Angel de la Luna and the 5th Glorious Mystery

Gr 9 Up—Recalling the turbulent era of the second Philippine People Power Revolution in 2001, Angel de la Luna is a poetic coming-of-age story about personal loss and the transformative power of political activism. Fifteen-year-old Angel's father was killed in a horrific accident, and with her mother consumed by grief, the teen copes by getting involved in community organizing efforts to depose President Joseph Estrada. Through her grandmother, Lola Ani, Angel also learns about the surviving Filipina "Comfort Women" who suffered atrocities during World War II. Meanwhile, Angel's mother decides to move to America for a better life, promising to send for her daughters. Unable to forgive what she perceives as maternal abandonment, Angel further immerses herself in consciousness-raising and activist work. When her mother eventually sends for her, the teen arrives in Chicago sullen and homesick; she struggles to reconnect with her mother and to bridge cultural differences. While compelling, the novel has some slight shortcomings-large chunks of Tagalog dialogue are interspersed throughout with limited context and no glossary to assist with interpretation. At times, the story feels bogged down by complex themes that potentially overwhelm when combined into one narrative. Yet, the tender generational bonds between Angel and Lola Ani, as well as the teen's staunch feminist awareness, pack an emotional punch and ring true. Galang artfully contrasts political instability in the Philippines with the personal upheaval in a teen's life in a way that will resonate with patient readers.—Lalitha Nataraj, Escondido Public Library, CA