Read a (Filipino) Book!
Written by Dr. Therapinay
From children’s to adult books, Check out a few of our Filipino American History Month (FAHM) book picks!
For Filipino American History Month (FAHM), here’s some books to add to your collection by age groups!
Children’s books for ages 0-6 years old:
What’s Developing?
Learning body movements, emotions, about self and others
Play is the “work” - major brain development through play, sensory experiences, and observation.
Emotional regulation through self & connection; understanding attachment figures, what’s familiar & different
Navigating boundaries, safety, healthy touch & care
What’s on our reading list??
Tin Tin Learns Tagalog (3 volumes): Press & listen Tagalog songs with lyrics in Tagalog & English
@littleyellowjeepney & @therapinxy provider Dr. Jocelyn Francisco @joyfrancisco children’s books (note: I know it’s not all the books, and I’m getting my collection going still )
Nipa Hut by Rachell Abalos @rachellabalos (“Our Nipa Hut” note: suggested age is 4-8 years; and my 3 years old is enjoying it, so follow your kids own development for appropriateness)
Mungan & Lola by Justine Villanueva @thepinaypublisher (for shop and more)
Kailani’s Gift by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young @dorinagilmore
Dancing Tinikling by Bobbie Peyton @bobbie.peyton
Jack & Agyu by Justine Villanueva @thepinaypublisher
Bayani Book Series: Andres Bonifacio, Lapu Lapu, Jose Rizal, Gabriela Silang @bayaniart @robin.kitana @tataponsi @aaronjurelll (Note: this book is in my listed 3-6 years, but I started these when mine was 2 years old! So follow your kids own development for appropriateness)
Children’s books for ages 7-10 years old:
What’s Developing?
Knowledge about self: interests, hobbies, friendships
Navigating social dynamics at school and at home
Puberty: physical growth, emotional development with mood swings; more awareness about one's body image
Spotlight Effect: psychological phenomenon where people believe they are being noticed, evaluated, or judged more than they are
Personal Fable: Belief that they are special and unique, so much so that none of life's difficulties or problems will affect them regardless of their behavior
What’s on our reading list??
The Great Lives Series: Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Juan Luna, Andres Bonifacio, José Rizal, Gabriela Silang. These are from the Tahanan Books for Young Readers, and makes history accessible for young readers. Each book is written by an established historian or writer, in words simple enough for young people to understand. Each book is illustrated with historical photographs.
A Treasury of Classic Philippine Folk Tales: Earth Tales, Water Tales, Animal Folk Tales, Sky Tales, Legends, & About Fruits. These classic folk tales include stories based on indigenous, regional, and spiritual values that were passed on through the generations. Each book focuses on a specific theme, and gives us a glimpse at the many cultural beliefs and morals we hold as Filipinos. (The Learning Basket: Shop here)
Books for ages adolescents, young adults, and adult readers:
What’s Developing?
Executive Functioning: The frontal lobe is finally developed around 27 years old; this area is home to areas that manage thinking, emotions, personality, judgment, self-control, muscle control and movements, higher-order skills, decision making, memory storage and more!
Establishing identity: navigating emotional stability, relationships, and philosophies in life.
What’s on our reading list??
Nervous by Jen Soriano: In this searing memoir in essays, Soriano, the daughter of a neurosurgeon, journeys to understand the origins of her chronic pain and mental health struggles.
Money Out Loud by Berna Anat: The financial literacy bible for all adolescents and young adults (hell, many adults too may not have been taught these things! no shame in learning [and, as Berna says…] “all the financial stuff no one taught us!”)
I’d Rather Burn than Bloom by Shannon C.F. Rogers: Young Adult novel about healing - moving through grief, forgiveness, and finding one’s place in the world
Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay: A book about intergenerational healing through the lens of fathers, sons, grandsons, and the socio-hitorical and psychological paths one must traverse to find a path forward.
Fairest by Meredith Talusan: A memoir about a precocious boy with albinism, navigating the complexities of race, class sexuality, and he4r place within the gay community. Her evocative reflections shift our perceptions of love, identity, gender, and the fairness of life.