Gr 1–4—A Filipina girl fondly remembers summers spent helping her grandfather run his corner sari-sari store. The
store provides more than nostalgia, however; when the girl moves to the United States, these memories help her
find ways to connect with her new community. Illustrations brim with love and connection.

The young narrator, who has "come to live with Mama in America," dreams of her days with her grandfather in his sari-sari ('a good variety') store in the Philippines. Lolo is a good listener, and a caring and compassionate human; "Lolo was good at knowing what people needed." In America, the young narrator is adrift, until she connects with a stranger in the grocery store over pan de sal, and lets Lolo's question - "What help can you give your community?" - guide her interactions with her new neighbors.

A beautiful, colorful, delectable story of immigration, change, and community.

See also: With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez ( )

This read begins with a young girl and her memories of working with Lolo at his sari-sari store. Not only is the store a visual treat, but warmth and joy come across as she explains the various pepole, who would come by the shop. Lolo's heart of gold is inspiring and is sure to bring a smile to the face. These earlier scenes especially invite in and will have readers wishing they could join Lolo, too, since there's always someone with a smile or hello.

Then, it switches to the little girl's new life in the US with her mother. Since the mother works, the girl feels alone and misses the neighborly life. Her sadness weighs down just enough to bring the emotions across without growing too heavy. It sets the atmosphere for hope and reaching out, which also forms the main message in these pages. The situations come across with familiarity and are very fitting to the age group.

A sense for community and helping others rings loud and clear as the reader accompanies the girl in finding new connections. Giving and recognizing others' needs also rounds off the message and leaves the reader with a sense of hope...and maybe, a few ideas of their own. It does open up the possibility to a discussion or even a project surrounding the community.
I received an ARC and enjoyed the sense of community. ( )