What do you think?
Rate this book
Any Day with You
A story about a creative girl who hopes that by winning a filmmaking contest, she'll convince her great-grandfather not to move back home to the Philippines.
Kaia and her family live near the beach in California, where the fun of moviemaking is all around them. Kaia loves playing with makeup and creating special effects, turning her friends into merfolk and other magical creatures.
This summer, Kaia and her friends are part of a creative arts camp, where they're working on a short movie to enter in a contest. The movie is inspired by the Filipino folktales that her beloved Tatang, her great-grandfather, tells. Tatang lives with her family and is like the sparkle of her special-effects makeup. When Tatang decides that it is time to return to his homeland in the Philippines, Kaia will do anything to convince him not to go.
Kaia and her family live near the beach in California, where the fun of moviemaking is all around them. Kaia loves playing with makeup and creating special effects, turning her friends into merfolk and other magical creatures.
This summer, Kaia and her friends are part of a creative arts camp, where they're working on a short movie to enter in a contest. The movie is inspired by the Filipino folktales that her beloved Tatang, her great-grandfather, tells. Tatang lives with her family and is like the sparkle of her special-effects makeup. When Tatang decides that it is time to return to his homeland in the Philippines, Kaia will do anything to convince him not to go.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2020
25 people are currently reading
1264 people want to read
About the author
Mae Respicio
36 books115 followersMae Respicio writes heart-filled middle grade novels including The House That Lou Built, which won an Asian Pacific American Libraries Association Honor Award in Children's Literature, was an NPR Best Book, and was named to many "best of" and state reading lists, Any Day With You (out now), and How to Win A Slime War (out fall 2021). Find her at www.maerespicio.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 25, 2021
This is a book that changed my life - it will always be special to me. I read it in one sitting while taking a bath, and it gave me the strength I needed to come out to my grandparents - I literally visited them immediately after. I had been wanting to tell them I'm non-binary, but I was scared, but after reading this, I was just filled with wanting them to really know them because we've always been close. I'm very happy about this, because it went really well!!
Of course this isn't really a review but more my personal story with the book - the story itself is so heartwarming and it's exactly why I genuinely think middlegrade tends to have the most genuine and profound and important books. It taught me a lot about kindness and about how important family can be.
Of course this isn't really a review but more my personal story with the book - the story itself is so heartwarming and it's exactly why I genuinely think middlegrade tends to have the most genuine and profound and important books. It taught me a lot about kindness and about how important family can be.
September 7, 2021
3.25 stars
What I Liked
-The summer-y feel
-Perfect summer to fall read
-Heartwarming great grandpa-great grandaughter relationship
-Readers will learn lots about Fillipino culture
-The ending was sweet
What I Disliked
-The characters felt two dimensional
-Unrealistic dialogue
-Writing was a bit confusing
-Not much happens in the book -- slow paced
More detailed reviews on https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/ !
What I Liked
-The summer-y feel
-Perfect summer to fall read
-Heartwarming great grandpa-great grandaughter relationship
-Readers will learn lots about Fillipino culture
-The ending was sweet
What I Disliked
-The characters felt two dimensional
-Unrealistic dialogue
-Writing was a bit confusing
-Not much happens in the book -- slow paced
More detailed reviews on https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/ !
January 19, 2021
More people need to read this! Thank you Yade for recommending this wonderful book to me 💜
May 5, 2020
Full review and an interview with Mae Respicio on my blog! Click here for the interview and review
Thank you to Random House Kids and Mae Respicio for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.
My great grandfather was also a soldier during World War II, although the difference between me and Kaia was that Tatang survived, and my grandfather passed away during the death march. And reading Any Day With You just reminded me of how my grandfather would tell me stories about his father and himself during those times, about how difficult they were, and how he traded the chicken they were raising for some rice to the Japanese soldiers.
Any Day With You is so very Filipino, you will feel it in your bones while you're reading it. From the family dynamics to Kaia's personality, I understood her completely and resonated with her on such a deep level. And family is so important to Filipinos that the relationship in the book is just so beautiful and accurate. I also enjoyed how tweens are portrayed now, especially with being supportive of what they want when they grow up.
I wish my goddaughter was big enough so I can read to her this book. She's also Filipino (both parents) but is born and being raised in Australia. I was just talking to her mother today about how important it was for my goddaughter to learn Tagalog and for her to know and appreciate her heritage and this book completely resonates with that.
Definitely a must read for everyone who wants to know more about Filipino culture.
Thank you to Random House Kids and Mae Respicio for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.
My great grandfather was also a soldier during World War II, although the difference between me and Kaia was that Tatang survived, and my grandfather passed away during the death march. And reading Any Day With You just reminded me of how my grandfather would tell me stories about his father and himself during those times, about how difficult they were, and how he traded the chicken they were raising for some rice to the Japanese soldiers.
Any Day With You is so very Filipino, you will feel it in your bones while you're reading it. From the family dynamics to Kaia's personality, I understood her completely and resonated with her on such a deep level. And family is so important to Filipinos that the relationship in the book is just so beautiful and accurate. I also enjoyed how tweens are portrayed now, especially with being supportive of what they want when they grow up.
I wish my goddaughter was big enough so I can read to her this book. She's also Filipino (both parents) but is born and being raised in Australia. I was just talking to her mother today about how important it was for my goddaughter to learn Tagalog and for her to know and appreciate her heritage and this book completely resonates with that.
Definitely a must read for everyone who wants to know more about Filipino culture.
April 1, 2020
I love this book!!!
June 9, 2021
3.5 rounded up
Hello cuteness! Any Day with You was a light-hearted middle grade novel about artistry, family, and storytelling. I loved the tender relationship between Tatang and his family and how he interacts a bit differently with each family member. Kaia is an artistic, talented kid who will inspire other kids to think outside of the box and explore fine arts. And based on other reviews I’ve seen, she’s inspiring older readers to embrace themselves and follow their dreams. What a special book!
Kaia’s family is so beautifully Filipino. The author is careful to include specific foods, stories, words, and traditions that will remind Own Voices readers of their families and will hopefully bring comfort and nostalgia to them. It’s so great seeing books like these on shelves, knowing that underrepresented cultures are having their chance to shine and connect with others.
This book handles disappointments well. It shows that things don’t always work out according to our hopes and I think that’s important for readers to see. Kaia doesn’t get everything she wants at the end of the novel but she finds peace with the compromises.
Any Day with You is comforting and fun, not too hard-hitting like some middle grade. It’s full of beaches, delicious food, makeup, and celebration. A joy to read!
content warnings for: discussion around aging and death, mentions of war and war crimes.
Hello cuteness! Any Day with You was a light-hearted middle grade novel about artistry, family, and storytelling. I loved the tender relationship between Tatang and his family and how he interacts a bit differently with each family member. Kaia is an artistic, talented kid who will inspire other kids to think outside of the box and explore fine arts. And based on other reviews I’ve seen, she’s inspiring older readers to embrace themselves and follow their dreams. What a special book!
Kaia’s family is so beautifully Filipino. The author is careful to include specific foods, stories, words, and traditions that will remind Own Voices readers of their families and will hopefully bring comfort and nostalgia to them. It’s so great seeing books like these on shelves, knowing that underrepresented cultures are having their chance to shine and connect with others.
This book handles disappointments well. It shows that things don’t always work out according to our hopes and I think that’s important for readers to see. Kaia doesn’t get everything she wants at the end of the novel but she finds peace with the compromises.
Any Day with You is comforting and fun, not too hard-hitting like some middle grade. It’s full of beaches, delicious food, makeup, and celebration. A joy to read!
content warnings for: discussion around aging and death, mentions of war and war crimes.
September 1, 2020
I love this book!!!!!
July 19, 2020
Similar to When You Trap a Tiger (though here the Filipino creatures stay where they belong, in stories) and Yumi Chung.
My dad e-mailed me today — he has writerly aspirations and has been putting down memories of his parents—asking “If I write a memoir, should I tell the whole truth [or]. . . make up a pleasant story? [The question] is a serious one for Koreans, because the millenium-old, Confucian, pride-driven culture dictates that only glorious parts about their ancestors and families are to be spoken of.”
I don’t know whether it’s that these authors are writing from their own rose-tinted perspective as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, or whether it is the current climate and pressures of kids lit, but I preferred the truth of Ha’s Almost American Girl to these pleasant stories.
My dad e-mailed me today — he has writerly aspirations and has been putting down memories of his parents—asking “If I write a memoir, should I tell the whole truth [or]. . . make up a pleasant story? [The question] is a serious one for Koreans, because the millenium-old, Confucian, pride-driven culture dictates that only glorious parts about their ancestors and families are to be spoken of.”
I don’t know whether it’s that these authors are writing from their own rose-tinted perspective as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, or whether it is the current climate and pressures of kids lit, but I preferred the truth of Ha’s Almost American Girl to these pleasant stories.
March 8, 2022
3.5 stars. It got better as it went and was a refreshing read about family, Filipino culture, and intergenerational relationships. However, the plot was predictable and the dialogue was cheesy.
May 28, 2020
I love how middle-grade novels never fail to fill my heart with warmth. I’m so glad I got to read Any Day With You, because inspite of being a book for young people, it deals with certain incidents that all of us can learn from.
I’ve not read a lot of books from Asian Literature, so I was really looking forward to reading this book, being from Asia myself. Any Day With You showcased a truly beautiful side of Asian culture and how family is such a huge part of our lives. I loved reading about Kaia’s family. The relationship that she shared with her family members, specially with her Tatang (her great-grandfather) made the book such a happy read for me. I was hoping for more scenes with Kaia and her sister Lainey, but it’s fine. It was fascinating to read about the Filipino culture and customs too. 
Kaia was a really lovable main character. I loved how confident she was and how she chose to work hard for expressing her talent. Kaia’s best friends, Abby and Trey added their own charms to the story too. The friendship that they shared was so adorable! Their combined determination to win the film-making contest, inspite of being just seventh graders was really inspiring.
Sometimes you’ve to be apart from people you truly love to be close to them even more , and this book reflected this aspect perfectly.

These are some of my favorite quotes from the book :
1) ” 🌻 But you know it doesn’t matter how we spend our time together. I love any day with you. “
2) ” 🌻 We carry a place with us ~ I think that means your roots stay planted somewhere deep inside you no matter where you live. ”
3) ” 🌻 No matter where we are, we all exist under the same sky. Even when we’re apart, we’re still with each other. ”
4) ” 🌻 Sometimes things get hard – but they won’t always be that way. ”
5) ” 🌻 Like the ocean, the sun never stops. It slips away, but it always comes up again and is something we can forever count on. ”
6) ” 🌻 Sometimes life shifts, and even though we don’t have an explanation for why, we have to go with the flow and find ways to accept it. ”
7) ” 🌻A rainbow is often seen when the sun shines just after it has rained. When things get hard, they always get better. We’ll try again. ”
8) " 🌻 I see sunshine everywhere I turn. "
If you want a fluffy and happy read, do pick it up!
I’ve not read a lot of books from Asian Literature, so I was really looking forward to reading this book, being from Asia myself. Any Day With You showcased a truly beautiful side of Asian culture and how family is such a huge part of our lives. I loved reading about Kaia’s family. The relationship that she shared with her family members, specially with her Tatang (her great-grandfather) made the book such a happy read for me. I was hoping for more scenes with Kaia and her sister Lainey, but it’s fine. It was fascinating to read about the Filipino culture and customs too. 
Kaia was a really lovable main character. I loved how confident she was and how she chose to work hard for expressing her talent. Kaia’s best friends, Abby and Trey added their own charms to the story too. The friendship that they shared was so adorable! Their combined determination to win the film-making contest, inspite of being just seventh graders was really inspiring.
Sometimes you’ve to be apart from people you truly love to be close to them even more , and this book reflected this aspect perfectly.

These are some of my favorite quotes from the book :
1) ” 🌻 But you know it doesn’t matter how we spend our time together. I love any day with you. “
2) ” 🌻 We carry a place with us ~ I think that means your roots stay planted somewhere deep inside you no matter where you live. ”
3) ” 🌻 No matter where we are, we all exist under the same sky. Even when we’re apart, we’re still with each other. ”
4) ” 🌻 Sometimes things get hard – but they won’t always be that way. ”
5) ” 🌻 Like the ocean, the sun never stops. It slips away, but it always comes up again and is something we can forever count on. ”
6) ” 🌻 Sometimes life shifts, and even though we don’t have an explanation for why, we have to go with the flow and find ways to accept it. ”
7) ” 🌻A rainbow is often seen when the sun shines just after it has rained. When things get hard, they always get better. We’ll try again. ”
8) " 🌻 I see sunshine everywhere I turn. "
If you want a fluffy and happy read, do pick it up!
June 11, 2021
a very happy + fun read! 💛
so cute. i love love love tatang. so wholesome ☺️
enjoyed the #ownvoices rep of a Filipino family! i want more of these.
if it feels too middle grade, don’t give up on this one for the first few chapters, it gets better :)
such a well-rounded story! ups + downs, deep thoughts + light adventures.
amazing job, mae respicio 👏
so cute. i love love love tatang. so wholesome ☺️
enjoyed the #ownvoices rep of a Filipino family! i want more of these.
if it feels too middle grade, don’t give up on this one for the first few chapters, it gets better :)
such a well-rounded story! ups + downs, deep thoughts + light adventures.
amazing job, mae respicio 👏
March 7, 2020
I absolutely adored Kaia's story. First of all, the family was just fantastic. Kaia's mom in a professor in Asian American studies at UCLA. Her dad is a special effects animator at a movie studio. Kaia's sister Lainey has just graduated from high school and is headed to college to become a doctor. Which is intimidating for Kaia, whose dream is to be a special effects makeup artist. Her entire family supports her dream and encourages her to follow her passion. Perhaps the most special family member is Tatang, Kaia's great grandfather. He is the type of character that every reader comes to love and to learn from. He is adventurous and wise. "Where are your feet at?" will be forever stuck in my head after reading this book. I wish I could be a part of Kaia's wonderful family, and for a while in this book I could.
It is understandable that when Tatang announces he is moving back to the Phillipines at the end of the summer, Kaia tries to think of everything she can to stop him. She finally settles on a plan to make a film for the summer's film festival using Philippine mythology, one of Tatang's favorite stories to tell specifically. Her plan is to win and convince him to stay by walking to red carpet. I love that this book shows Kaia and her friends working to make a film, including all of the struggles they encounter. My classes for the last few years have worked to make films for a local film festival, so I could relate and I know many students can as well. I loved learning more Phillipine mythology. Most importantly, I love that Kaia comes to understand how Tatang could love California, where he moved to give his family a better life and where his great grandchildren are, and also love the home he left so many years before.
From a teaching standpoint, this is a perfect middle grade book. Kaia and her friends are getting ready to start 7th grade which is appealing to students ready for an older protagonist, yet the story is told compactly and the ARC comes in at 215 pages with white space and illustrations on many pages. It is exciting to find middle grade books that I know my fourth graders can read and will love, but will also appeal to students for years to come as well. All around, Mae Respicio is becoming one of my favorite authors! #LitReviewCrew
It is understandable that when Tatang announces he is moving back to the Phillipines at the end of the summer, Kaia tries to think of everything she can to stop him. She finally settles on a plan to make a film for the summer's film festival using Philippine mythology, one of Tatang's favorite stories to tell specifically. Her plan is to win and convince him to stay by walking to red carpet. I love that this book shows Kaia and her friends working to make a film, including all of the struggles they encounter. My classes for the last few years have worked to make films for a local film festival, so I could relate and I know many students can as well. I loved learning more Phillipine mythology. Most importantly, I love that Kaia comes to understand how Tatang could love California, where he moved to give his family a better life and where his great grandchildren are, and also love the home he left so many years before.
From a teaching standpoint, this is a perfect middle grade book. Kaia and her friends are getting ready to start 7th grade which is appealing to students ready for an older protagonist, yet the story is told compactly and the ARC comes in at 215 pages with white space and illustrations on many pages. It is exciting to find middle grade books that I know my fourth graders can read and will love, but will also appeal to students for years to come as well. All around, Mae Respicio is becoming one of my favorite authors! #LitReviewCrew
May 21, 2021
What a warm, entertaining read!
In middle grade, I'm looking for mostly slice-of-life with a side dish of heartwarming feelings, and this book delivered on both of those counts. The plot centers around making a short film for a festival, which manages to feel high-stakes without losing the fun factor. You want the characters to succeed, but you aren't so invested you can't laugh along with their minor difficulties. Woven throughout is a more emotional story about Kaia's relationship with her great-grandfather, which pulls your heartstrings enough to add real feeling to an otherwise fluffy story.
I cared about all the character relationships and enjoyed spending time in this world with them. Reading this book feels warm and fun. Additionally, Kaia's Filipino heritage is vital to the story and to her character, which is always important to see but even more so in children's literature.
I just wished the story were less predictable. It was pretty clear to me from the beginning the way both plotlines were going to wrap up and how we were going to get there. Even so, I didn't find the ending very satisfying.
Even so, this book is very well-written and entertaining to read. Recommended for all fans of middle-grade.
In middle grade, I'm looking for mostly slice-of-life with a side dish of heartwarming feelings, and this book delivered on both of those counts. The plot centers around making a short film for a festival, which manages to feel high-stakes without losing the fun factor. You want the characters to succeed, but you aren't so invested you can't laugh along with their minor difficulties. Woven throughout is a more emotional story about Kaia's relationship with her great-grandfather, which pulls your heartstrings enough to add real feeling to an otherwise fluffy story.
I cared about all the character relationships and enjoyed spending time in this world with them. Reading this book feels warm and fun. Additionally, Kaia's Filipino heritage is vital to the story and to her character, which is always important to see but even more so in children's literature.
I just wished the story were less predictable. It was pretty clear to me from the beginning the way both plotlines were going to wrap up and how we were going to get there. Even so, I didn't find the ending very satisfying.
Even so, this book is very well-written and entertaining to read. Recommended for all fans of middle-grade.
March 31, 2021
I think the reason I love middle grade books so much is because they’re so hopeful. Any Day with You is about a girl named Kaia whose tatang, her great-grandfather has recently decided to move back to his native Philippines. Kaia, is devastated and tells herself that if she wins a movie competition he’ll stay in California with her.
This book was primarily about family and home and how those we love are with us even if we live halfway around the world. It was so good and I loved all of the messages in it.
Kaia got on my nerves a bit, but I think that’s part about what made her such a dynamic character, is that she wanted to her tatang to stay and she told herself that winning something would make him. It was so sad to read her struggle with this but I loved the way she was able to overcome such thoughts.
This book was a bit short, there wasn’t a whole lot of exposition and a lot of plot points like the grandfather’s experiences in WWII weren’t really fleshed out. I would have liked to see more but as this is a middle grade book, I think the author made the right choice.
I love middle grade books, but I will admit that this one was on the bit of the younger side, still good but very simplistic. Kaia and tatang were the only characters who were super developed. I loved how Kaia wanted to go into the movie industry, reading about her love of makeup and art was so fun!
Regardless, I really enjoyed this book. It was so wholesome and hopeful.
🎥🇵🇭💋
This book was primarily about family and home and how those we love are with us even if we live halfway around the world. It was so good and I loved all of the messages in it.
Kaia got on my nerves a bit, but I think that’s part about what made her such a dynamic character, is that she wanted to her tatang to stay and she told herself that winning something would make him. It was so sad to read her struggle with this but I loved the way she was able to overcome such thoughts.
This book was a bit short, there wasn’t a whole lot of exposition and a lot of plot points like the grandfather’s experiences in WWII weren’t really fleshed out. I would have liked to see more but as this is a middle grade book, I think the author made the right choice.
I love middle grade books, but I will admit that this one was on the bit of the younger side, still good but very simplistic. Kaia and tatang were the only characters who were super developed. I loved how Kaia wanted to go into the movie industry, reading about her love of makeup and art was so fun!
Regardless, I really enjoyed this book. It was so wholesome and hopeful.
🎥🇵🇭💋
April 27, 2020
This is really a three and a half stars, but it hard to do a half star.
This is the second book by Mae Respicio that I've read, and while I love how she weaves in her filipino heritage into the story, the region that this story took place, Santa Monica/Venice Beach in Southern California did not feel as real as the first book, which took place in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I grew up with a father who worked in the "industry" as they called the TV and Movie business back then, some of the main characters experience are not a bit like mine, but perhaps things have changed, and I am looking at this through nostalgic eyes.
I did like how detailed the book was about the filming of her movie, from the script to the problems that she had in making it, for the contest that she hopes will make her great grandfather want to stay in California, instead of moving back to his home village in the Philippines.
I also liked how author worked into the story, the Bataan Death March, which was part of her own history, and she made it real for the readers.
Though the story started off a little slow, with the MC being a bit whiny, things picked up and the story got better, along with the secret in the ending.
The great grandfather was full of life, and had a great personality too.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest reivew.
This is the second book by Mae Respicio that I've read, and while I love how she weaves in her filipino heritage into the story, the region that this story took place, Santa Monica/Venice Beach in Southern California did not feel as real as the first book, which took place in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I grew up with a father who worked in the "industry" as they called the TV and Movie business back then, some of the main characters experience are not a bit like mine, but perhaps things have changed, and I am looking at this through nostalgic eyes.
I did like how detailed the book was about the filming of her movie, from the script to the problems that she had in making it, for the contest that she hopes will make her great grandfather want to stay in California, instead of moving back to his home village in the Philippines.
I also liked how author worked into the story, the Bataan Death March, which was part of her own history, and she made it real for the readers.
Though the story started off a little slow, with the MC being a bit whiny, things picked up and the story got better, along with the secret in the ending.
The great grandfather was full of life, and had a great personality too.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest reivew.
March 10, 2022
⭐⭐⭐.5
Kaia lives with her family near a beach in California, and she loves playing with make up and special effects, turning her friends into magical creatures of the Philippines that her great grandfather used to tell her. Her great grandfather, Tatang, has lived with Kaia and her family all her life, until he broke the news that he'd return to his homeland, the Philippines for good. Kaia thought that she would do anything to convince him to stay by making a short movie inspired by the Filipino folktales that he used to tell her.
This is a sweet and cute book, and although I've read the synopsis that Tatang would be leaving for his homeland, the journey towards it had me bawling until the end. This is written by Mae Respicio, a Filipino-American author which explains why this book is rich in Philippine folklore, myths, and even traditions and food. Despite living in another country, Kaia and her family value the Filipino culture of extended family. This book also tackles creativity and determination to excel in what you love. I don't have any memory of my great grandparents, but this book especially Tatang reminded me of my grandfather whom I called Tatay (tatang and tatay mean father in Filipino). He was a reader and a storyteller too. And he was always that grandparent who loved and found joy being around his grandchildren.
Kaia lives with her family near a beach in California, and she loves playing with make up and special effects, turning her friends into magical creatures of the Philippines that her great grandfather used to tell her. Her great grandfather, Tatang, has lived with Kaia and her family all her life, until he broke the news that he'd return to his homeland, the Philippines for good. Kaia thought that she would do anything to convince him to stay by making a short movie inspired by the Filipino folktales that he used to tell her.
This is a sweet and cute book, and although I've read the synopsis that Tatang would be leaving for his homeland, the journey towards it had me bawling until the end. This is written by Mae Respicio, a Filipino-American author which explains why this book is rich in Philippine folklore, myths, and even traditions and food. Despite living in another country, Kaia and her family value the Filipino culture of extended family. This book also tackles creativity and determination to excel in what you love. I don't have any memory of my great grandparents, but this book especially Tatang reminded me of my grandfather whom I called Tatay (tatang and tatay mean father in Filipino). He was a reader and a storyteller too. And he was always that grandparent who loved and found joy being around his grandchildren.
May 3, 2020
I am so excited to have read this book and review it during Asian Pacific Islander month literal days before its debut! This book is about Kaia who lives with her family in Santa Monica California. When her grandfather Tatang tells Kaia he wants to return to the Philippines, she wants to do anything she can to prevent it from happening. This brought me memories of my own grandmother leaving our family to spend time with my uncle and his family. The anxiety that Kaia is feeling and the desire to stop him from leaving makes the reader feel emotion and root for Kaia.
This the perfect book for middle grade. The vulnerability of the middle grade reader that believes they can solve anything with enough effort and a project is one the would resonate with many. The theme of family is prevalent in this novel and makes it a worthwhile read.
The publisher Random House Children’s generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request on NetGalley. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This the perfect book for middle grade. The vulnerability of the middle grade reader that believes they can solve anything with enough effort and a project is one the would resonate with many. The theme of family is prevalent in this novel and makes it a worthwhile read.
The publisher Random House Children’s generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request on NetGalley. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
April 4, 2022
"Sometimes life shifts, and even though we don't have an explanation for why, we have to go with the flow and find ways to accept it."
This is one of the most heartwarming middle grade novels I've ever read.
It's a quick read and it follows the story of a Filipino-American girl who is in a bad mood after her grandfather announced that he will be leaving for the Philippines after the summer.
Kaia's story about how she values her family is a story that hits so close to mine. As someone who grew up in a large family setting, I always consider my family in the decisions I made and will make in the future because with them, I always feel safe and comfortable.
Another thing I liked is the discussion about Tatang Celestino's backstory as a World War II veteran and how he persevered to bring his family in the States and live the American dream.
This novel highlighted the importance of family from the perspective of a seventh-grade kid and I was happy with how the story went overall.
RATING: 5stars
This is one of the most heartwarming middle grade novels I've ever read.
It's a quick read and it follows the story of a Filipino-American girl who is in a bad mood after her grandfather announced that he will be leaving for the Philippines after the summer.
Kaia's story about how she values her family is a story that hits so close to mine. As someone who grew up in a large family setting, I always consider my family in the decisions I made and will make in the future because with them, I always feel safe and comfortable.
Another thing I liked is the discussion about Tatang Celestino's backstory as a World War II veteran and how he persevered to bring his family in the States and live the American dream.
This novel highlighted the importance of family from the perspective of a seventh-grade kid and I was happy with how the story went overall.
RATING: 5stars
Want to read
January 24, 2022This book, written by a Philippine-American author, is about a Filipino little girl named Kaia who’s older sister is moving to the Philippines. Dealing with missing her older sister, she finds out that her Tatang, or great-grandpa, is also deciding to move to the Philippines. Kaia decides to live up her summer with her Tatang, spending any day she can with him. Being Filipino myself, I loved this text. Growing up, I was incredibly close to my Lolo, or grandpa. Reading this, there were tears in my eyes pretty constantly. It was so lovely getting to read a text where I felt represented and seen, which is kind of the point of the #ownvoices movement in the first place.
April 7, 2021
This book by Mae Respicio is now one of my favourite MG reads. It’s all about family and the importance of sharing stories. I laughed along with the main character, and cried a little bit too. The family is Filipino/ Filipino-American, and a great way to introduce tales from this culture into your life! I’m also searching Chicago for ube cupcakes so if you know where I can find them, please tell me. 💜😋
November 11, 2021
Any Day with You is probably my favorite #Filipino middle grade novel I've read! It has everything that represents the Philippines to me- a large multi-generational family who love each other even if they're oceans apart and, of course, delicious food to punctuate any event.
Kaia wants more than anything to stand out from her big sister's shadow and she has the creative talent of using special effects make-up to help her. She and her friends enter a movie making contest. With the sudden news that her great-grandfather will be moving back to the Philippines, Kaia needs to win the contest to make him proud of her and stay. A tender tale about learning to say goodbye and being okay to new experiences.
It's a shame it was released during the start of the pandemic and was not given the proper attention it deserved. But it's available now in paperback (link below) so don't miss out on it any longer. I know I'll be reading her other books soon!
Kaia wants more than anything to stand out from her big sister's shadow and she has the creative talent of using special effects make-up to help her. She and her friends enter a movie making contest. With the sudden news that her great-grandfather will be moving back to the Philippines, Kaia needs to win the contest to make him proud of her and stay. A tender tale about learning to say goodbye and being okay to new experiences.
It's a shame it was released during the start of the pandemic and was not given the proper attention it deserved. But it's available now in paperback (link below) so don't miss out on it any longer. I know I'll be reading her other books soon!
April 11, 2021
Kaia’s summer plans change as she learns her great-grandfather is moving back to the Philippines. I love Kaia’s creativity, faults, sensitivity. Filipino culture weaves its way in and out of the story of family love.
April 14, 2022
A great MG set in the summer of LA as Kaia copes with her sister living abroad and her great-grandfather deciding to return to his homeland in this story about a close-knit Filipino family. I loved the filmmaking part, the way she finds to honor her Tatang's WW2 service, and the exploration of the meaning of home. *Look where your feet are.*
March 6, 2020
Read arc recd at PLA: lovely story about what home means and family bonds.
March 8, 2020
A gorgeous story of family love!
June 24, 2020
This was fun, adorable and wholesome but there wasn't anything that really stood out and I don't have strong feelings for this book.
May 26, 2024
Actual Rating: 3.5 / 5
September 23, 2025
I haven’t read a Filipino-centered children’s book before! Very sweet, and I liked the way the author tackled facing defeat and accepting things you can’t change. Read for BOB.
July 10, 2021
Mooie boodschap, maar ook wel wat saai. Weinig connectie met MC, maar wel cute setting en family love
June 12, 2020
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to PRHGlobal for free copy. ***
Any Day With You was a great middle grade book aimed for middle grade readers that revolved around Kaia and her relationship with her great-grandpa and her family. It was about figuring out who you are and insecurities middle child feel with elder sibling who is perfect and liked by everyone, unexpected change that come in life and how to deal with it, anxiety of living with that change, respecting wish of your loved ones and understanding what their wish means to them.
Any Day With You was first person narrative in lovely voice of Kaia that filled my heart with warmth. It was written with easy, simple short sentences, vivid details, and elucidation of Filipino word, culture and mythical creatures.
Overall, Any Day With You was heartwarming, charming, lovely, and a perfect middle grade story with multigenerational Filipino family and culture.
Read full review by following the link to my book blog - https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
Any Day With You was a great middle grade book aimed for middle grade readers that revolved around Kaia and her relationship with her great-grandpa and her family. It was about figuring out who you are and insecurities middle child feel with elder sibling who is perfect and liked by everyone, unexpected change that come in life and how to deal with it, anxiety of living with that change, respecting wish of your loved ones and understanding what their wish means to them.
Any Day With You was first person narrative in lovely voice of Kaia that filled my heart with warmth. It was written with easy, simple short sentences, vivid details, and elucidation of Filipino word, culture and mythical creatures.
Overall, Any Day With You was heartwarming, charming, lovely, and a perfect middle grade story with multigenerational Filipino family and culture.
Read full review by following the link to my book blog - https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews