known this book existed if I didn’t do so. I wouldn’t have known about this pediatric pioneer from the Philippines.
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Halina Filipina by Arnold ArreMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this Filipino rom-com graphic novel. It may seem like a light fluffy read but the story will stay with you.
And, while some may argue that it’s a bit predictable, it’s still an enjoyable read.
Halina is a Fil-Am visiting the Philippines trying to connect with her roots. She runs into down-on-his-luck and disillusioned writer Cris. Together, they form a friendship neither of them were anticipating.
A sweet story of finding one’s identity and finding love when you least expect it.
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Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 
I shared the new Marisol book today, too, Earl, & learned about lumpia. Yes, it’s good! Thanks for the others & taking the time to post!
It’s so fun that you got to visit a new children’s bookstore, Earl! And all of these books look delightful—One Hundred Percent Me is on my list, and I keep hearing great things about Surely Surely Marisol Rainey as well. Thanks so much for the wonderful post!
I’ve heard such great things about the new Marisol book. I really need to read it. The others are new to me and sound very interesting. Have a great reading week!
Lots of these were new to me, so thanks for sharing them. I knew of the most recent Marisol book and that reminded me that I have a couple of her books to read now. Thanks for the post.