Essential books to read during Filipino-American History Month

October is Filipino American History Month! Let’s recognize the importance of literature in preserving and honouring the Filipino American experience both past and present.

Here are some remarkable books that delve into the rich history and diverse narratives of Filipino Americans:

Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dawn Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta 

This book tells the inspiring story of Larry Itliong. Itliong was a key figure in the Filipino American labor movement and the fight for workers’ rights. This the first book about Larry Itliong, and is also the first nonfiction Filipino American history picture book for children.

Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina Gilmore 

Through the eyes of Cora, this children’s book explores Filipino culture and the significance of food and tradition. Cora Cooks Pancit is a good companion book with Journey for Justice, as Cora’s grandfather cooked for Filipino farm workers. He includes his pancit recipe in the back!

America is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan 

A classic in Filipino American literature, this autobiographical novel portrays the struggles and dreams of Carlos Bulosan as he navigates life as a Filipino immigrant in America. Bulosan’s account of labour exploitation, his resistance and journey for survival help show how Filipino communities established themselves in America.

Bulosan shows an intimate account of the crippling poverty in the Philippines that brought him to America. And also documents his account of being confronted by white supremacy, discrimination and violence. Yet it is in this new life he finds his soul and voice. Not just a book to understand the Filipinx experience, but also American history. And, often history that is often untold.

America is Not the Heart by Elaine Castillo

This powerful novel follows the story of Hero, a former revolutionary from the Philippines, as she seeks refuge and builds a new life in the United States. This is a great companion read with America is in the Heart. While Bulosan’s story shows history and our heritage, Castillo will make you feel seen in this Filipino family, as her characters live in a current timeline.

This was the first book where I understood the struggle my parents went through when they traded one life for another to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines. I also saw see myself in the Filipino-American culture that Hero adjusts to in the book. The brutalities of the Marcos Sr regime and how it splintered families and communities depicted in the book is an eye-opening account of how living in that era in the Philippines was.

The Latinos of Asia – How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race by Anthony Christian Ocampo

Ocampo explores the complex dynamics of race and identity within the Filipino American community. This book sheds light on the experiences of a group often overlooked in discussions of Asian American identity. Most people only recognize East Asian in the Asian American identity. But the Filipinx identity also incorporates Spanish history and colonialism in it.

Ocampo’s leading question, “Is race only about the colour of your skin?” is a question that keeps you reading as he leads you through his research around the Filipinx identity. The question is answered in an accessible way. If you grew up in California in a big Filipino community, much of the book will resonate with you.

Brown Skin, White Minds by E.J.R. David 

This insightful book examines the psychological impact of colonial mentality on Filipino Americans and offers a critical perspective on race, racism, and decolonization. This is another companion combo with The Latinos of Asia. Brown Skin, White Minds dives deep into colonial mentality, which made it a slow but thoughtful read. There are parts that are downright infuriating because E.J.R David has created colonial mentality scales and shows how deep colonialism has made our community hate our own culture and distrust each other, and dives into why we participate in crab mentality and inherently think anything Western is better than anything produced in the Philippines. I had to put this book down a few times because it made me so angry at how the effects of colonialism are so long lasting.

I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib 

Through a blend of illustrations and personal stories, Gharib reflects on her experiences as a Filipino Egyptian American, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and cultural assimilation. Gharib’s two identities make her hard to label and she grows up a creative artist, so while Gharib tackles some serious issues, this is a light, fun and effortless read. Her cute and contemporary art style tells stories in little nostalgic details and memories.

Madagarat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing 

Though this is a Filipino-American history list, this landmark of Filipino-Canadian writing is releasing on November 4, 2023. Filipino-Canadians and Americans share a lot of similar issues and challenges, and this anthology of writing by members of the Filipino-Canadian community explores Filipino-Canadian identities, experiences, histories, presents, and futures, and serves to reinforce their cultural contributions. Where Ocampo focused on Southern California in The Latinos of Asia above, this work tells stories from different provinces and communities that didn’t always have many Filipinos in it. A first Filipinx anthology published by a traditional Canadian publisher, this book features 49 authors from all across Canada.

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These books are essential reads not only during Filipino American History Month but throughout the year. They provide valuable insights into the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of Filipino Americans. They enrich our understanding of their history and culture. By exploring these narratives, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for the Filipino community to share all their experiences of joy, community, resilience and resistance.

See also: How I re-discovered my love of Filipino food

Happy Filipino American History Month!

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Feature Image Credit: University of Washington