Category: student

Talia and the Passover HUG-gadah
by Linda Elovitz Marshall (Author) and Francesca Assirelli (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: WOW! A whole holiday about HUGS! As Talia places books called Haggadahs on the Passover table, she can’t wait for the hugging to begin. While waiting, Talia learns about the Jewish people’s escape from slavery in Egypt, the Ten Plagues, the Four Questions, and the Passover meal. But where are all the hugs? After all, it’s called the “HUG-gadah,” isn’t it?

Snippet:

The author, Linda Elovitz Marshall, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2026 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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.

Snippet:

The author, Christine Alemshah, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2025 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)