To help students, teachers, and families celebrate Filipino American History Month, we have selected a few favorite books written by either Filipino or Filipino American authors (with a bonus by a Chinese author). These simple, but powerful stories will not only enrich your classroom library but will foster an inclusive learning environment. We hope you will build empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of Filipino and Filipino American culture and contributions with discussions and activities built around these texts.
Lakas and the Manilatown Fish by Anthony D. Robles
Join Lakas, a young Filipino American boy, as he embarks on an adventure in San Francisco’s Manilatown to find a magical fish that grants wishes. The book highlights Filipino American history and the importance of community. Lakas and the Manilatown Fish introduces students to Filipino American heritage and encourages discussions about historical migration and cultural identity through a story they will love.
Classroom Application: Use the book to explore themes of community and heritage. Have students create their own stories or art about their family’s cultural traditions.
The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
This high-energy, relatable story features a young Filipino American girl who dreams of becoming the hula-hoop champion of her neighborhood. Her story demonstrates the importance of self-confidence, perseverance, and community all while celebrating Filipino American identity.
Classroom Application: Have students reflect on and share about a time they focused their efforts on achieving an important personal goal. Organize a hula-hoop competition or a talent show in which students showcase their unique skills, encouraging self-expression and confidence.
My Dad is a Tree by Marcie L. V. and illustrated by Gigi Alvarado
A poetic and beautifully illustrated book, My Dad is a Tree tells the story of a young Filipino girl named Aria who sees her father as a tree, representing strength, wisdom, and protection. This book offers a unique perspective on family relationships and the symbolic role of cultural traditions.
Classroom Application: Have students draw or write about how they view caring and supportive adults and the symbolic roles they play in their lives.
A Dazzling Display of Dogs by Delia MacDonald and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
This charming book celebrates the diverse breeds of dogs and the special roles they play in people’s lives. The inclusion of Filipino culture through various scenes enriches the narrative. It provides a gentle introduction to diversity and inclusion through the lens of pets, making it accessible and engaging for younger readers.
Classroom Application: Encourage students to create their own stories or drawings about pets and the special roles they play in their lives. Facilitate a discussion in which students make connections between the strengths and assets of the different types of dogs and the various strengths of their friends and family.
A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong and illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang
Although written by a Chinese author, A New Year’s Reunion is celebrated in the Filipino community for its portrayal of New Year’s traditions that resonate with Filipino culture. It tells the touching story of a little girl and her grandfather’s reunion during the Lunar New Year. The book fosters an understanding of Asian New Year traditions and family bonds. It helps students appreciate cultural practices and the value of family connections.
Classroom Application: Explore New Year’s traditions from different cultures and create a class mural or collage depicting various celebrations.
Incorporating these books into your learning this year will not only celebrate Filipino and Filipino American culture but also foster a culturally aware classroom environment rich in empathy and understanding.
In the Phillipines they say, “Sa hulihan ng lahat ng pangarap, may tagumpay.” (At the end of every dream, there is success.) We hope time with these authors and illustrators inspires your children to share dreams of their own.