The Filipinos fought for Independence from Spain at the close of the 19th century. However, our heroes’ efforts were seemingly for naught. Spain ceded the Philippines to emerging superpower United States of America in 1898. Despite the revolution, we were again under the dominion of a foreign power.

After 40 years, life changed yet again at the onset of World War II and the subsequent Japanese occupation of our country.

Today, for the fourth installment of our series Making Philippine History More Interesting, we selected books that can give our children a peek at life during the two periods. We’re so pleased to have found historical fiction and nonfiction books set during World War II. There’s also an interesting short book written by an American principal of Albay during the early years of American rule.

American Period

Francisco, The Filipino

Chapter Book / Ages 8 and up

Author Burtis Little was the principal of the Albay Provincial School in the early 1900s. He wrote this short book to give American children an idea about how the Filipino people live, work, and play.

It’s an interesting peek at the lives of ordinary Filipinos with vivid descriptions of homes, games, food, schools, etc.  I find myself nodding at those descriptions as I recall trips to different provinces when I was young. I doubt that we can still see the traditional way of life even in the farthest villages. There might already be a Jollibee branch there!

How Filipinos were taught English is also described in the book. I find the following passage particularly telling of the effects of that teaching, which we can see and feel until now:

“Due to the widespread influence of the American schools, one can find English spoken in even remote parts of the Philippines, and hence in spite of sixty different native languages, the people now have a common method of speech which can be understood in all sections of the islands.”  Emphasis mine.

Available here.

Si Juanito, Noong Panahon ng mga Amerikano

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

Juanito, a 12-year-old sugar plantation worker in Negros, is recruited with his father to work in Hawaii. Even through hardships, he persevered and then eventually decided to stay in his new home. This is a story about the sacadas in the American period who can be considered to be the first “overseas Filipino workers” who left the country seeking a better life.

Available here.

Great Lives Series: Manuel Quezon

Biography / English / Ages 8 and up

Manuel Quezon came of age during the Philippine revolution, and became Emilio Aguinaldo’s aide-de-camp. He served as an assemblyman, a senator, and eventually the president of the Philippine Commonwealth from 1935 to 1944. His work paved the way for the Philippines’ independence from America.

Available here.

World War II

Barefoot in Fire: A World War II Childhood

Autobiography / For ages 8 and up

Written by Barbara Ann Gamboa-Lewis, this autobiography is a charming book about the author’s childhood in Manila during World War II. Her many adventures (chasing ducks, sitting on trees, playing with her mother’s beautiful shawl!) make her relatable to young children.

My daughter enjoyed this tremendously, and was full of awe at the author’s pluck. Imagine playing violin for a Japanese officer who misses his child! How about working at a military camp’s kitchen to make sure to get food for your family? Highly recommended!

Available here.

Adventures of a Child of War

Historical fiction / For ages 8 and up

Eduardo, who’s from a well-off family, lives in San Juan. It’s the 1940s, and his life changes at the outset of World War II. Well-written, Lin Acacio-Flores’ novel is full of facts about life during that time. The book uses real photographs from the era to help readers visualize life then, even if the story is fictional. Having a male protagonist, boys will appreciate this chapter book.

Available here.

Good Night, Lala

Biography / For ages 6 and up

I’ve written about this book before, when my kids and I had an amazing time learning about World War II. I wrote, “Corazon Ordonez-Calica, Lala to her grandchildren, used to tell her childhood stories in Pampanga during the war. Her daughter Maya edited her stories in a book for Filipino children to enjoy. Published by Adarna House, this collection of short stories gives a glimpse to a time gone by as well as to actual wartime experiences.”

Available here.

Si Pitong, Noong Panahon ng mga Hapon

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

Pitong experiences life during World War II. Though sad to leave his hometown, he went with his family to stay with relatives in Malabon. His family’s experience with the Makapili can also be a point for discussion with children: Was it right to betray other people in order for your own self and family to survive or do well?

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.

V – Post-World War II – Our country’s history after the second World War was highlighted with two related events: Martial Law and the EDSA Revolution.