Written by Michelle Sterling, Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
This book is like a love letter to the country of the Philippines. In the story, Maribel and her mother have moved to a new country while her father, who will join them later, remains in the Philippines. Month by month, Maribel chronicles her activities in her new home while describing what her family would be doing in their old home or what her father is currently doing. Their reunion in December is truly joyous. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and heartwarming. It is the perfect book for a lesson about diverse cultures and perspectives. It teaches its reader to have empathy for those who leave family behind and to understand the difficulties they may be facing. My only wish was for a glossary defining the different words used from the Philippines.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in November 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades: K-3
Maribel’s Year
Written by Michelle Sterling, Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
40 pages
Release Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780063114357
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
