Reviews of We Belong
"A beautiful and poignant tale of immigration fused with Tagalog myth."
"Filipino mythology beautifully intertwines a personal immigration story in this free verse novel....Infusing the heart of Pinoy culture into a moving, accessible bedtime narrative, this 'story of outsiders' will resonate with anyone who has felt estranged in the place they call home."
"Truly beautiful, moving, and delightful."
"[We Belong] is, at times, a painful but familiar new immigrant story of struggle and hardship, but it also showcases not only the very tight bonds of Filipino families but also their perseverance... a nice addition to the modern Filipino voices in children's literature."
"While the themes of immigration and identity are familiar, the interweaving with mythology makes them feel fresh, as do Elsie's reflections on motherhood, her own daughters, and her determination to 'know my name is safe in your mouths.' This book packs a lot into spacious, spare lines, and it would work well in conversations about family, immigration, Pilipino history, and world mythology."
Everman's poetry is indeed music to the ear, replete with rich language and vivid imagery. Her tale is rich with Pilipino foods, Tagalog words, and legends....Reflecting a reverence for the sun and moon, it is a study in contrasts - light/dark, life/death, smiles/slaps - with real insight into mother-child dynamics that apply to every culture. The end pages include a Tagalog language glossary with translations for the song lyrics. This book should find a place in libraries committed to providing diverse books for all students so they can know they belong."