Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel /Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel - Hardcover

Robles, Anthony D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0892392134 ISBN 13: 9780892392131

Publisher: Children's Book Press, 2006

Synopsis

When Lakas strolls through his neighborhood one sunny afternoon, the last thing he expects to find is a group of tap-dancing, drum-beating, karaoke-singing new friends. But his friends face a crisis: their home, the Makibaka Hotel, is about to be sold. They must pack their belongings and leave in 30 days. But in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, where is there to go? Their rollicking protest against eviction becomes a clarion call to the community, but is it enough to save the Makibaka? Carl Angel’s effervescent paintings vibrate with the rich urban rhythms of city life in this second collaboration with author and poet Anthony D. Robles.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Inspired by the successful resistance by the residents of the Trinity Plaza Apartments in San Francisco, author and activist Robles has created a memorable story, supported by Angel's vibrant, hopeful art. In a tribute to Makibaka, the spirit of struggle, young Lakas helps his neighbors stand together to keep their home, the Makibaka Hotel, which the landlord is selling. While specifically honoring Filipino culture and communities, this richly patterned text in both English and Tagalog yields a universal message. As Fernando states, I was afraid before, but not now. We are together, no matter what happens. In this way, we have already won. While the easy, successful resolution might be too simplistic for some readers, the messages-that voices of all people are worthy of being heard and that social change comes with unity-are those that all readers will appreciate. A great read-aloud, the story will also be enjoyed by independent readers, along with Lakas and the Manilatown Fish (Children's Book Press, 2003).-Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH
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From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. This lively bilingual picture book, in English with a Tagalog translation on every spread, begins with a note from the author about his Filipino grandparents, who came to the U.S. as farm workers and brought Makibaka, the spirit "of struggle, of love, and of laughter," with them. With that in mind, Robles tells the story of Lakas, a contemporary kid in a busy city neighborhood, who rouses his poor community to resist the demolition of their hotel home and the gentrification of their neighborhood. The vibrant, double-page collages, in bright shades of red, purple, and green, show Lakas calling on the people in his community, including the wild, irreverent dancers and musicians and the Karaoke King, who make signs, march through the streets, and defeat the landlord, a comic figure clothed in a suit of garish green banknotes. Filipino families will want this, as will many immigrant families. Pair it with Diana Cohn's picture book Si, Se Puede = Yes, We Can! Janitor Strike in L. A.(2002). Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Children's Book Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0892392134
• ISBN 13: 9780892392131
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Angel Carl