Built to Last by Minh Lê My rating: 4 of 5 stars Will tug at your heartstrings. Fun story about creativity and not giving up when what you create doesn’t go as planned. Also, a beautiful story about friendship through the years. Signs of Hope: The Revolutionary Art of Sister Corita Kent by Mara Rockliff My rating: 4 of 5 stars A visually stunning picture book about Sister Corita Kent and her unique way of seeing the world. The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology: When You Have to Say: “Excuse Me, Mister Monster Sir!” by The Ang Ink Artists Collective My rating: 4 of 5 stars A collection of ..read more

Blogging this year has been difficult for some reason even though I’ve decided to do it only every other week. This was coming from being able to do a weekly post consistently all of last year. But, last year, I think I also decided not to write about my personal life (not that I had much to write about) or my goals so maybe I feel like I haven’t been connecting as much as I want in this platform. But I love this (IMWAYR) community and I love talking about books so I think I’ll go back to sharing more of myself on here. Even typing that up has been sort of therapeutic and I did remember that ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 113 books so far. The breakdown is: 7- Adult novels 1- Adult non-fiction 18- Graphic novels 14- Middle Grade novels 67- Picture Books and Board Books 6- Young Adult novels of which 15- Nonfiction Picture Books 15- Audio Books 7- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 22- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators Our Nipa Hut: A Story in the Philippines by Rachell Abalos My rating: 4 of 5 stars Readers who enjoyed Virginia Lee Burton’s The Little House and Phoebe Wahl’s The Blue House will want to pick up Our Nipa Hut as the dwelling is as much of a character as the ..read more

Exactly as Planned by Tao Nyeu My rating: 4 of 5 stars Reversible books seem to be a trend nowadays. In this one, two friends are about to meet up but they each encounter a series of obstacles that changes the result of their get together. Wherever You Go by Alexandra Penfold My rating: 4 of 5 stars Someone Just Like You by Helen Docherty My rating: 4 of 5 stars Kind of like a mash up of Bodies Are Cool and This Is How We Do It, this inclusive picture books promotes empathy by showing what we may have in common from those who may not look like us. This would make a perfect baby shower or grad ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 74 books so far. The breakdown is: 5- Adult novels 0- Adult non-fiction 17- Graphic novels 7- Middle Grade novels 40- Picture Books and Board Books 5- Young Adult novels of which 14- Nonfiction Picture Books 8- Audio Books 5- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 17- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today? by Lindz Amer My rating: 4 of 5 stars This was a refreshingly exuberant way to talk about pronouns and finding the one(s) that’ll fit. Hilo Book 10: Rise of the Cat: by Judd Winick My rating: 4 o ..read more

What’s New, Daniel? by Micha Archer My rating: 4 of 5 stars Readers will once again enjoy seeing and experiencing the world through Daniel’s eyes this time prompted by a simple question. Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans My rating: 3 of 5 stars Based on the author’s personal experiences, this beautiful story of resilience and family will resonate with many readers. The illustrations are gorgeous. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo My rating: 4 of 5 stars I decided to read this because we were having a Grandparents Day Celebration at work. This was a super touching story about a boy visiting ..read more

In 2024, I’ve read 38 books so far. The breakdown is: 3- Adult novels 0- Adult non-fiction 9- Graphic novels 2- Middle Grade novels 24- Picture Books and Board Books 0- Young Adult novels of which 7- Nonfiction Picture Books 2- Audio Books 3- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 4- Books by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators I reread the Amulet series to fully appreciate the final book in the series. Here were my quick reviews: #1: The Stonekeeper- Still memorable as I recall how intense the series starts with a car accident. Immediately exciting and cinematic, especially the final s ..read more

Box of Dreams by Faith Kazmi My rating: 4 of 5 stars The balikbayan box, or a box sent to the Philippines by one who lives overseas who’ve filled it with gifts and necessities, is a staple in lots of Philippine households. In this picture book, a little girl helps her mom fill one up with things their relatives may like. But she includes a wish with the delivery that she hopes will come true. Whose Footprints Are These? by Gerda Muller My rating: 4 of 5 stars A fun wordless picture book that will encourage readers to think about whatever exactly happened on each page. I Am Golden by Eva Chen ..read more

Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris My rating: 4 of 5 stars One of the most unique picture books I’ve read not only this year but of all time. Unexpected. Fun and a bit gruesome. Perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein’s irreverent poems. Love Is My Favorite Color by Nina Laden My rating: 4 of 5 stars Worth reading if you need a bit of positivity in your life. Felt like a nice hug. Say My Name by Joanna Ho My rating: 3 of 5 stars Stunning illustrations pair with lyrical text to show the importance of saying a person’s name correctly. Pronunciation guide is included in the back. Would love to hear the a ..read more

Happy New Year! Before we get to the reviews, I wanted to let everyone know I shared my favorite books of 2023 here. I can’t believe I’ve been posting every week this past year! In 2024, I’m hoping to post every other week and maybe just reviews of stellar books and/or of noteworthy ones. I also took a break from posting more personal content and maybe I’ll bring that back. Who knows? In 2023, I’ve read 514 books so far. The breakdown is: 17- Adult novels 12- Adult non-fiction 56- Graphic novels 90- Middle Grade novels 329- Picture Books and Board Books 12- Young Adult novels of which 72- Non ..read more