A Gift

Keeping our heritage alive is one of the reasons we homeschool.  While our kids are very American in the way they talk, act, think, they also have kept a lot of their Filipino-ness, we believe because we kept them home with us.  They have time to observe and absorb and appreciate what makes us unique as Filipinos. 

This book is about learning about, keeping in touch with, and appreciating one's heritage.  It's a book about family, distance, coping, and the good that can come out when families continue to care about each other even when they are apart. 

Maples in the Mist

Can be used for intro to Chinese culture.  Some of the messages may be lost (and a couple of the kids thought this was "boring") but an older kid may appreciate it better.  On the other hand, the illustrations are beautiful enough that it may still appeal to younger children even if they can't fully relate to the poems.

Learned about it from Genevieve at 4Real.