#FAHMBookstaTour 2025
October is Filipino-American History Month! This celebration isn’t specifically just about Filipino heritage or culture, but the history of Filipinos in America. There isn’t just one way to be Filipino-American, our upbringing and experiences are all so different and beautiful.
If you know me or are a part of my family, you know how important nursing has been to our lives. My family wouldn’t be here without my mom and dad immigrating from the Philippines and my mom becoming a nurse. There is a deep gratitude and understanding of the sacrifices made to be here in America.
I participated in #FAHMBookstaTour on Instagram. I shared a little about books I’ve worked on, as well as a book I highly recommend. You can read below - I hope you enjoy!
Hello! My name is Christine Almeda, a Filipino-American kidlit illustrator!
So far, I’ve illustrated 3 picture books with Filipino themes…
“Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store” written by Sophia N. Lee
“Box of Dreams” written by Faith Kazmi
and “I Dance” written by Diana Rañola, coming this month on 10/28!
But my very first Filipino-themed picture book illustration can be found in “American Anthem” with words by Gene Scheer.
I illustrated my mom’s journey of being a young girl in the Philippines with a dream, to becoming a nurse in NYC!
I recommend reading “Empire of Care” by Catherine Ceniza Choy.
This book opened my eyes to the history of nurses in America. It answered the questions of ‘why are there so many Filipino nurses in the U.S.?’ and ‘how did they get here?’
Choy detailed the way Filipinos were encouraged to become nurses for “economic prosperity.” They would go on to support nursing shortages in the U.S. medical system, while not always getting the pay and credit they deserved.
I would love to illustrate a book about Filipino nurses someday!
But in the meantime, I’m so grateful that my mother’s dream of becoming a nurse helped pave a way for my siblings and me to pursue our own dreams.
Happy Filipino American History Month! Follow the #FAHMBookstaTour all month long! And as always, #FilTheShelves
Warm wishes,
Christine
I have a book coming out at the end of the month! Pre-order I DANCE from Bel Canto Books to receive a free sticker sheet (while supplies last!)
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @eychristine to stay up to date on all things art, books and silliness!