Any Day with You

Gr 4-6–An authentic, gentle tale of family and the meaning of home. Kaia and her family are devastated when her great-grandfather, Tatang, announces he is leaving California and returning to the Philippines for good. Yet, when Kaia, a budding makeup effects artist, and her talented friends, Abby and Trey, learn of a local film contest, Kaia is sure she can get Tatang to stay. Kaia’s love for Tatang and his love for her is felt on every page. Readers will fall in love with Tatang’s stories, cheerful attitude, and calming presence. They will cheer on Kaia and her friends as they attempt to make an award-winning Filipino monster movie in an attempt to get Tatang to stay. The story is full of Filipino folklore, history, and cuisine, and the beautiful backdrop of the ocean adds to the story’s visual appeal. Kaia’s character develops nicely, gaining an understanding that “the heart can have more than one home.” The secondary characters all have distinct voices that enhance the narrative.