I created a Twitter thread of my Filipino Reads this year. You can find it here if you’re interested.
Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sweet story that follows a young girl counting down the days until she’s reunited with her dad as she settles in her new home and remembering when she still lived in the Philippines.
A Year of Good News by Martin Smatana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is like if you printed your Instagram feed if you followed all good news paired with fabric art. I think it’s a good book to have. A QR code allows readers to read more about each story.
Last Flight by Kristen Mai Giang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Based on the author’s childhood, this picture book recounts a harrowing time when families were trying to flee during the fall of Saigon.
Big by Vashti Harrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An empowering book about being brave, standing up for oneself, and finding one’s voice to speak up when other people’s words hurt you.
Rainbow Hands by Mamta Nainy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A nice enough picture book about being free to express yourself even if it’s not “the norm.”
Every Body: A First Conversation about Bodies by Megan Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I appreciated most about it is all the backmatter material to help facilitate conversations about body positivity and body liberation.
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Megan Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great book to bring up the topic about gender identity to young kids. What I appreciated most about it is all the backmatter material to help facilitate the conversation which I’m sure some if not most adults find difficult.
Aaron Slater and the Sneaky Snake by Andrea Beaty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Questioneers are together again this time helping Rosie’s zookeeper uncle make sure the zoo doesn’t get shut down due to some misinformed citizens.
Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms by Maya Prasad
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A fun new early chapter book series that includes a young Indian American girl into science (like her entire family) with a big imagination. Hopefully kids who like Magic Tree House will give this one a try.
She Persisted: Kalpana Chawla by Raakhee Mirchandani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great addition to the series. I always enjoy the ones about people I wasn’t familiar with.
When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lại
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was surprised to find out about this book. I couldn’t wait to read it. As I suspected, it was well-written. Unfortunately, maybe because I hyped it up or maybe because I loved Inside Out and Back Again or maybe because I was in the wrong headspace, I didn’t really resonate with the book as much.
You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m glad I finally read this anthology. It’s a cool premise of twelve different kids who cross paths in the Chicago airport. I really appreciated the diversity shown within these different cultures and background. I did get anxious reading some (ok, most) of the stories because the racism and ignorance the characters had to endure aren’t things of the past. I thought not knowing who wrote which story (although one can guess) was a cool approach.
The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo: Meet the Dark Creatures from Philippines Mythology by Budjette Tan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Older fans of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark will love the illustrations in this field guide of monsters and supernatural creatures from the Philippines.
The Man in the McIntosh Suit by Rina Ayuyang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My personal challenge to read more Filipino books has definitely led me to works and styles that I normally wouldn’t pick up otherwise. This noir graphic novel was a great example taking place in Depression era California from the fields to the Bay Area. It took me awhile to get used to the style but I ended up appreciating the twists and turns and how the story unfolded. I also liked the surprising yet not spoilery LGBTQ+ content.
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.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 
Thanks for some new ones, Earl. I bookmarked a few, like You Are Here which sounds great & Being You, Last Flight, & Big. Have a good week ahead!
You Are Here sounds really interesting. I’m not big on anthologies but I like the description of this one.
It looks like you’ve been reading some incredibly cool books lately, Earl! I’m intrigued by You Are Here, Being You, and The Man in the McIntosh Suit. Thanks so much for the thoughtful reviews!
I am just starting You Are Here. Such a great idea for a book.