First Novel - Published in 2021
Brave Crossing – A Journey In-between
Accolades
THE CAPITAL CITY HUES - Celebrating Filipino American History Month with Maria Alvarez Stroud and her novel Brave Crossings: A Journey In Between
Stroud uses the vehicle of historical fiction to tell the story of her father and his journey to tell the story of Filipinos in America and reveal a history untouched, for the most part, by American media.
Jonathon Gramling Publisher & Editor
PINOY The Filipino American Newsmagazine: BEST READS For Filipino American History Month
Stroud’s novel is an important addition to the Filipino American Experience. I venture to say, “Brave Crossing,” should be on a recommended list of books for students, much like Sandra ‘Cisneros’ “The House on Mango Street.” Yes, in many ways, Ricardo’s—is our story.
Mariano A. Santos Publisher & Editor
Doug Moe Award-winning author of numerous critically-acclaimed non-fiction books
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful & Relatable
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. The author keeps you wanting more from page to page. The struggles and lessons learned are as true today as they were back then. A Hayes
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling page turner!
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down! The story of a Filipino immigrant’s journey to the US was compelling and a perspective not often found in literature. I loved this book and hope to read more about Ricardo’s life. MC
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
I can't put this book down. The author writes in a way that transports me back in time. I feel like I'm on the journey with her father. I would highly recommend this book to all my family and friends.
Wonderfully written. A beautiful tribute to her father. LOVE this book. Southpaw 30
5.0 out of 5 stars The author through beautiful writing reveals her protagonist’s soul.
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2022
Maria Alverez Stroud is a gifted writer. Through journal entries and letters we go through the struggles joys Loneliness and longing of a young man on his way to America. It is touching, intimate, and gripping. R. Goldberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2025
Enjoyed this authentic immigrant adventure. A great biography that i couldn't put down!
4.0 out of 5 stars The author through beautiful writing reveals her protagonist’s soul.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2023
"Brave Crossing" is an epistolary novel that beautifully depicts Ricardo Alvarez's immigration journey to the US and the struggles and triumphs that come along with that. I love the intimacy of reading the story through letters because not only does it give us even more insight into Ricardo's mind, but it also lets us see how he perceives himself versus how he tries to present himself to others. One of my favorite parts of the story was seeing Ricardo slowly become more hopeful, make friends, and create a real community for himself in America despite all of the setbacks and racism he faced. Letters from people outside of Ricardo's perspective really lent a hand to demonstrate the depth of the relationships he made, and they were always very heartwarming to read. It's tough to read about the discrimination Ricardo faces, but it's unfortunately realistic and a sad part of not just history, but today too. As a Filipino myself, I feel especially connected to the story and can see many ways that Ricardo's experience mirrors the experiences of myself and my own family. I had the pleasure of working with Maria Alvarez Stroud for a conference last spring and her passion for her family's story and culture is inspiring. This is a wonderful novel and I highly recommend giving it a read. Sophia Bote
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2025
A surprisingly engaging book about a Spanish-Filipino young man who left the Philippines for the US just before the US entered WWI. The book is written as a series of letters, telegrams and journal entries. It is really historical fiction at its best! A fascinating tale, well told. Marcia
Second Novel - Seeking Representation
And She Too Was Brave
A Historical Novel tracing the transformation of a timid farm girl to a woman challenging the rigid rules of early twentieth century rural America. When Hazel was nine, she thought she’d be feeding chickens and milking cows on her family's farm forever. A dozen years later, she fears social exile—and legal consequence—for her love for Ricardo, a pioneering brown-skinned Filipino-Spaniard immigrant. A fledging doctor facing a deeply discriminatory society.
Based on my families history, this is a novel about inherited expectations, women’s quiet resilience, and the courage required to imagine a profoundly different future.
What Readers Are Saying:
I really enjoyed the journey we go on with Hazel. We see her humble and isolated (culturally and socially) life become full and enriched through many challenging trials and tribulations of growing up.
- Kate, BETA Reader
Maria, I loved the story about your parents, great writing! Thanks for letting me read this wonderful story.
- Keith Cook – Local Historian & BETA Reader
Most of us growing up in America have an immigrant story to tell. But this is one is one I’ve never heard before. An innocent farm girl dares to befriend an immigrant from the Philippines circa 1920 in a sundowner town. You have to read it!
- Eileen Schein - Avid reader