Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel /Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel [Hardcover]

Anthony D. Robles (Author), Carl Angel (Illustrator), Eloisa D. de Jesus (Translator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: K and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

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
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Book Press; Bilingual edition (February 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892392134
• ISBN-13: 978-0892392131
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 11.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Story, September 15, 2011

By 

sheenajj5 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel /Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel (Hardcover)

The story was pretty good, but it didnt seem to have a very good purpose. The message it sent out was a little iffy to kids. Lakas (the boy) walked through the town and talked to many different people on the street, I am just not so sure I would want my kids thinking that this was okay to do.

5.0 out of 5 stars Maganda, June 4, 2010

By 

J. Huyett (Brownsville, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel /Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel (Hardcover)

This book is not only an excellent tool to encourage Tagalog in youngsters growing up in the US, but also has history included in the story. The book covers Filipino customs, myths, vocabulary and a good review of the history of Filipinos in northern California- Manilatown. Lots of good lessons for young children here. Every good Ninong should purchase this book. Maganda.

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasing tale based on a real San Francisco event, April 10, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel /Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel (Hardcover)

Anthony D. Robles' Lakas And The Makibaka Hotel presents an unusual bilingual English-Tagalog story set in the US as a musical with decidedly modern overtones. Lakas' new friends face a crisis when their beloved hotel home is bout to be sold. They have only 30 days to leave - unless they can join forces and neighborhood sentiments to make a different. Carl Angel's lovely and zesty colorful paintings spice a pleasing tale based on a real San Francisco event.