Books on Martial Law for Children & Young Adults: A curated library guide

Highlighting stories that preserve memory, foster critical thinking, and honor human rights.

Early Readers (5–10 years old)

• Sayaw ng mga Ilaw – Cheeno Marlo Sayuno, illus. Aaron Asis
  A girl longs to learn a traditional dance as her family faces absence and loss under Martial Law.

• Isang Harding Papel – Augie Rivera, illus. Rommel Joson
  A child’s paper garden becomes a symbol of hope while her mother is imprisoned.

• Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara ang Batas Militar – Augie Rivera, illus. Brian Vallesteros
  A bilingual story showing how Martial Law disrupted ordinary childhood.

• Ito Ang Diktadura – Equipo Plantel, illus. Mikel Casal
  A simple yet powerful introduction to dictatorship, translated into Filipino.

Middle Readers (11–14 years old)

• Salingkit: A 1986 Diary – Cyan Abad-Jugo
  A diary of friendship and awakening during the People Power Revolution.

• Martial Law Babies – Arnold Arre
  A graphic novel capturing the humor, nostalgia, and struggles of a generation raised during Martial Law.

Older Teens & Young Adults (15+ years old)

• Dekada ’70 – Lualhati Bautista
  A family’s story of awakening and resistance during the Marcos dictatorship.

• Desaparesidos – Lualhati Bautista
  A former activist confronts the trauma of the disappeared and the silence of history.

• 12:01 – Russell Molina, illus. Kajo Baldisimo
  A haunting graphic novel about curfew, disappearance, and the shadows of authoritarian rule.

• The Gun Dealer’s Daughter – Gina Apostol
  A privileged daughter is drawn into activism, memory, and guilt during Martial Law.

The Lighthouse Diary Entry #78: Martial Law Stories PH

Taking off from Russell Molina’s talk last August 29 for Filipino Week, here is one line that refuses to leave: “Martial Law is not an event. It is an idea. Ideas can be resurrected.”

It is a reminder that history is not a closed book. What we choose to forget can return; what we choose to silence can echo louder. To read, to question, to remember, these acts become our guardrails against the resurrection of ideas that once brought fear and darkness. This week, the BA Library will highlight books on Martial Law as an act of remembrance and courage.

In doing so, we affirm the importance of human rights as the foundation of a just society. Above all, we honor our shared humanity by keeping memory alive through stories.

First up is Russell Molina and Kajo Baldissimo's 12:01.

This haunting graphic novel tells the story of young people sneaking past curfew during Martial Law. When one of them is caught and never seen again, the narrative becomes a powerful allegory for memory, silence, and the disappeared. Combining stark visuals with sparse, searing text, 12:01 confronts readers with the enduring shadows of authoritarian rule.

Target Readers: Older teens (Grades 10–12) and adults

Philo and TOK Connections:

• How does art, in this case, a graphic novel, convey truths about history differently from official records?

• Can silence itself be a form of knowledge, especially in remembering trauma and loss?

• How do we know the past when sources are incomplete or deliberately suppressed?

• How do stories (like 12:01) act as artefacts or avenues of remembrance?

Check the BA Library OPAC. Our Book List on Martial Law is publicly accessible.

https://library.beaconacademy.ph/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?op=view&shelfnumber=105&sortfield=title