We have finally come to the last part of our series of Making Philippine History More Interesting through a chronological booklist. Check the end of this post for the links to the different historical eras.

Several significant events happened in our country after World War II until today. The Martial Law years and the EDSA revolution highlight the period. In addition, the phenomenon of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) affected family life and society in general.

We did not include well-known books about Martial Law anymore such as Conjugal Dictatorship by Primitivo Mijares, Never Again by Raissa Robles, Dekada ’70 by Lualhati Bautista, and many more, as our booklist is mainly for young children. But parents, feel free to pick up any of the books I just mentioned to immerse yourself in the era.

Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara Ang Batas-Militar

Historical fiction / Picture book / Filipino with English translation / Ages 4 and up (for English; for Filipino, depends on the child)

Jhun-Jhun loves to play outside with his friends. But he’s curious about his big brother’s whereabouts. Following him one day, he discovered that his brother has been joining demonstrations against the Marcos government.

Available here.

Isang Harding Papel

Historical fiction / Picture book / Filipino / Ages 4 and up 

Jenny misses her mother so much. Together with her grandmother, she visits her mother in prison where they make paper flowers. This is a simple book that provides a powerful look at life under Marcos’ Martial Law regime.

Available here.

At the School Gate

Picture book / English / Ages 8 and up

Days after her father disappeared, Ella Cortez sees someone waiting for her at the school gate. Before the night is over, Ella realizes: “This is just like Martial Law happening all over again. The only difference was that no one else knew about it. Just us and Them.” Based on the author’s experiences with her family during martial law and the years after, this story shows there are many different ways to be brave during difficult times.

Available here.

Edjop: A Child of the Storm

Biography / Picture book / English / Ages 6 and up

Edjop grew up like any other child – carefree and adventurous. But even then, his heart went out to the poor. As he fought against Marcos’ oppressive dictatorship, he never forgot the promise he made as a young boy: to help alleviate the plight of the poor.

Available here.

Great Lives Series – Benigno Aquino

Biography / English / Ages 8 and up

Read about the life of Benigno Aquino, the man who fought against the Marcos dictatorship and paid with his life for it.

Ninoy Aquino: A Courageous Homecoming

Biography / Picture book / English / Ages 6 and up

Despite having the choice of staying with his family, away from political limelight, Ninoy Aquino opted to go back to the Philippines as he promised his countrymen. Ninoy Aquino: A Courageous Homecoming tells the story of his last journey home.

Available here.

EDSA

Picture book / Filipino / Ages 4 and up 

EDSA is a charming counting book that features the elements that surrounded the historic event. “Isang ibong ibinibenta sa gitna ng EDSA.” “Dalawang radyong naghahatid ng mainit na balita.” Charming.

Salingkit: A 1986 Novel

Novel / English / Ages 12 and up

Written in diary format, Salingkit gives readers a peek at the life of a teenager around the time that the EDSA Revolution happened. Solidly set in the 1980s, parents will also enjoy reminiscing and sharing about their youth with their children.

Available here.

Tall Story

Fiction / English / Ages 12 and up

The rise in the numbers of Filipinos working abroad has been an undeniable part of our modern society. It is something that our children also need to be aware of. Tall Story is an engrossing novel for young adults about a boy named Bernardo who grows to be very, very tall, much to the concern of his mother who works in England. The use of a character from Philippine myth – Bernardo Carpio – juxtaposed with the life of an OFW family makes the book interesting and truly Filipino.

Available here.

The Series

Just click on the links!

I – Making Philippine History More Interesting: A Chronological Booklist – Read about the value of studying history chronologically, as well as a list of suggested books for your history spine (general overview).

II – Before and Up To When The Spaniards Came – Read about Magellan, his slave Enrique, and other interesting stories from this time period.

III – Spanish Era Until the Revolution – Learn more about the heroes of the era through picture books and biographies.

IV – American Era to World War II – Take a peek at life during the American period and discover how Filipinos were able to quickly adopt the English language. There are also several wonderful chapter books about life during World War II.