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Holding On
A young girl in the Philippines uses music to connect with her grandmother as her memory fades in this warm and moving picture book perfect for fans of Pixar’s Coco.
There is always singing in Lola’s house. Sammy Davis Jr. in the morning, Dean Martin in the afternoon, and all throughout the evening, old Tagalog love songs from Nora Aunor, Basil Valdez, and more. Lola always “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs.”
Her granddaughter tucks these sounds and Lola’s wisdom deep within her heart. And when Lola starts slipping into silence and stillness, she helps Lola hold on, piece by piece, with the joy and music that Lola taught her.
There is always singing in Lola’s house. Sammy Davis Jr. in the morning, Dean Martin in the afternoon, and all throughout the evening, old Tagalog love songs from Nora Aunor, Basil Valdez, and more. Lola always “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs.”
Her granddaughter tucks these sounds and Lola’s wisdom deep within her heart. And when Lola starts slipping into silence and stillness, she helps Lola hold on, piece by piece, with the joy and music that Lola taught her.
Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
2 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Sophia N. Lee
4 books33 followersSophia N. Lee wanted to be many things growing up: doctor, teacher, ballerina, ninja, crime-fighting international spy, wizard, time traveler, journalist, and lawyer. She likes to think she can be all these things through writing. She loves words and the meanings behind them. Her favorite word is 'chance'. What Things Mean is her first book. She lives in Manila, Philippines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 28, 2022
Holding On is a celebration of:
💛 the love of a grandparent
🎶 the power of song & dance
🌳 the value of listening to the stories of those older than us
🕰 memories that can live forever
🥰 patience, kindness, hope, & joy
💛 the love of a grandparent
🎶 the power of song & dance
🌳 the value of listening to the stories of those older than us
🕰 memories that can live forever
🥰 patience, kindness, hope, & joy
August 25, 2022
Exquisite story and art and music both make together.
April 12, 2024
I really, really love this book. Its impact on me was huge, and I feel more complete as a person because of it. Honestly crying at the beautiful story, the gorgeous and colorful illustrations, and the memories that this brought up was a much-needed catharsis.
I'm so so glad my library has this copy, and I'm so ecstatic at the reach it will have as it circulates. Thank you to Sophia N. Lee and Isabel Roxas for their creations.
I'm so so glad my library has this copy, and I'm so ecstatic at the reach it will have as it circulates. Thank you to Sophia N. Lee and Isabel Roxas for their creations.
August 30, 2022
With the warmth of family and music, this tale touches the heart, hits a bittersweet note, and leaves the soul singing again.
Lola's house is always full of music, which makes this little girl's heart soar every time she visits. Memories wind around each note as the girl learns and hears each song, while accompanying her grandmother through various tasks. But there comes a time, when Lola doesn't sing and is quiet as her memory starts to wane. Maybe, that music will be the help this little girl can offer to bring back some joy.
This is a touching tale of the relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. The music hits right away along with a house full of people and life. The energy and positive atmosphere is addictive. Each scene of the girl accompanying her grandmother through various tasks creates a familiar and simple warmth and rings of security and care. Readers/listeners are naturally drawn into the wonderful relationship and will, no doubt, be reminded of some of their own special moments.
The illustrations are well done and portray a very cheerful grandmother and child. Their positive connection is easy to see. The music floats around some scenes in bubbles with various, lighter colors...notes and scores sometimes more obvious than others. The details of the memories are also well done as, for example, a kept baby bottle does duty as a button container—subtle and clever.
When the memory loss hits, it comes with grace. For those, who have experienced their own grandparents suffering from such problems, the issue is clear. For those, who aren't so aware, it's obvious what's happening without slamming into it too hard. It simply hits a little bittersweet but quickly offers quite a bit of hope. But then, with so much music, the heart has to sing. I received an ARC and found this to be such an upbeat, inspiring read.
Lola's house is always full of music, which makes this little girl's heart soar every time she visits. Memories wind around each note as the girl learns and hears each song, while accompanying her grandmother through various tasks. But there comes a time, when Lola doesn't sing and is quiet as her memory starts to wane. Maybe, that music will be the help this little girl can offer to bring back some joy.
This is a touching tale of the relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. The music hits right away along with a house full of people and life. The energy and positive atmosphere is addictive. Each scene of the girl accompanying her grandmother through various tasks creates a familiar and simple warmth and rings of security and care. Readers/listeners are naturally drawn into the wonderful relationship and will, no doubt, be reminded of some of their own special moments.
The illustrations are well done and portray a very cheerful grandmother and child. Their positive connection is easy to see. The music floats around some scenes in bubbles with various, lighter colors...notes and scores sometimes more obvious than others. The details of the memories are also well done as, for example, a kept baby bottle does duty as a button container—subtle and clever.
When the memory loss hits, it comes with grace. For those, who have experienced their own grandparents suffering from such problems, the issue is clear. For those, who aren't so aware, it's obvious what's happening without slamming into it too hard. It simply hits a little bittersweet but quickly offers quite a bit of hope. But then, with so much music, the heart has to sing. I received an ARC and found this to be such an upbeat, inspiring read.
October 16, 2022
A smart pick for diverse collections and teaching.
A young girl visits her Lola (grandmother) every summer, and Lola tells her, "If you want to hold on, you have to sing your songs." She shares her love of Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr. and especially her Tagalong songs from her favorite singers Nora Aurnor and Basil Valdez,
Summers and Lola's house is always filled with music and joy. The little girl loves visiting and dancing with Lola. They make their favorite foods together and Lola tells her stories of how she met her grandfather and how they danced in the street. The girl waits all year for summer to come, so she can be filled with songs again. Heartfelt illustrations by Isabel Roxas make you feel and hear the music escaping the pages of the book.
When Lola begins not to remember things so well, the girl holds on for her. She holds on to their favorite songs, singing them for Lola who then sings along. She repeats Lola's stories from the past, so Lola can remember them. She tells Lola it's okay to not remember sometimes. She'll remember for her. They sing and dance keeping music alive and "holding on" to each other.
Holding On is an important book about the love between a child and her grandmother. Dealing with age, the elderly, Alzheimers, love, acceptance and joy, Holding On should win awards this year.
Highly, highly recommended age 4 and up.
A young girl visits her Lola (grandmother) every summer, and Lola tells her, "If you want to hold on, you have to sing your songs." She shares her love of Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr. and especially her Tagalong songs from her favorite singers Nora Aurnor and Basil Valdez,
Summers and Lola's house is always filled with music and joy. The little girl loves visiting and dancing with Lola. They make their favorite foods together and Lola tells her stories of how she met her grandfather and how they danced in the street. The girl waits all year for summer to come, so she can be filled with songs again. Heartfelt illustrations by Isabel Roxas make you feel and hear the music escaping the pages of the book.
When Lola begins not to remember things so well, the girl holds on for her. She holds on to their favorite songs, singing them for Lola who then sings along. She repeats Lola's stories from the past, so Lola can remember them. She tells Lola it's okay to not remember sometimes. She'll remember for her. They sing and dance keeping music alive and "holding on" to each other.
Holding On is an important book about the love between a child and her grandmother. Dealing with age, the elderly, Alzheimers, love, acceptance and joy, Holding On should win awards this year.
Highly, highly recommended age 4 and up.
October 27, 2022
A very relatable one for me🥲 Not only does this showcase the Filipino culture, it also has me remembering my lolo who’s had two strokes in a span of a year and couldn’t remember any of us when he woke up💔 I would have to sing his favorites to him the next time I see him. Such a great story that tugs at your heartstrings 💜
January 22, 2023
A beautiful book that captures the powerful bond in Filipino families and the love of music. Incredible to see representation for this culture in the form of accepting joy and holding on while Lola (grandmother) deals with aging and forgetting. My best friend in high school was Filipina and this book brought me to tears. Every time I had the honor of visiting her home, the family showered me with endless love and showed me the deep connection in living with extended family.
This story and its stunning illustrations were reminiscent of my very own Abuela and watching her memories disappear before she passed away.
We need more diverse books like this that highlight hard topics like Alzheimer’s.
This story and its stunning illustrations were reminiscent of my very own Abuela and watching her memories disappear before she passed away.
We need more diverse books like this that highlight hard topics like Alzheimer’s.
June 23, 2025
Source: Found through the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature website (2024 Honor Book) and positively reviewed in Kirkus and Booklist.
Holding On is a beautiful and heartfelt picture book about a girl and her Lola (grandmother) in the Philippines. The story shows how music, memory, and everyday routines help them stay connected—even as Lola begins to forget. The writing is simple yet lyrical, and the illustrations are full of warmth and cultural detail. I appreciated how it honored Filipino culture while also touching on themes that are relatable to many kids, like love, aging, and change.
Classroom Use (Grades K–3): This would work really well as a read-aloud in a unit about family, memories, or traditions. Students could respond by writing about someone special in their lives or creating memory collages. I also think it’s a great mentor text for teaching sensory details and repetition in writing.
Holding On is a beautiful and heartfelt picture book about a girl and her Lola (grandmother) in the Philippines. The story shows how music, memory, and everyday routines help them stay connected—even as Lola begins to forget. The writing is simple yet lyrical, and the illustrations are full of warmth and cultural detail. I appreciated how it honored Filipino culture while also touching on themes that are relatable to many kids, like love, aging, and change.
Classroom Use (Grades K–3): This would work really well as a read-aloud in a unit about family, memories, or traditions. Students could respond by writing about someone special in their lives or creating memory collages. I also think it’s a great mentor text for teaching sensory details and repetition in writing.
September 7, 2022
This is so beautiful. I love how "holding on" can mean so many different things- repurposing memorabilia, passing on songs and stories, and simply being present with the ones you love. This story takes such a gentle and loving approach to aging.
SING
SING
February 5, 2023
2/5/2023 ~ Notice the spread in the middle with just the two characters - no background except plain white. What a lovely representation of memory loss. Holding on conveys so many things, both metaphorical and concrete. A lovely tale of the connection through music of a granddaughter and grandmother as memories start to fade.
January 7, 2023
Beautiful book about inter-generational relationships, memories, and how music can rescue a mind sapped by illness, depression or age. A heroic little girl loves her grandmother and shares music, thereby keeping and rescuing memories that might otherwise slip away.
June 26, 2023
I can't say that I often cry at children's picture books, but Holding On had me tearing up at the end. It's a beautifully written story about a girl and her grandmother whom she calls Lola. You can see how they spend their summers together. They sing all of Lola's favorite music and Lola shares stories of the past. When Lola starts to forget things her granddaughter is there to hold on and help her remember by singing the songs that Lola taught her. Cue the tears.
I found this book to be so well written, and it addressed memory loss/dementia of a family member in a way that children can easily understand. The illustrations of Lola at the end when she has memory loss show her looking confused and not the happy singing grandma we see at the beginning of the book which is a simple way for the reader to see how she has changed.
This was my first introduction to Sophia N. Lee's work, but I am eager to read her other picture books featuring Filipino characters. With her colorful illustrations and the music moving across the pages, Isabel Roxas added to the book's appeal.
A delicate and moving portrayal of tough topics like grandparents aging makes Holding On an exceptional read.
This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/holdin...
I found this book to be so well written, and it addressed memory loss/dementia of a family member in a way that children can easily understand. The illustrations of Lola at the end when she has memory loss show her looking confused and not the happy singing grandma we see at the beginning of the book which is a simple way for the reader to see how she has changed.
This was my first introduction to Sophia N. Lee's work, but I am eager to read her other picture books featuring Filipino characters. With her colorful illustrations and the music moving across the pages, Isabel Roxas added to the book's appeal.
A delicate and moving portrayal of tough topics like grandparents aging makes Holding On an exceptional read.
This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/holdin...
October 2, 2024
Large picture book with colorful illustrations that appear multi-media (like paper cutouts). About a girl who spends time with her grandma who is always dancing and singing. Her grandma remembers a lot about her husband and her granddaughter and shares that with her as the girl grows up. Then her grandmother begins to forget and is quiet, so the girl sings back to her and dances to remind her of these things and to help her lola dance and sing too. It covers very well aging grandparents who forget, and how kids can love and care for their grandparents in those times. Familial love and joy! Also mentions of Filipino culture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2023
I fell in love with this book and so did my child. While it speaks volumes for people like me who grew up with music, have a Filipino American background but also have family that had memory issues… the message of “holding on” to those we love and our memories with them is universal. The cut paper art is also gorgeous and energetic. I’ve already convinced friends to buy this book for their own kids. The story will definitely grow in meaning along with them. I’m excited for the writer’s next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
This is a beautiful story about the bond between a granddaughter and her Lola (grandmother) as well as a celebration of the Filipino culture they share when she visits her Lola in the summer. The story weaves together a story of their lives and their connection to it all through songs, even when Lola begins to forget, her granddaughter makes sure to keep singing. I really love the Filipino culture represented in the story as well as the bond the two share.
May 28, 2024
Bittersweet but beautiful. That's this soulful tale of a grandmother who is losing her memory.
The narrator loves her grandmother Lola, and stays with her during the summer.
Sadly, Lola is losing her memory and, maybe, also much of her cognitive capacity.
This book honors the bond of love between the narrator and her mother.
FIVE STARS for a heartfelt story, undoubtedly based in personal experience.
The narrator loves her grandmother Lola, and stays with her during the summer.
Sadly, Lola is losing her memory and, maybe, also much of her cognitive capacity.
This book honors the bond of love between the narrator and her mother.
FIVE STARS for a heartfelt story, undoubtedly based in personal experience.
March 16, 2023
Oh… I was enjoying the cut out illustrations and cheerful energy of this book and I wasn’t expecting it to take the dementia route. This is a good example of a book that has loss as themes (the loss of the husband /grandpa and the loss of grandma’s memory) but that isn’t super heavy handed (?) about it and focuses on other things as well - joy, how to cope through songs, how to hold on. Bravo!
June 30, 2023
This is such sweet storytelling. The recognizable musicians and food, the familial love and kindness, and the mixed media art for the illustrations all work together to create a book I can identify with and that makes me reminisce about grandma. I wish I had books this beautiful when I was a child, but if I have my own kids someday, I'll make sure to share Holding On with them!
September 12, 2024
When I listen to the wonderful songs of Filipino singers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia that many young people love, I am reminded of a saying I heard as a child. “Filipinos have song in their blood.” This picture book reminds me of that saying. May Lola hold on to each of her scattered memories with the power of song.
October 5, 2022
A sweet book of how songs can help us remember, of a grandmother sharing her memories and songs with her granddaughter and the granddaughter, in turn, sharing her songs back to her once the grandmother's memory starts to fade. This is a bittersweet book filled with love.
October 12, 2022
A lovely, musical, sweet book about remembering with a grandparent and treasuring those memories even when the grandparent can no longer remember for themselves. Love Isabel Roxas' gorgeous illustrations.
Themes: Grandparents, Filipino culture, Remembering, Music
Age range: Toddler-Elementary
Themes: Grandparents, Filipino culture, Remembering, Music
Age range: Toddler-Elementary
January 31, 2023
This is a lovely story about a young girl and her close relationship with her grandmother in the Phillipines. It is about their strong bond made even stronger by singing and the music that the grandmother, Lola, loves.
July 11, 2023
This wonderful picture book speaks to my very heart. The bond between grandmothers and granddaughters is very special. I know from experience. The way this story tells of the power of music and tradition to keep memories alive and connections strong is beautiful. So good!
September 7, 2022
A young Filipino girl uses music to connect with her grandmother as her memory fades.
October 14, 2022
4.5 stars.
November 3, 2022
Good for conversations around memory loss/dementia.
November 6, 2022
absolutely adorable and wonderful who is cutting onions
all we really have to do in life is hold on, no?
all we really have to do in life is hold on, no?
November 17, 2022
Beautiful story and illustrations, but I couldn't get over grandma's butthole mouth.
November 20, 2022
Lively illustrations of grandma Lola spending time with her granddaughter, and her memories of Lolo, grandpa. Lola loves music and Tagalog songs and this is the theme throughout the book.
December 19, 2022
Memory care story for young children - a wonderful book for families. Wish there was a bit less text for preschool age, but teachers can edit as needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews