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Mabuhay!: A Graphic Novel
From Zachary Sterling comes a middle-grade graphic novel that celebrates food, family, and folklore.
Can two kids save the world and work their family food truck?
First-generation Filipino siblings JJ and Althea struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. But that hope seems like a long shot, for both of them. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck by dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their mom is always pointing out lessons from Filipino folklore -- annoying tales they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the folklore may be more real that they'd suspected. Can they embrace who they really are and save their family?
Can two kids save the world and work their family food truck?
First-generation Filipino siblings JJ and Althea struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. But that hope seems like a long shot, for both of them. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck by dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their mom is always pointing out lessons from Filipino folklore -- annoying tales they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the folklore may be more real that they'd suspected. Can they embrace who they really are and save their family?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
68 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Zachary Sterling
38 books16 followersZachary Sterling is a Filipino American illustrator, sequential artist, writer, and animation designer. Over the past several years, Zachary has worked on comics and graphic novels for young adult readers as well as animation designs for Frederator Studios and an unannounced project for Netflix. He was born in Torrance, California, but raised in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon -- the place he proudly calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
June 15, 2024
4.5 Stars. I absolutely want to smack myself for taking so long to read this one! It was GOOD. While Sterling states that it’s not autobiographical, it does draw from his own personal experiences. There was so much to enjoy about the storytelling, the importance of friendship and family, and themes that will resonate with middle grade readers. I honestly wasn’t expecting the magical element and thought that this was going to solely focus on the family food truck. It was a nice addition; however, I thought that it could have been developed/fleshed out a little more. THE FOOD. The inclusion of traditional dishes from the Philippines was *chefs kiss.* My mouth watered while reading this and I was happy to see a recipe for adobo chicken in the back. Overall, if you haven’t had a chance to check this out, make sure you do! With great artwork and storytelling, this isn’t one to miss.
April 25, 2024
I loved this representation of Filipino culture 🥰 Seeing the drawings of food I grew up with was so exciting to me! It was an important story of embracing your background and celebrating your culture!
September 6, 2025
Lovely, even comes with a recipe.
Popsugar Reading Challenge #29: A book about a food truck.
Popsugar Reading Challenge #29: A book about a food truck.
July 19, 2023
Got to read an ARC of this that a co-worker picked up at ALA and I absolutely loved it! The magical realism was balanced well for me, meaning more realism than magic. The problems with friends and family were realistic and weren’t tied up too neatly with a bow at the end, which made it more realistic. The art is great and you get to see the color scheme on the first few pages, which are bright and add a lot to the art. The text was easy to read with some footnotes explaining words, phrases, and such in Filipino culture and folklore. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author/illustrator!
July 12, 2023
I wish my ARC had been in color! (The copy I was reading was B&W with some pages in color at the start to give an idea of what the completed book will look like.)
This story was so cute! I liked the Filipino culture that was brought into it. I also loved the emphasis on family. The story had some funny moments and also some fantastical moments.
The art style wasn’t my favorite ever, but the story was great and kept me turning the pages. And all the descriptions of the food served on the family’s food truck were making me hungry!
This story was so cute! I liked the Filipino culture that was brought into it. I also loved the emphasis on family. The story had some funny moments and also some fantastical moments.
The art style wasn’t my favorite ever, but the story was great and kept me turning the pages. And all the descriptions of the food served on the family’s food truck were making me hungry!
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March 6, 2024
Trigger & Content Warnings
Racism
Racism
July 2, 2025
What a lovely way to show Fillipino culture and food. Absolutely loved reading this. Wonderful expressions from the characters !
December 1, 2024
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Doing my routine scroll through the Libby app turned out to be a delightful experience this past week when I stumbled upon the charming and engrossing graphic novel Mabuhay by Zachary Sterling. I’ll admit, my main motivation for downloading it was the fact that the author and illustrator is half-Filipino, which added to my growing collection of Filipino books and helped me check off another item on my reading challenge for 2024. However, I was also eager to immerse myself in something culturally familiar yet fresh, a combination that, for me, proved irresistible.
Mabuhay quickly demonstrated that it was much more than just a way to add to my reading tally—it turned out to be a genuinely captivating read. The central themes of family and staying true to oneself were not only presented beautifully but also resonated with me on a personal level. The story felt heartwarming and relatable, particularly because of the authenticity Sterling brings to Filipino family dynamics. Even the subtle acknowledgment of the more toxic aspects of Filipino household life added an interesting layer of realism. However, this aspect never overshadowed the warmth and hospitality that lie at the heart of Filipino culture, which Sterling captures so well. His portrayal of this balance between tension and care was nuanced and familiar, making the familial environment feel both real and comforting.
What I appreciated most was the book’s tone—it managed to be light, fun, and easy to breeze through, yet never lost its grounding. While it’s the kind of graphic novel you can read in one sitting, it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. Although there are moments when the storytelling feels slightly simplistic, I believe this is more a reflection of the intended audience than a flaw in execution. In fact, this simplicity works to the novel’s advantage, making it accessible to a wide range of readers while still providing deeper cultural insight for those familiar with its references.
The art style was another standout feature, as it should be for any graphic novel. Sterling’s adorable illustrations added a layer of charm, enhancing the narrative by subtly weaving in Filipino legends, food, and traditions. It felt like a little love letter to Filipino culture, and as I read through the panels, I couldn’t help but feel delighted by the experience. As a younger reader, I would have devoured this over and over again, simply for the art alone. The visual style offers an engaging entry point for readers new to Filipino culture, while for those of us who grew up surrounded by these stories, it’s a nostalgic tribute to familiar tales and traditions.
Ultimately, Mabuhay is not just an entertaining read—it’s a joyful celebration of Filipino heritage, thoughtfully presented for a modern audience. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this graphic novel to anyone looking to explore Filipino culture through an enjoyable and visually captivating medium. In fact, I’m so taken with it that I’m sending it to my fiancé as we speak.
See this and other reviews in my blog.
Doing my routine scroll through the Libby app turned out to be a delightful experience this past week when I stumbled upon the charming and engrossing graphic novel Mabuhay by Zachary Sterling. I’ll admit, my main motivation for downloading it was the fact that the author and illustrator is half-Filipino, which added to my growing collection of Filipino books and helped me check off another item on my reading challenge for 2024. However, I was also eager to immerse myself in something culturally familiar yet fresh, a combination that, for me, proved irresistible.
Mabuhay quickly demonstrated that it was much more than just a way to add to my reading tally—it turned out to be a genuinely captivating read. The central themes of family and staying true to oneself were not only presented beautifully but also resonated with me on a personal level. The story felt heartwarming and relatable, particularly because of the authenticity Sterling brings to Filipino family dynamics. Even the subtle acknowledgment of the more toxic aspects of Filipino household life added an interesting layer of realism. However, this aspect never overshadowed the warmth and hospitality that lie at the heart of Filipino culture, which Sterling captures so well. His portrayal of this balance between tension and care was nuanced and familiar, making the familial environment feel both real and comforting.
What I appreciated most was the book’s tone—it managed to be light, fun, and easy to breeze through, yet never lost its grounding. While it’s the kind of graphic novel you can read in one sitting, it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. Although there are moments when the storytelling feels slightly simplistic, I believe this is more a reflection of the intended audience than a flaw in execution. In fact, this simplicity works to the novel’s advantage, making it accessible to a wide range of readers while still providing deeper cultural insight for those familiar with its references.
The art style was another standout feature, as it should be for any graphic novel. Sterling’s adorable illustrations added a layer of charm, enhancing the narrative by subtly weaving in Filipino legends, food, and traditions. It felt like a little love letter to Filipino culture, and as I read through the panels, I couldn’t help but feel delighted by the experience. As a younger reader, I would have devoured this over and over again, simply for the art alone. The visual style offers an engaging entry point for readers new to Filipino culture, while for those of us who grew up surrounded by these stories, it’s a nostalgic tribute to familiar tales and traditions.
Ultimately, Mabuhay is not just an entertaining read—it’s a joyful celebration of Filipino heritage, thoughtfully presented for a modern audience. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this graphic novel to anyone looking to explore Filipino culture through an enjoyable and visually captivating medium. In fact, I’m so taken with it that I’m sending it to my fiancé as we speak.
See this and other reviews in my blog.
July 28, 2024
The fact that I never knew it was gonna be abt Ph mythology was actually a surprise. It made me learn more mythology :) and zaza it have tagalog words in it that made me struggle so much, and for someone like me who can't read tagalog, so grateful for the syllable word stuff
December 9, 2023
Very good story and the Filipino culture intertwined in the plot was amazing. I would recommend for ages 8+ (my 9yro loved it), but I have to say that my 5yro (almost 6) got obsessed with the book and wouldn’t let me put it down until I finished reading it. Big hit in our house.
October 21, 2025
A friend recommended this and I immediately borrowed it from the library. Best impulsive decision of the month.
Mabuhay! follows Filipino siblings JJ and Althea as they reluctantly work their family's food truck, The Beautiful Pig, while navigating the mortifying experience of being seen with their parents in public. If you've ever been a kid caught between two cultures, you'll feel this in your bones.
But here's where Sterling surprised me: the Filipino folklore. I wasn't expecting tikbalang, aswang, and dragons to enter the chat, but when they did? I was completely charmed. These aren't sanitized, Disney-fied versions—they're the real, weird, wonderful creatures from Filipino legend. Those "boring" stories the siblings' mom tells? Turns out they're actually survival manuals for fighting monsters (both literal and metaphorical).
Also, fair warning: this book will make you desperately crave Filipino food. The descriptions of adobo, lechon, and lumpia hit different. I found myself Googling Filipino recipes at 11 PM.
Sterling uses humor as both shield and weapon, proving that you can roll your eyes at your culture and still love it fiercely. The footnotes/glossary explaining Filipino food and language are genius—educational without being condescending.
Full review with 7 life lessons from this food truck graphic novel (yes, really) on my blog.
Mabuhay! follows Filipino siblings JJ and Althea as they reluctantly work their family's food truck, The Beautiful Pig, while navigating the mortifying experience of being seen with their parents in public. If you've ever been a kid caught between two cultures, you'll feel this in your bones.
But here's where Sterling surprised me: the Filipino folklore. I wasn't expecting tikbalang, aswang, and dragons to enter the chat, but when they did? I was completely charmed. These aren't sanitized, Disney-fied versions—they're the real, weird, wonderful creatures from Filipino legend. Those "boring" stories the siblings' mom tells? Turns out they're actually survival manuals for fighting monsters (both literal and metaphorical).
Also, fair warning: this book will make you desperately crave Filipino food. The descriptions of adobo, lechon, and lumpia hit different. I found myself Googling Filipino recipes at 11 PM.
Sterling uses humor as both shield and weapon, proving that you can roll your eyes at your culture and still love it fiercely. The footnotes/glossary explaining Filipino food and language are genius—educational without being condescending.
Full review with 7 life lessons from this food truck graphic novel (yes, really) on my blog.
February 19, 2024
5 Stars
As soon as I saw this I knew I had to read it and I’m so glad I did because I just loved it so much. I could definitely relate to these kids (the “smelly” lunch in weird containers brought back memories lol IYKYK ). The adventure and the lore was a lot of fun and I just loved to see so much of my culture and my own family in this story! Also, the chicken adobe recipe at the end was just the cutest addition.
As soon as I saw this I knew I had to read it and I’m so glad I did because I just loved it so much. I could definitely relate to these kids (the “smelly” lunch in weird containers brought back memories lol IYKYK ). The adventure and the lore was a lot of fun and I just loved to see so much of my culture and my own family in this story! Also, the chicken adobe recipe at the end was just the cutest addition.
July 10, 2025
4.5 but I rounded up!
I didn't know this book existed! I was at the library with my kids and we were at the graphic novel section and there it was!
Very cool and it was such a nice surprise that it had Filipino mythology included!
It seemed like it was open ended there at the end... hopefully it becomes a series? Fingers crossed! ☺️
I didn't know this book existed! I was at the library with my kids and we were at the graphic novel section and there it was!
Very cool and it was such a nice surprise that it had Filipino mythology included!
It seemed like it was open ended there at the end... hopefully it becomes a series? Fingers crossed! ☺️
December 4, 2023
Excellent story and fantastic illustrations!
December 28, 2023
Great illustrations! I enjoyed the overall message of self love and family.
February 19, 2024
4.5 , super cool to be able to read about my culture in this cute graphic novel. Loved it. Learned a couple things too! The author’s notes are so relatable🥹
May 17, 2024
Cute book! The pre-teen/teen angst was a little hard for me at times because mine never really left haha! But I love love love the representation! It gave ma Steven Universe vibes at some points.
July 3, 2023
We know the story, but there are fun twists and turns. Cute story for adults, though the kids' modern attitudes can be iffy, but kids will love. The cultural references are a plus and while educational, also a fun way to tie the fantasy elements into things.
June 15, 2024
Is it just me, or are food trucks a really good hook?
JJ and Althea's family owns a food truck, where they serve lumpia, adobo, halo halo, and other yummy stuff. One day a Mysterious Stranger shows up at the food truck and orders some food. What follows leads to JJ and Althea learning some history and secrets about their family that they didn't know about before.
In some ways, this feels plot is a pretty straight-down-the-middle kids-discovering-they-can-do-magic-and-monsters-are-real story. Would fit right in next to many popular titans of kid lit for this age group. It's a bit more unusual putting this in the Graphic Novel medium. And it's extra great and unusual that it's a story centering a FilAm family and legends from the Philippines. Extra star for that representation.
The story's told in full-color, and is pretty easy to follow. Sterling chooses to include footnotes on many of the pages, often translating phrases or words from Tagalog, or describing what's in a certain food. Bopping down into those footnotes took me out of the story a bit, and I kept wanting those footnotes to include some humor or other payoff for reading them, beyond just... you know... knowledge.
I liked how important family was to these kids. You can tell that Sterling is writing about a world he's a part of. Love that he lives in Portland (just down the road from me).
Planning to take this to local schools in May/June 2024. It's great!
Edit to add: At one of the presentations when I talked about this book, I had a kid who was visibly excited in the crowd. When I got to the part where I said explicitly that the family in the center of the story is from the Philippines, the kid lit up like a laser, and pounded on their chest above their heart. It was very "That's me!" vibes.
Representation matters!
JJ and Althea's family owns a food truck, where they serve lumpia, adobo, halo halo, and other yummy stuff. One day a Mysterious Stranger shows up at the food truck and orders some food. What follows leads to JJ and Althea learning some history and secrets about their family that they didn't know about before.
In some ways, this feels plot is a pretty straight-down-the-middle kids-discovering-they-can-do-magic-and-monsters-are-real story. Would fit right in next to many popular titans of kid lit for this age group. It's a bit more unusual putting this in the Graphic Novel medium. And it's extra great and unusual that it's a story centering a FilAm family and legends from the Philippines. Extra star for that representation.
The story's told in full-color, and is pretty easy to follow. Sterling chooses to include footnotes on many of the pages, often translating phrases or words from Tagalog, or describing what's in a certain food. Bopping down into those footnotes took me out of the story a bit, and I kept wanting those footnotes to include some humor or other payoff for reading them, beyond just... you know... knowledge.
I liked how important family was to these kids. You can tell that Sterling is writing about a world he's a part of. Love that he lives in Portland (just down the road from me).
Planning to take this to local schools in May/June 2024. It's great!
Edit to add: At one of the presentations when I talked about this book, I had a kid who was visibly excited in the crowd. When I got to the part where I said explicitly that the family in the center of the story is from the Philippines, the kid lit up like a laser, and pounded on their chest above their heart. It was very "That's me!" vibes.
Representation matters!
July 13, 2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2025
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, 2025-2026
JJ and Althea are first generation Filipino-Americans. Their last names sound different, they look different, their food is different. They just feel *different.* The fact that their family owns a Filipino food truck and they’re supposed to help out doesn’t help their feelings of “different-ness.”
Then the story totally shifts into a Percy Jackson-like story with witches and moon-eating spirit dragons from Filipino mythology.
Kudos for highlighting aspects of Filipino culture and language.
The art is very basic. The characters are pretty flat. It felt like over half of the book was establishing the “real life” aspect of the book and then just speedily rushed through the mythological aspect of the book.
JJ and Althea are first generation Filipino-Americans. Their last names sound different, they look different, their food is different. They just feel *different.* The fact that their family owns a Filipino food truck and they’re supposed to help out doesn’t help their feelings of “different-ness.”
Then the story totally shifts into a Percy Jackson-like story with witches and moon-eating spirit dragons from Filipino mythology.
Kudos for highlighting aspects of Filipino culture and language.
The art is very basic. The characters are pretty flat. It felt like over half of the book was establishing the “real life” aspect of the book and then just speedily rushed through the mythological aspect of the book.
January 19, 2024
Story 2 stars - Story started off well with the Filipino food and food truck but then it went down this horrible magic and folklore avenue.
Artwork 3 stars
Color 5 stars
Lettering 4 stars - Easy to read; no fancy stuff.
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this graphic novel, but the story wasn't what I expected at all. I thought it would be about middle graders adjusting to school and peer pressure with the family businss and their food truck. It started that way then went off the deep end on this magic/witches/folklore genre which I despised. I skimmed through all that stuff, which was at last one-third of the book. I was hoping to read more about the food and the family business because of the book cover. The daughter Althea was an 100% unlikeable character. One positive comment: Happy to see Filipinos represented in their own graphic novel; I just didn't care for the story.
Theme/genre: Filipino, food/food truck, magic/folklore
Setting: Oregon
Likeable characters: I did not care for any of the characters.
Artwork 3 stars
Color 5 stars
Lettering 4 stars - Easy to read; no fancy stuff.
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this graphic novel, but the story wasn't what I expected at all. I thought it would be about middle graders adjusting to school and peer pressure with the family businss and their food truck. It started that way then went off the deep end on this magic/witches/folklore genre which I despised. I skimmed through all that stuff, which was at last one-third of the book. I was hoping to read more about the food and the family business because of the book cover. The daughter Althea was an 100% unlikeable character. One positive comment: Happy to see Filipinos represented in their own graphic novel; I just didn't care for the story.
Theme/genre: Filipino, food/food truck, magic/folklore
Setting: Oregon
Likeable characters: I did not care for any of the characters.
February 8, 2025
Can two kids save the world and work their family food truck?
First-generation Filipino siblings JJ and Althea struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck by dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their mom is always pointing out lessons from Filipino folklore -- annoying tales they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the folklore may be more real that they'd suspected. Can they embrace who they really are and save their family?
First-generation Filipino siblings JJ and Althea struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck by dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their mom is always pointing out lessons from Filipino folklore -- annoying tales they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the folklore may be more real that they'd suspected. Can they embrace who they really are and save their family?
October 22, 2024
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 "𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲!", 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 "Mabuhay!" is a vibrant and captivating exploration of Filipino legends and mythology, tailored for an international audience. This collection serves as a crucial cultural bridge, inviting readers from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in the rich fabric of Filipino traditions, folklore, and values. From the outset, Sterling's storytelling captivates with its engaging prose and insightful humor. The narratives weave together age-old legends and contemporary interpretations, providing both depth and accessibility. This balance makes the book a delightful read for those unfamiliar with Filipino culture, as well as for readers who may have grown up hearing these tales.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 One of the standout aspects of "Mabuhay!" is its ability to showcase the complexities of Filipino identity. Sterling adeptly highlights the themes of resilience, community, and spirituality that permeate the stories. Each legend not only entertains but also imparts wisdom, reflecting the collective values that shape Filipino society. This duality of entertainment and education enriches the reading experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own cultural narratives.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 As readers turn the pages of "Mabuhay!", they are not just witnessing the tales of mythical creatures and heroic figures; they are also experiencing the warmth and vibrancy of Filipino culture. The illustrations complement the storytelling beautifully, enhancing the overall impact of the narratives and inviting readers into a world where folklore comes alive. The humor infused throughout the stories adds a unique flavor, making the legends not just tales of old but lively accounts that resonate with modern sensibilities. Sterling's wit breathes new life into traditional narratives, demonstrating that the essence of these stories can transcend time and geography. This clever approach not only engages readers but also fosters a sense of familiarity, making the legends feel relevant and relatable.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 Moreover, "Mabuhay!" serves as a vital reminder of the importance of cultural preservation. In an increasingly globalized world, where unique cultural identities can often be overshadowed, Sterling’s work stands out as a celebration of Filipino heritage. By presenting these stories to an international market, the book contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of the Philippines' rich cultural landscape.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 In conclusion, The Graphic Novel is more than just a collection of stories; it is a cultural celebration that invites readers to explore the heart of the Philippines. Sterling's skillful blend of wisdom, humor, and tradition makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of global cultures. As we look forward to more Filipino comics in the future, "Mabuhay!" sets a high standard for storytelling that honors the past while embracing the present.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 "Mabuhay!" is a vibrant and captivating exploration of Filipino legends and mythology, tailored for an international audience. This collection serves as a crucial cultural bridge, inviting readers from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in the rich fabric of Filipino traditions, folklore, and values. From the outset, Sterling's storytelling captivates with its engaging prose and insightful humor. The narratives weave together age-old legends and contemporary interpretations, providing both depth and accessibility. This balance makes the book a delightful read for those unfamiliar with Filipino culture, as well as for readers who may have grown up hearing these tales.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 One of the standout aspects of "Mabuhay!" is its ability to showcase the complexities of Filipino identity. Sterling adeptly highlights the themes of resilience, community, and spirituality that permeate the stories. Each legend not only entertains but also imparts wisdom, reflecting the collective values that shape Filipino society. This duality of entertainment and education enriches the reading experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own cultural narratives.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 As readers turn the pages of "Mabuhay!", they are not just witnessing the tales of mythical creatures and heroic figures; they are also experiencing the warmth and vibrancy of Filipino culture. The illustrations complement the storytelling beautifully, enhancing the overall impact of the narratives and inviting readers into a world where folklore comes alive. The humor infused throughout the stories adds a unique flavor, making the legends not just tales of old but lively accounts that resonate with modern sensibilities. Sterling's wit breathes new life into traditional narratives, demonstrating that the essence of these stories can transcend time and geography. This clever approach not only engages readers but also fosters a sense of familiarity, making the legends feel relevant and relatable.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 Moreover, "Mabuhay!" serves as a vital reminder of the importance of cultural preservation. In an increasingly globalized world, where unique cultural identities can often be overshadowed, Sterling’s work stands out as a celebration of Filipino heritage. By presenting these stories to an international market, the book contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of the Philippines' rich cultural landscape.
💫 🦸♂️ 🦹♀️ 🧙♀️ 🧚♀️ 🧝♀️ 🐉 In conclusion, The Graphic Novel is more than just a collection of stories; it is a cultural celebration that invites readers to explore the heart of the Philippines. Sterling's skillful blend of wisdom, humor, and tradition makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of global cultures. As we look forward to more Filipino comics in the future, "Mabuhay!" sets a high standard for storytelling that honors the past while embracing the present.
June 29, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Althea and JJ Bulan attend Silver Pines Middle School and help their parents with their Beautiful Pig food truck, which is starting to become popular. JJ is often asked to dress as the mascot, which he finds embarassing, and Althea has to sample foof when the truck is at events, although she usually does a half hearted job and then hides so she can watch videos or play games on her phone because she thinks the real world is overrated. Both kids deal with a lot of racism at school, where teachers can't pronounce their name and kids make fun of the lunches they bring. For Althea, the worst is Haley Preston, and her parents have a catering gig at a party for the Prestons! JJ has a bit of a crush on the Preston girl who is his age, and she's actually rather nice. When Tito Arvin shows up, strange things start to happen that make real life events pale in comparison. JJ and Althea both start to have dreams, and before they know it, they are being threatened by the women who raised their mother and have turned out to be witches. Even though two of the characters from what they thought were their mother's stories come to protect them, the forces of evil are too much for Juan and Pinya. JJ and Althea are taken captive by the witches, who want to trade them for a magical amulet that their mother has. There's an even greater force of evil, Bakunawa, coming, and the witches think the amulet will help them get in Bakuanawa's good graces. If JJ and Althea are able to save the world from the forces of evil, will they also be able to survive the tween drama that goes on with catering the Preston's party?
Strengths: As someone who has worn a mascot costume AND sampled food at the mall (for Chick-fil-A) I was a little surprised that JJ and Althea were so against doing these things, but it made for a fascinating family dynamic. Althea's use of her phone as an escape was particularly well done. Bringing in Filipino stories, as well as Filipino food, was very interesting, and provided a lot of information I didn't know. Having Tagalog words and phrases translated in footnotes was extremely helpful. The real life drama is well described, but pales in comparison to the fact that the children have to come to terms with their magical heritage and use their skills to save the world.
Weaknesses: Althea's attitude about helping her family, her addiction to her phone, and her social problems at school would have been enough to unpack in one book, so I was a bit surprised when the story took the turn into fantasy.
What I really think: This is a mix between Badua's The Takeout or Torres' Stef Soto, Taco Queen and Winnick's Hilo or Camper's Lowriders series and is a good choice for readers who want a fantasy graphic novel with cultural connections.
Althea and JJ Bulan attend Silver Pines Middle School and help their parents with their Beautiful Pig food truck, which is starting to become popular. JJ is often asked to dress as the mascot, which he finds embarassing, and Althea has to sample foof when the truck is at events, although she usually does a half hearted job and then hides so she can watch videos or play games on her phone because she thinks the real world is overrated. Both kids deal with a lot of racism at school, where teachers can't pronounce their name and kids make fun of the lunches they bring. For Althea, the worst is Haley Preston, and her parents have a catering gig at a party for the Prestons! JJ has a bit of a crush on the Preston girl who is his age, and she's actually rather nice. When Tito Arvin shows up, strange things start to happen that make real life events pale in comparison. JJ and Althea both start to have dreams, and before they know it, they are being threatened by the women who raised their mother and have turned out to be witches. Even though two of the characters from what they thought were their mother's stories come to protect them, the forces of evil are too much for Juan and Pinya. JJ and Althea are taken captive by the witches, who want to trade them for a magical amulet that their mother has. There's an even greater force of evil, Bakunawa, coming, and the witches think the amulet will help them get in Bakuanawa's good graces. If JJ and Althea are able to save the world from the forces of evil, will they also be able to survive the tween drama that goes on with catering the Preston's party?
Strengths: As someone who has worn a mascot costume AND sampled food at the mall (for Chick-fil-A) I was a little surprised that JJ and Althea were so against doing these things, but it made for a fascinating family dynamic. Althea's use of her phone as an escape was particularly well done. Bringing in Filipino stories, as well as Filipino food, was very interesting, and provided a lot of information I didn't know. Having Tagalog words and phrases translated in footnotes was extremely helpful. The real life drama is well described, but pales in comparison to the fact that the children have to come to terms with their magical heritage and use their skills to save the world.
Weaknesses: Althea's attitude about helping her family, her addiction to her phone, and her social problems at school would have been enough to unpack in one book, so I was a bit surprised when the story took the turn into fantasy.
What I really think: This is a mix between Badua's The Takeout or Torres' Stef Soto, Taco Queen and Winnick's Hilo or Camper's Lowriders series and is a good choice for readers who want a fantasy graphic novel with cultural connections.
February 6, 2024
JJ and Althea think their biggest headache is trying to balance their parents' demands to help run the family food truck with having any kind of social life. JJ just wishes they were "normal" and could blend in. Althea just wishes they were exciting (and that at least one of her former friends would still talk to her). But when mythical creatures start showing up trying to kidnap them and their mom, their priorities get quite the shake up. Who are these creatures and why are they coming after them?
I really like how Sterling wove in Filippino folklore and food into this story (I also really appreciate the pronunciation guides in footnotes on the pages). I also liked how he realistically portrayed 2 different reactions kids of immigrants have to trying to balance being both American and their parents' culture. Many readers will see themselves in either JJ or Althea. Well, at least until their magical abilities show up. I sure hope readers can't shoot lightning or summon batons out of thin air. ;) The humor Sterling wove into the story was great, and helped relieve some of the potential tension it could have had so it always felt pretty upbeat even when things aren't looking very good. Hand this to fans of mythical fantasies, kids discovering magical abilities, families running a food truck, and graphic novels.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are some magical battles, and mythical creatures disappear when beat.
Ethnic diversity: JJ & Althea's family is Filippino, the kids have friends who have a variety of skin tones (no ethnicity stated)
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Althea is facing verbal bullying from some former friends and it sometimes escalates into physical confrontations between her and the ringleader. There is positive progress in this situation by the end, though it isn't completely resolved. 3 witches come for the family, but it turns out they are family friends and end up being friendly. JJ is obsessed with being in the cool crowd, but he learns some good lessons through the story. Some racism is faced by JJ and Althea at school.
I really like how Sterling wove in Filippino folklore and food into this story (I also really appreciate the pronunciation guides in footnotes on the pages). I also liked how he realistically portrayed 2 different reactions kids of immigrants have to trying to balance being both American and their parents' culture. Many readers will see themselves in either JJ or Althea. Well, at least until their magical abilities show up. I sure hope readers can't shoot lightning or summon batons out of thin air. ;) The humor Sterling wove into the story was great, and helped relieve some of the potential tension it could have had so it always felt pretty upbeat even when things aren't looking very good. Hand this to fans of mythical fantasies, kids discovering magical abilities, families running a food truck, and graphic novels.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are some magical battles, and mythical creatures disappear when beat.
Ethnic diversity: JJ & Althea's family is Filippino, the kids have friends who have a variety of skin tones (no ethnicity stated)
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Althea is facing verbal bullying from some former friends and it sometimes escalates into physical confrontations between her and the ringleader. There is positive progress in this situation by the end, though it isn't completely resolved. 3 witches come for the family, but it turns out they are family friends and end up being friendly. JJ is obsessed with being in the cool crowd, but he learns some good lessons through the story. Some racism is faced by JJ and Althea at school.
June 20, 2024
"Mabuhay!" is a vibrant and entertaining graphic novel that dives deep into the lives of first-generation Filipino siblings, JJ and Althea, as they navigate the complexities of identity and belonging in school. Caught between their desire to fit in and their cultural heritage, JJ and Althea find themselves reluctantly involved in their family’s food truck business, donning a dancing pig costume and distributing samples, much to their embarrassment.
The narrative takes a magical and fascinating turn when the folklore tales their mother constantly recounts—stories of witches, ogres, and other mythical creatures—begin to manifest in their real lives. Suddenly, the siblings are thrust into a world where these legends are not just stories but stark realities threatening their family's safety. This twist serves as a catalyst for JJ and Althea to reassess their relationship with their heritage and the value of the folklore they once found annoying.
I loved "Mabuhay!" for its heartwarming portrayal of family dynamics and the authentic depiction of cultural struggles faced by children of immigrants. I loved the wit and humor, which lighten the deeper themes of cultural identity and self-acceptance. The interactions between JJ and Althea are a particular highlight, offering a realistic and touching view of sibling relationships.
I think "Mabuhay!" succeeds in blending elements of fantasy and reality to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, especially those who can personally relate to the challenges of reconciling different cultural identities. It is a fun, thought-provoking read that celebrates the richness of Filipino folklore while addressing the universal themes of growing up and discovering who you really are.
The narrative takes a magical and fascinating turn when the folklore tales their mother constantly recounts—stories of witches, ogres, and other mythical creatures—begin to manifest in their real lives. Suddenly, the siblings are thrust into a world where these legends are not just stories but stark realities threatening their family's safety. This twist serves as a catalyst for JJ and Althea to reassess their relationship with their heritage and the value of the folklore they once found annoying.
I loved "Mabuhay!" for its heartwarming portrayal of family dynamics and the authentic depiction of cultural struggles faced by children of immigrants. I loved the wit and humor, which lighten the deeper themes of cultural identity and self-acceptance. The interactions between JJ and Althea are a particular highlight, offering a realistic and touching view of sibling relationships.
I think "Mabuhay!" succeeds in blending elements of fantasy and reality to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, especially those who can personally relate to the challenges of reconciling different cultural identities. It is a fun, thought-provoking read that celebrates the richness of Filipino folklore while addressing the universal themes of growing up and discovering who you really are.
January 15, 2024
“You shouldn’t hide things that make you unique … you should celebrate them.”A great mixture of humor, poignancy, action, family, and culture! The family aspect was truly one of my favorite parts along with how involved the parents were too. The mother has her little character arc too. You don't usually see this in children's fiction, but it was a unique surprise.
As a critique, Althea's arc was resolved too fast. Maybe this could have been spread to a second book, but it didn't detract from the story.
I also think the art style complemented the story well. Mabuhay! had a lot of personality! If this was a cartoon, I’d happily watch it.
Siblings JJ and Althea are both dealing with not fitting in, JJ wants to distance himself from anything that references his Filipino heritage and/or others himself while Althea is being ostracized by her former friend group for not “growing up.” If that wasn’t bad enough, then witches and evil spirits started hunting them too. Magical shenanigans abound.
SN: Victor was cringyyyyy—maybe a subtle or unintended commentary on how some children of immigrants (?) ( I don't think Victor's background was addressed) really overdo throwing themselves into hiphop/black-created/urban cultures to find a spot in American society. Or, it could be solely comic relief. Anyway, read this!
October 25, 2023
As Filipino American kids, JJ and Althea Bulan feel a little different in their school. Plus, their parents own and run a food truck of Filipino food and because it's a family business, the kids are enlisted to help- much to their embarrassment and chagrin. They're not looking forward to an upcoming event that they're serving food at an annoying classmate's house.
Though things are derailed when an uncle shows up, magical things begin happening, and their mom has to admit the truth- that the stories she's told are just part of her magical past and there are beings out there hellbent on trying to get at JJ and Althea. It's all hands on deck as they fight back and use their own powers within them both to fend off the folkloric pursuit but also in real life where they learn that their heritage, food, and bond as brother and sister can overcome a lot whether it's with a love interest or reigniting friendships.
It gets a little drawn out with the side stories and folklore, which are easily identifiable based on their different borders and color changes. It would have been just as powerful sticking to reality but I don't hate that Sterling added some myth in there too. Action packed. Included Filipino language and food. Family at the forefront.
Though things are derailed when an uncle shows up, magical things begin happening, and their mom has to admit the truth- that the stories she's told are just part of her magical past and there are beings out there hellbent on trying to get at JJ and Althea. It's all hands on deck as they fight back and use their own powers within them both to fend off the folkloric pursuit but also in real life where they learn that their heritage, food, and bond as brother and sister can overcome a lot whether it's with a love interest or reigniting friendships.
It gets a little drawn out with the side stories and folklore, which are easily identifiable based on their different borders and color changes. It would have been just as powerful sticking to reality but I don't hate that Sterling added some myth in there too. Action packed. Included Filipino language and food. Family at the forefront.
April 21, 2024
Zachary Sterling’s 𝘔𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺! is a graphic novel that reminded me a little bit of Pedro Martín’s 𝘔𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘥 but with Filipino characters and a splash of fantasy and folklore mixed in. JJ and Althea don’t want to help their parents work the family food truck called The Beautiful Pig. JJ doesn’t want to have to dance around wearing the mascot costume and Althea has a bad attitude about handing out free samples. Angsty teen years, a desire to be like everyone else, friend issues, and a longstanding crush makes it all even worse with this brother and sister.
After a long lost uncle mysteriously shows up along with a mysterious customer at the food truck, the book takes a fantasy turn with Filipino folklore characters entering the story. The Bulan family will need to set aside their differences and work together in order to keep the world in order.
I liked learning about the different Filipino food in the book. This extra information is told in footnotes at the bottom of the page. Before I read the book, I mentioned to a student that I wasn’t sure how to say the title, and she told me, “Ms. Redmond, it’s ‘mah-boo-hi.’ It means you wish good things for that person. The book tells you what all the Filipino words mean and how to say them!”
4th grade +
After a long lost uncle mysteriously shows up along with a mysterious customer at the food truck, the book takes a fantasy turn with Filipino folklore characters entering the story. The Bulan family will need to set aside their differences and work together in order to keep the world in order.
I liked learning about the different Filipino food in the book. This extra information is told in footnotes at the bottom of the page. Before I read the book, I mentioned to a student that I wasn’t sure how to say the title, and she told me, “Ms. Redmond, it’s ‘mah-boo-hi.’ It means you wish good things for that person. The book tells you what all the Filipino words mean and how to say them!”
4th grade +
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