Any Day with You

March 15, 2020
Family, folklore, and honors long overdue. Kaia watches as her family plays on the beach in Southern California. She knows this is the last summer before her older sister, Lainey, leaves for her graduation trip to the Philippines and then heads off to college in New York. When her great-grandfather Tatang announces he is moving back to the Philippines, Kaia is shocked. The thought of losing two close confidants at once springs her into action. She will develop her special-effects makeup skills and win a citywide film contest with her friends as a grand sendoff for Tatang. Kaia's focus is on her film, inspired by Filipinx folklore, until she learns that Tatang served in the U.S. military during World War II only to be robbed of promised citizenship and honors. Her strategy then becomes twofold: She continues on the film while filling out an application for Tatang to finally receive a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Kaia's family is originally from the Ilocos region of the Philippines, and tidbits of Filipinx folklore and culture are woven into the story--at times the explanations of these cultural themes impede the narrative flow. However, as she did in The House That Lou Built (2018), Respicio brings another refreshing contemporary glimpse into the Filipinx American experience while exposing the overlooked history and contributions of Filipinos in the U.S. A tale of family relationships and transitions told with plenty of heart. (Fiction. 8-12)

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Starred review from April 1, 2020

Gr 4-6-An authentic, gentle tale of family and the meaning of home. Kaia and her family are devastated when her great-grandfather, Tatang, announces he is leaving California and returning to the Philippines for good. Yet, when Kaia, a budding makeup effects artist, and her talented friends, Abby and Trey, learn of a local film contest, Kaia is sure she can get Tatang to stay. Kaia's love for Tatang and his love for her is felt on every page. Readers will fall in love with Tatang's stories, cheerful attitude, and calming presence. They will cheer on Kaia and her friends as they attempt to make an award-winning Filipino monster movie in an attempt to get Tatang to stay. The story is full of Filipino folklore, history, and cuisine, and the beautiful backdrop of the ocean adds to the story's visual appeal. Kaia's character develops nicely, gaining an understanding that "the heart can have more than one home." The secondary characters all have distinct voices that enhance the narrative. VERDICT A tender #OwnVoices tale that is a must-purchase for all school and public library collections.-Rebecca Fitzgerald, Harrison Public Library, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 20, 2020
Filipina-American Kaia, 12, begins to see her beloved 90-year-old great-grandfather, Tatang, in a new light when he announces that he’ll be moving from their Santa Monica home to live in his homeland year-round. The retired teacher is a source of unwavering encouragement and support for Kaia, and the two often share quiet moments and thoughtful conversations. Intent on dissuading him, the budding digital effects artist enters a beach-themed film competition with her best friends, hoping that winning the contest with a project inspired by Filipino mythology will change his mind. Kaia’s deep respect for and connection with Tatang provides an emotional lens through which to view his youthful experiences, including his immigration to America 60 years prior, internment following the Bataan Death March, and service during WWII. As she comes to understand the meaning behind Tatang’s choices—and the importance of his autonomy—her perception of him expands alongside her awareness of her own strengths and the opportunities available to her. Rich with opportunities for discussion and contemplation, Respicio’s (The House That Lou Built) book offers a heartfelt story about family, embracing change, and the meaning of home. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary.

April 1, 2020
Grades 6-8 Kaia's family has lived with her Tatang Celestino as long as she can remember. She has grown up on her great-grandfather's stories, like the myth of the Bakunawa, the great serpent whose quest to swallow the moon causes eclipses. So when Tatang announces his decision to move back to the Philippines to live out his final days, Kaia's world is rocked. To soften the blow, Tatang presents Kaia with an opportunity to help him say goodbye to the country where he has lived for decades. As they tick off the items on his list together, Kaia learns just how deep Tatang's love for her is. Respicio has written an amazingly earnest novel for young readers, focusing on the relationship between generations that is a hallmark of Filipino culture. Through the narrative device of a film competition, the reader follows Kaia on her emotional journey from trying to convince Tatang to stay to finally letting go and accepting his decision. Inspiring and heartfelt, this book will leave readers with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)