When Lakas strolls through his neighborhood one sunny afternoon, the last thing he expects to find is a group of tap-dancing, drum-beating, karaoke-singing new friends. But these new friends face a crisis: the Makibaka Hotel, where they make their home, is about to be sold. They must pack their belongings and leave their home in thirty days. Unless….
Lakas soon leads his new friends Tick A. Boom, Firefoot, and Fernando, the Karaoke King, in a rollicking protest against their eviction. Before long the streets of the neighborhood are reverberating with the taps, raps, and chants of Makibaka—of struggle, spirit, and laughter.
Carl Angel’s effervescent paintings vibrate with the rhythms of the city in this second collaboration with poet and author Anthony D. Robles. Join them and Lakas on this new adventure, which transforms one community’s struggle into a celebration of activism, spirit, and song.
Anthony D. Robles was born and raised in San Francisco, California, where he lives today. A writer and activist, Robles’s work is highly influenced by his family, culture, and the working class community. His poetry has appeared in numerous journals and magazines, including DisOrient Journalzine, Pinoy Poetics, The Asian Pacific American Journal, and Seven-Card Stud and Seven Manangs Wild.
Carl Angel is a painter, illustrator, and graphic designer whose work is exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Born in Maryland, and raised in Hawaii, he attended the California College of Arts and Crafts, and the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, California. Carl lives in San Leandro, California with his wife and son.
"…author and activist Robles has created a memorable story, supported by Angel's vibrant, hopeful art…The messages—that voices of all people are worthy of being heard and that social change comes with unity—are those that all readers will appreciate. A great read-aloud, the story will also be enjoyed by independent readers, along with Lakas and the Manilatown Fish." —School Library Journal
"This is a fun, engaging tale, enhanced by Carl Angel's colorful illustrations… Robles and Angel, together with Tagalog translator Eloisa de Jesus, do a wonderful job of keeping alive the stories of struggle in the Filipino community." —San Francisco Chronicle
"This book will stimulate readers ages eight or nine to place human values above financial gain, while even children as young as six will identify with Lakas’s determination to help his friends. The artwork’s bold appearance and strong colors will draw the reader’s attention…Young readers will learn that obtaining human rights requires a struggle. They must be ready for that challenge." —ForeWord Magazine
