Photo by Comfreak on Pixabay
As the second part of our book recommendations list, here are five young adult books written by local authors for our young Filipinos and Filipinas:
- Choco Chip Hips
This story by Agay Llanera tells the story of sixteen-year-old Jessie, as she struggles between her love of baking, eating, and her weight. Join sweet and lovable Jessie as she finds her way back to self-discovery and self-love.
Bonus: Detailed food descriptions, sprinkled with a lot of dancing.
2. Stars in Jars
An anthology written by father-daughter duo Sage and Dean Francis Alfar, and illustrated by Galera Fernandez, Stars in Jars is filled with stories of magic realism, fantasy, and love. Check out this diverse collection written by both a teenage author and a Palanca awardee.
Bonus: Go to this link for more of Dean Francis Alfar’s award-winning works.
3. Anina ng mga Alon
Eugene Y. Evasco’s Filipino-written fiction tells the story of Anina, a young Badjao whose home is invaded by a local war. In order to escape poverty and violence, she travels to Manila and finds herself in a confusing city without the company of the sea or the songs of her people.
Bonus: Enrich your vocabulary by skimming through the glossary of Badjao words at the back of the book!
4. Catch a Falling Star
Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo writes several short stories spanning from grade school to high school. Grow with Trissy as she navigates her young life around the 60’s in a middle-class family and a Catholic school run by nuns.
Bonus: Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo has also produced travel writing, personal essays, and a novel. Check them out here.
Patricia Li is a frequent contributor to Familywise Asia and Workwise Asia. She loves to read and write, and tries to incorporate this in her career.
