Maribel’sYear by Michelle Sterling withillustrations by Sarah Gonzales

Ayear can feel like a very long time when you’re missing someone you love. ForMaribel, the year is not only long, it begins in a new country, eight thousandmiles away from her home, and most importantly, her Papa. Month by month,Maribel offers insights into her experiences as she tries to find her place.The struggle feels very real, but Maribel consoles herself with recollectionsthat create sharp contrasts between present and past—gray, rainy March is nomatch for her memories of swimming in the warm sea of the Philippines beneath adazzling canopy of stars. The passing seasons fill her days with hopefulmoments as she makes friends and discovers new-found pleasures in her firstThanksgiving.  But beneath each joy liesa yearning for her heart’s desire. Until… her wish is granted and Papa’sarrival makes home a reality.

Sterling’snarrative is a tender and heart-warming story that brings into clear focus theexperience of new immigrants and offers readers a charming glimpse into Filipinoculture. Maribel’s perspective is honest and simply stated enabling readers toeasily empathize with her experience. What could be more universal than findingone’s way in unfamiliar situations and missing a loved one?

Gonzales’clever artwork is rich in detail. And her use of color reinforces the text byoffering bold contrast between the traditional American landscapes of graywinters and bronze autumns with the vivid tropics of Maribel's homeland.

Recommendedfor home and school libraries.