During a family reunion in the Philippines, Mateo deepens his relationship with his father and discovers the concept of bayanihan, which emphasizes community and cooperation. This newfound understanding shapes their lives as they return to the city, highlighting the significance of connection and support in everyday life.
Michelle Sterling Book order
This author delves into the world through the eyes of children, exploring the relationships that shape our lives. Her prose is filled with warmth and understanding, making her books ideal reading for the whole family. Through her stories, she brings a fresh perspective to children's literature, inspiring young readers toward empathy and curiosity.





- 2025
- 2023
Celebrate the special connection between father and daughter in this gorgeously evocative picture book, recounting the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines.
- 2023
The old world is broken. Be part of a better future.
- 2022
Celebrate the Lunar New Year through a young girl's family traditions in this charming picture book featuring illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Dung Ho that also includes a recipe for pineapple cakes!
- 2021
When Lola Visits
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
"For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, and of picking golden limes off the trees. But summer doesn't start until her Lola--her grandmother from the Philippines--comes for her annual visit. When Lola visits, the whole family gathers to cook and eat and share in their happiness of another season spent together"-- Provided by publisher