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Reviewed by: Ashley Poulin, Elementary School Librarian Title: Mabuhay! Author: Zack Sterling Publisher: Graphix
Year: 2022 Good for Grades: 3-8 Genre/Type of Book: Fantasy/Graphic novel
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: no Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: It was a highly reviewed graphic novel featuring a diverse cast of characters. I don't have many books about Filipino American families in the library.
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Review:
Mabuhay is about the Bulans, a Filipino American family with two middle school age children, JJ and Althea. JJ desperately wants to fit in with a cooler crowd, whereas Althea does her own thing, even if it costs her friendships. The two of them are expected to help at their family’s food truck - much to JJ’s extreme embarrassment and Althea’s frustration. The story reads as realistic fiction to start, but has a mythology twist fairly early on. Figures from Filipino folk tales and mythology come to visit the Bulans, and things get a little out of control!
The illustrations are the kind that appeal most to my fourth and fifth graders, with bright, saturated colors. I think it could appeal to mythology fans, in addition to those who typically gravitate towards graphic novels. As someone who works with a lot of English language learners, I appreciated the representation of a family who had immigrated to the United States, especially because both JJ and Althea begin to view their Filipino heritage as an asset by the end of the story.
Number of party hats:
For more information about this book, see the Publisher's Website