Time to Shine - A Filipino American Family Story - by Stephanie Vivit Lehmann (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

What if the key to healing your family's past was hidden inside a glowing star?

In this SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION 10"x10" hardcover gift book, this heartfelt story follows a young Filipino-American girl's fascination with traditional parol star lanterns, setting her family on a transformative journey of rediscovery and cultural pride. Time to Shine is more than a story--it's a radiant celebration of identity, belonging, and the courage to be seen.

During a Christmas trip to the Philippines, Tala is enchanted by the colorful glow of parols and convinces her mom to bring a parol-making kit home. Back in America, Tala's enthusiasm faces resistance from her mother and grandmother, who have long-suppressed feelings of pride in their Filipino identity.

As the three generations work together to build their parol, memories resurface, and hearts heal. Grandma reconnects with her roots, shedding colonial shadows and rediscovering pride in her Filipino heritage. Mom sees her cultural identity in a new light, and Tala becomes the spark that brings them all together, as she proclaims,
"I like being Filipino and American. I like being different, I like being me!"

When their lantern finally shines in the front window, it becomes a beacon--not just for their family, but for their whole community. Time to Shine celebrates the power of tradition, the strength of intergenerational love, and the beauty of embracing who you are. With vibrant illustrations, it opens the door to meaningful conversations about identity, healing, and belonging.

⭐ Perfect for readers ages 4-10, families navigating multicultural experiences, and classrooms or homeschools celebrating Filipino-American History / AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander Month).

--Stephanie Vivit Lehmann