Maria Orosa Freedom Fighter: Scientist and Inventor from the Philippines

Maria Orosa was born a scientist — curious about the world and always asking questions.  She moved to the US, earned two degrees in food science and pharmacy, and later a master’s degree in pharmacy.  She also studied canning and preserving food in the US, and later brought new life to mangos, pineapples and jackfruit in the Philippines, turning them into jams and jellies.  Maria found many new, innovative ways to use local food, and also invented the palayok and banana ketchup.  During the Japanese invasion, she was an undercover agent and snuck food hidden in hollow tubes of bamboo into camps to feed starving prisoners.  This new picture book biography tells Maria Orosa’s story about her endless kindness, generosity, ingenuity and her willingness to work hard to better other people’s lives.  Her vast and far-reaching legacy lives on today.

Maria Orosa Freedom Fighter: Scientist and Inventor from the Philippines | Written by Norma Olizon-Chikiamco | Illustrated by Mark Salvatus | Tuttle Publishing

Liwanag Lit Fest 2023

Join us at Liwanag Lit Fest next Saturday, October 21, at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in Long Beach as we celebrate Filipino books for all ages!  It’s a free literary festival shining a light on the vibrant diversity of Filipinx storytelling, organized by the Long Beach Public Library, Bel Canto Books, and an amazing volunteer team of book lovers!

The authors of these books Lolo’s Sari-sari Store, Maribel’s Year, Dancing the Tinikling, Damdaman and This Is Not a Personal Statement will all be present to do readings and signings. Click over to Liwanag's Eventbrite site for further details and the day’s schedule.  Last year’s festival was amazing and there are so many exciting things are planned for this year’s event!  Hope to see you there! 🇵🇭📚

Dancing Hands

When Sam sees her new neighbors communicating with their hands, moving “as if to music,” she’s intrigued.  Sam then meets her neighbor Mai, who teaches Sam’s hands to dance.  Together, the pair talk about the world around them, and share each other’s dreams, all through Filipino Sign Language.  With sweet, whimsical illustrations, this is a lovely tale about friendship that transcends language barriers.

Dancing Hands | Written by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez | Illustrated by Fran Alvarez | Chronicle Books

Originally published in the Philippines in collaboration with Room to Read.