Twelve-year-old Pablo is homesick. Ever since his father left his mother, a zoologist who helps rehabilitate abused animals, they've moved from one side of the world to the other. Now they are residing in the Philippines, and his mother is charged to care for an orphaned child, Chiqui, who has an unrepaired cleft lip. As he and his mother adjust to having Chiqui in their lives, Pablo must face his ever-increasing anxiety. But as it turns out, in his efforts to help Chiqui, he learns a thing or two from her as well, even finding the courage to confront his lifelong and deep-seated fear of the sea. This very special debut addresses issues of identity, mental health, appearance, friendship, and family.

An #ownvoices middle grade debut novel set in the Philippines about twelve-year-old Pablo's challenges with anxiety while his mother fosters an orphaned child with a facial anomaly.

About the Author
A Martial Law baby born at the height of the Marcos regime in the Philippines, Tanya Guerrero spent her childhood in Manila, Barcelona, and La Masia. She currently lives in the suburbs of Manila with her husband, daughter, and a menagerie of rescued cats and dogs. How to Make Friends with the Sea is her debut novel. Learn more about Tanya at tanyaguerrero.com.


Book Information
ISBN 9781250763273
Author Tanya Guerrero
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Square Fish
Publisher Palgrave USA
Weight(grams) 307g
Dimensions(mm) 193mm * 130mm * 29mm