We Belong
by Cookie Hiponia Everman (Author)
An extraordinarily beautiful novel-in-verse, this important debut weaves a dramatic immigrant story together with Pilipino mythology to create something wholly new.
Stella and Luna know that their mama, Elsie, came from the Philippines when she was a child, but they don't know much else. So one night they ask her to tell them her story. As they get ready for bed, their mama spins two tales: that of her youth as a strong-willed middle child and immigrant; and that of the young life of Mayari, the mythical daughter of a god.
Both are tales of sisterhood and motherhood, and of the difficult experience of trying to fit into a new culture, and having to fight for a home and acceptance. Glorious and layered, this is a portrait of family and strength for the ages.
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Publishers Weekly
Filipino mythology beautifully intertwines a personal immigration story in this free verse novel. Half-Filipino, half-white Stella, nine, and her younger sister Luna request a bedtime story from their mother, Elsie Aguila. Elsie tells the Tagalog myth of Mayari, goddess of the moon, and her siblings, Apolaki and Tala--god and goddess of the sun and stars--who were raised on Earth until the death of their mother. There they learn their father is Bathala Maykapal, Great Creator God; they must leave Earth with only a few belongings to follow their father to Heaven, where they struggle to assimilate. Mirroring the myth, Elsie and her family are forced to leave their homeland during the violence of Ferdinand Marcos's presidency, "tak only what can carry" to the U.S. in a 50-pound suitcase. Deeply poignant, at times involving trauma, the tales are relayed in blue and black type, picking up where the last leaves off in alternating chapters. Infusing the heart of Pinoy culture into a moving, accessible bedtime narrative, this "story of outsiders" will resonate with anyone who has felt estranged in the place they call home. Ages 10-up. Agent: Sarah Burnes, the Gernert Co. (Mar.)
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Gr 4 Up--Sisters Stella and Luna ask their mother, Elsie, for a story one night before bed. Elsie shares with them two stories that weave together and complement each other. First, she tells the story of Dalisay, mother of three demigods; second, the story of Elsie's own childhood and mother who was abusive. Because of this, Elsie found herself always searching for other, better, mothers in stories. Told in verse, mixing Tagalog and English, the plot takes place through flashbacks and current moments. This sweet tale jumps around between Elsie's childhood in the Philippines, her eventual move and adjusting to life in the United States, Filipino culture and mythology, and present-day moments between mother and daughters. A glossary of Tagalog words used is included in the back of the book. VERDICT Everman's debut tackles timely topics such as immigration, and something that all adults and kids yearn for: a sense of belonging. A short, charming tale perfect for easing students into middle grade and longer chapter books.--Alicia Kalan, The Northwest Sch., Seattle
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
JUV012060 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Asian
Folklore
Novels in verse
Sisters
Mothers and daughters
Philippines
Filipino Americans
