Can’t-Miss Books by Filipino American Authors

Hawai‘i boasts a thunderously mighty community of Filipino Americans, many of whom first immigrated to the islands in the early 20th century to work the agricultural sectors. Today, Filipino Americans make up about a quarter of Hawai‘i’s population, while their culture, history, and stories contribute to the rich diversity that makes our islands so special.

While October signals the start of Filipino American History Month, we’re shining the spotlight on some of our favorite books penned by Filipino authors. From captivating graphic novels depicting Philippine legends to delicious murder mysteries set in Tita Rosie’s kitchen, our top picks for Filipino American History Month are sure to delight readers of all ages and interests.

SEE ALSO: Read Your Way Through Hawaiian History Month

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

The Mythology Class

by Arnold Arre

This immersive and arresting graphic novel marries traditional Filipino mythology with contemporary events and action. Set in the streets of metropolitan Manila, The Mythology Class follows anthropology student Nicole Lacson as she encounters creatures of Filipino folklore only familiar from her grandfather’s bedtime stories, from tikblangs to kapres to a variety of engkantos. Winner of the esteemed Philippine National Book Award, The Mythology Class is a feat of world-building and a celebration of all things Philippine mythology.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

All Heathens

by Marianne Chan

A sweeping declaration of ownership and resistance, All Heathens is a dazzling debut poetry collection praised by the likes of Mia Alvar, Rick Barot and Hanif Abdurraqib. By revisiting Magellan’s world voyage, poet Marianne Chan seeks to makes sense of her Filipino heritage while grappling with notions of diaspora and discovery. Winner of the 2022 Association for Asian American Studies Book Award, All Heathens is a beautiful vortex in which readers will find explorations ranging from colonialism and Catholic saints to karaoke.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Hello, Universe

by Erin Entrada Kelly

Winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal for children’s literature, Hello Universe weaves four distinct points of view in a heartwarming story about finding your inner bayani, or hero. Set in the span of a single day, the novel depicts four tweens sent on an epic rescue quest that turns these neighbors into unexpected friends. Written by a first generation Filipina-American, the novel is also a celebration of Filipino culture and folklore, of Tagalog and dialects and of Filipino food.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Arsenic and Adobo

by Mia P. Manansala

And speaking of food, no list of Filipino American books would be complete without Arsenic and Adobo, the first installment of the beloved Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series. At the heart of this culinary cozy series is Lila Macapagal, who’s forced to juggle nosy matchmaking aunties, a bad breakup and her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, only to become suspect #1 in the death of a nasty food critic/ex-boyfriend. Don’t be mistaken, this twisty tale is a great time and uses humor to explore the Filipino diaspora, queerness and badass women.

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl