Anastasia Suen - Developmental Editor

Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures
by Christine Alemshah (Author) and Dream Chen (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: A Filipina-American girl packs a box full of treasures, a balikbayan box, for her relatives in the Philippines. A balikbayan box is an international care package and an expression of love for many Filipino families living abroad. Bea and her family spend months gathering and packing surprises. When the package has been shipped, Bea waits patiently for it to arrive overseas–it could take two whole months! Meanwhile, she learns about the balikbayan tradition and how it helps sustain her connection to her far-away family. Finally, Bea’s family gets a video call from Tito Rico, Tita Alma, and Bea’s pinsan, Maribel, and they connect over the excitement of unpacking the box.

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The author, Christine Alemshah, is one of my former students.
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Taylor Swift: Queen of Reinvention (Icons)
by Carla Mooney (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Which version of Taylor Swift is your favorite? When she burst into the country music scene in the 2000s, Swift established a solid fan base with her big voice, her passion for music, and her songwriting skills. When she later made the switch from country to pop and indie folk, she revolutionized not only her own music, but also the music world. Learn about Swift’s life and career, her rise to global stardom, and everything in between-from feuds and controversies to unparalleled fan support and Swift’s dedication to advocacy and social justice.

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