Pedro’s Yo-Yos: How a Filipino Immigrant Came to America and Changed the World of Toys

Gr 1-4–Pedro Flores was born in the Philippines in 1896, when the country was under the rule of Spain and Filipinos were treated as second-class citizens. Flores spent his little free time with friends playing with a toy they called yo-yo, which means “come back.” When Spain sold the Philippines to the United States, it was an opportunity for teenage Flores to come to this country. While in America, he taught the family he lived with one of his favorite pastimes, playing with his handmade yo-yo and showcasing various tricks. Soon they were all hooked, sharing yo-yos with family and friends. Eventually, the demand became so large, Flores was sharing it with the world. Though he didn’t invent it, Flores made the yo-yo what it is today, taking a simple toy and making it a part of our collective childhoods. Illustrations beautifully depict the key moments of Flores’s life and enhance the text. Back matter includes a more detailed history of the Philippines, the yo-yo, and Flores.