Jason Tanamor

Author of Vampires of Portlandia and Love, Dance & Egg Rolls

The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas

Young Adult/Filipino/Superhero/Humor

Between a tsinelas-wielding superhero, a major social studies project, and take-out boxes of adobo and lumpia, seventeen-year-old Filipino American Victor Dela Cruz isn’t sure how to get through high school without the help of a radioactive spider. Despite his attempts to assimilate into his mostly white Portland high school, Victor has always felt like an outsider. He likes to think high school is his superhero origin story, and all he needs now are some superpowers. 

His very own supervillain, Clint Robertson, Cleveland High’s golden boy, and a major project about his ancestry make Victor wish he had the power of invisibility. But when he witnesses his boss at the food truck slinging his trusty tsinelas to stop a thief in his tracks, Victor sees his chance to find the acceptance he’s always craved. He believes he's found a hometown superhero, and he plans to convince his peers that the owner of Filipino Feast is secretly an undercover vigilante. 

From the author of Love, Dance & Egg Rolls, Jason Tanamor's poignant narrative is a testament to resilience, reminding us that true strength and pride are found in embracing the rich tapestry of our own identities.

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Reviews:

"'The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas' is an authentic exploration of cultural identity and what it means to be a young Filipino American in today’s world. Jason Tanamor deftly juxtaposes seventeen-year-old Victor’s superhero fantasies with the reality of his daily life to highlight his emotional struggles after his parents’ sudden death. This is an entertaining and important read for today’s youth that tackles more than just cultural identity but also self-acceptance. It is refreshing to read genuine Filipino community representation in these pages."
- K.M. Levis, Author of The Girl Between Two Worlds (Engkantasia series)
"'The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas' is a beautifully poignant tale of a young boy’s journey through grief and self-discovery. Jason Tanamor captures the struggles of Victor Dela Cruz, who—in the face of bullying and loss—must learn to embrace his Filipino heritage and identity. Tanamor deftly tackles the complexities of mental health and the courage it takes to confront our darkest moments. With a touch of superhero flair, his storytelling delivers a powerful punch, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the inner strength every young hero must discover within themselves."
- Robin Alvarez, Author of When Oceans Rise
"I wish I read 'The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas' when I was a teen. As a Filipino American like Jason Tanamor, the book could have helped me navigate the challenging times of my formative years. I was able to relate to the experiences described so vividly. And I ended up appreciating my culture more after reading 'The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas.'"
- Bren Bataclan, Author and Illustrator of Fe: A Traumatized Son's Graphic Memoir
"...a true ode to Portland and Filipino cuisine and culture. ...An endearing story of identity and cultural pride."
- Kirkus Reviews