MABUHAY! by Zachary Sterling

Scholastic Inc. Paperback. NEW. In this captivating story, two siblings, JJ and Althea, find themselves caught between the desire to save the world and the responsibilities that come with running their family food truck. Growing up as first-generation Filipino-Americans, they constantly struggle to find their place in school, each with their own unique challenges. JJ yearns to belong to the popular crowd, willing to do whatever it takes to fit in. He is willing to compromise his own identity and beliefs just to gain acceptance from his peers. Meanwhile, Althea stands strong in her individuality, determined to be accepted for who she truly is. Both siblings face an uphill battle, constantly faced with the harsh reality that hope for true acceptance seems almost unattainable. Adding to their burdens, they are continuously roped into helping their parents with the family food truck. However, the tasks assigned to them are far from glamorous. In order to attract customers, they are required to dress up as a dancing pig and distribute samples. This responsibility leaves them feeling embarrassed and exasperated, further adding to the struggles they face. To complicate matters even further, their mother frequently shares lessons and tales from Filipino folklore. To JJ and Althea, these stories have become tedious and bothersome, as they have heard them repeatedly throughout their lives. Little do they know, these ancient tales hold much more truth than they could have ever imagined. Suddenly, their world is turned upside down when witches, ogres, and other creatures from these same folklore stories begin to threaten the safety of their family. JJ and Althea find themselves thrust into a real-life battle against these mythical beings, forcing them to confront their own identities and embrace who they truly are. Through a series of exciting and sometimes terrifying events, JJ and Althea slowly come to realize the power of their Filipino heritage and the significance of the folklore passed down through generations. They discover that the stories they once dismissed as mere tales hold the key to their family's survival. With newfound bravery, they face their fears head-on and tap into the strength within themselves. JJ and Althea learn to embrace their cultural roots, using the lessons ingrained in their folklore to combat the supernatural threats that endanger their family. In doing so, they not only save their family but also learn the importance of staying true to themselves. In this heartwarming and thrilling tale, two siblings embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience. They demonstrate that sometimes the greatest powers lie within one's heritage and the ability to embrace who they truly are. Will JJ and Althea succeed in saving their family and accepting their true selves? Only time will tell.