For one Filipina girl, her wonderful, indelible memories of summers with her lola are steeped in music-filled days, old Tagalog love songs and pots of brightly savory sinigang stirring on the stove. But what does the girl do when her lola’s memory wanes and she starts to forget things? She heeds Lola’s wise advice — “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs” — and reassuringly sings all of Lola’s favorite songs to remind her of all their special times together. We are so, so excited about this richly layered and poignant story of music, memories and the wisdom and traditions passed on from grandparent to grandchild.
Holding On was written by Sophia N. Lee illustrated by Isabel Roxas and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Out on August 30 and available for preorder now!