Thanks to funding from our MHS PTSA, the MHS Library is pleased to host award-winning author Randy Ribay on Monday, October 20th, 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for our school community to engage with such a notable, accomplished local author and dynamic storyteller!

Randy Ribay has written numerous books including Patron Saints of Nothing, which is read in many 9th grade English classes, and Everything We Never Had, which won a National Book Award. This work of historical fiction tells the stories of four generations of Filipino American men in four time periods – as teenagers featuring them as sons and as adults featuring them as dads. 

Here’s the book summary: 

The Maghabol family journey begins with sixteen-year-old Francisco, who has left everything behind in the Philippines to seek his fortune in California. Following this life-changing decision, each generation of Maghabol boys must forge a path forward while contending with the past.

Randy Ribay’s next book (expected out in the summer of 2026) features Seafood City in Milpitas!

Teachers are signing up to attend an assembly in the Theater during period 3. 

Then Randy Ribay will be available for a meet-and-greet during period 4 in the Library to sign books, take photos, and engage in conversation. Students may sign up to attend.

Lastly, the Art and Literary Magazine (Arras Periodical), Asian American Association, MHS Book Club, One Long Story, and Pilipinx United Student Organization are attending a luncheon with Randy Ribay during lunch In the Library.

Additionally, copies of many of his books may be pre-ordered or purchased in the Library on Monday, 10/20/25 from a local independent bookseller. Randy Ribay will sign and personalize his books during period 4.

If you or your student would like more information about this special event, please reach out to me at mgittlen@musd.org or visit me in the Library.

Also, please consider becoming a Friend of the MHS Library to support programs such as this! Help us reach our goal of raising $3,000 (or $1 per student) this year. Your support makes all the difference!

Happy reading!

Mia Gittlen

MHS Librarian

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