A Roof!

After a typhoon sweeps through Maya’s neighborhood in the Philippines, she finds a roof in her backyard with an address on it. Determined to return it to its rightful owner, Maya sets off on a journey with her tatay, enlisting the help of her neighbors—a farmer and his carabao, fishers and their boat, a sapatero, a labandera, a kusinera, and others. Together, they navigate the storm’s aftermath, working tirelessly to reunite the roof with its family while beginning the rebuilding of their community.

Stephanie Ellen Sy’s A Roof! is a heartwarming and uplifting story that highlights the power of community, kindness, and resilience. Told in a cumulative structure that makes it a joy to read aloud, A Roof! captures the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan—community care and collective effort. The writing is simple and engaging, ideal for younger readers, while the cheerful dialogue and lively pacing keep the story both relatable and dynamic. Humour is thoughtfully woven into the narrative, balancing its deeper themes with moments of lightheartedness.

Daniel Tingcungco’s lush and cinematic illustrations complement the story perfectly, using bright, vibrant colors and expressive details to bring the scenes to life. Each page invites exploration, with rich imagery that enhances the sense of joy and collaboration throughout the book.

A Roof! is an excellent tool for teaching empathy, teamwork, and the value of supporting others. It sparks meaningful conversations about fairness, sharing, and rebuilding after challenges, making it a valuable resource for classrooms and homes alike. Teachers can pair the book with activities like group projects on community improvement or creative exercises like building model homes. It’s also an age-appropriate introduction to larger social topics like housing and inequality.