newest arrival!
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newest arrival! 〰️
MUNGAN AND LOLA
Our newest children’s picture book is here!
newest arrival!
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newest arrival! 〰️
HERE AT SAWAGA RIVER PRESS, WE CURATE CYCLE-BREAKING STORYTELLERS, TALENTED INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, AND PASSIONATE COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO PROMOTE LITERACY, SELF-DETERMINATION, AND CONNECTIONS WITH EACH OTHER, OUR ANCESTORS, AND OUR HOMELANDS.
BEST SELLERS
Expand your worldview with our best selling publications highlighting Filipino American culture.
Sawaga River Press is proud to collaborate with the Pinay Powerhouse Collective to publish this anthology of essays and poetry written by 28 Pinay-identifying attorneys from across the United States. The narratives touch on a wide range of topics including decolonial practices, career advice, Filipina/o/x identity, motherhood, and community work.
Rooted in Practice came from Pinays sharing their experiences with each other during virtual gatherings and conferences organized by Pinay Powerhouse. This affirming collection represents Pinays engaged in all aspects of the law—practicing and non-practicing attorneys, paralegals, law students, judges, activists—as they balance work, identity, and family life.
For discounted pricing, make sure to visit us at our next tabling event!
Jack & Agyu (2020, 2024) tells the story of an imaginative young boy, Jack, who longs to find himself in the books that he reads. Crushed when he realizes he is different-looking from all his favorite book characters, he begins his adventure to right this wrong. His path leads him to trouble, but also, to healing and empowerment as he reconnects with the stories of his ancestors from the Philippines.
Vibrantly illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao with characters based on Filipino mythology—the sirena (mermaid), syokoy (mermen), and diwata (fairies), just to name a few—this beautiful book is sure to draw kids into an adventure that is as exciting as much as it is self-affirming!
For discounted pricing, make sure to visit us at our next tabling event!
A revised edition (2024) of the very first publication by Sawaga River Press! Read about the publication journey on the Mama, Mama, Do You Know What I Like? blog here.
This book provides a peek into the daily life of a five year old Filipino-American boy named Charlie, who goes on a picnic with his Mama and younger brother, Jack. Beautifully illustrated by Andrew Rogers, Charlie shares what he likes and likes to do, all of which most kids his age can relate to!
For discounted pricing, make sure to visit us at our next tabling event!
Sawaga River Press is the publishing arm of a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Libro Para Sa Tanan, A Literacy Project.
We promote literacy, celebrate Filipino American culture, history, and community, and support storytellers.
WHAT WE DO
Illustrations courtesty of Lynnor Bontigao & Andrew Rodgers
OUR FOUNDERS
JUSTINE VILLANUEVA
JULIENNE VILLANUEVA
MICHAEL LYNES
OUR INSPIRATIONS
Illustrations by Lynnor Bontigao
The Diwata
A spirit of nature or fairy that is considered the steward over a
piece of land, mountain, or river.
The Babaylan
A community leader who is
gifted at healing and mediating
with the spirit world.
Learn more about our founding, mission, and values here.
TESTIMONIALS FROM LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITY…
Leny Strobel, Founding Mother of Center for Babaylan Studies; Professor Emeritus in American Multicultural Studies at Sonoma State University
“It grieves me to realize that I/we have hardly any access to our mythic stories, and we are trying to create something new out of the fragments that we do have. Sawaga River Press is trying to grow our indigenous brilliance–starting with the young ones.”
E.J.R. David, Ph.D., Professor, Author of Brown Skin, White Minds: Filipino-American Postcolonial Psychology
“The research is clear: cultural connectedness promotes the well-being of Children of Color. These stories will help current and future generations of Filipino youth gain a better understanding of their roots, and remind them of their people’s strength and resilience. As a psychological scientist, I am excited to witness the positive impact of these books on the Filipino community. As a parent, I cannot wait to share this healing experience with my children."
Robyn Rodriguez, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Asian American Studies at UC Davis; Founder of the Remagination Lab LLC (encompassing the School for Liberating Education, the Amado Khaya Healing House & the Remagination Farm); Founding Faculty Director, Bulosan Center for Filipinx Studies
“I believe in growing independent, autonomous institutions that serve us. This is why I fully support Sawaga River Press and its goals of publishing for, by, and about the Filipina/o/x community.”
GET PUBLISHED
Are you an author or artist who is passionate about storytelling and Filipino culture?