The New Generation of Filipino Children's Literature
WRITTEN BY: FRANCESA JANA SANTIAGO
Most of us grew up on stories. Whether they’d be fables told by our grandparents or reading assignments given to us at school, we have all at one point in our lives consumed literature. You don’t have to be a book worm to know that literature is one of the most versatile forms of media, which not only feeds us knowledge or expands our sense of imagination but for most individuals it is also a way to connect with their identities. Just like how books are capable of forming fandoms, they are also powerful tools for uniting communities who share a common culture. And with this, a new set of Filipino authors are making sure that this practice lives on by giving today’s growing generation access to colorfully created stories amidst a digitalized world.
Growing up, Xavi de Guzman struggled to embrace his Asian identity as there were more prevalent communities for the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. This was even more validated when he entered the world of entertainment in 2009, a time when diversity on screen was still unknown to Hollywood. But now as he comes off the Emmy-nominated Netflix show MAID, the Filipino actor, screen-writer, producer and now author is releasing his self-published children’s book Peeled Fruit this November 9th! Inspired by his own childhood memories, the story showcases an immigrant mother’s love language of peeling mangoes for her baby Fernando, who is named after Xavi’s father. The book is also sponsored by Xavi’s charity The Play On Foundation, as a way to raise awareness for neurological research in brain aneurysm detection and prevention.
If you have a special place in your heart for your grandparents or the elderly in general, then Michelle Sterling’s When Lola Visits and Sophia N. Lee’s Holding On may just be for you! Both are award-winning tender stories created by Filipinas who passionately celebrate their heritage through what they write. The same goes for Newberry medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, whose best-selling novel Hello, Universe was picked up by Netflix and is currently in development for a live-action film! Erin has incorporated culture numerously in her works, like making her Filipino characters speak Cebuano because her mom’s from Cebu. On September 29, One Down’s very own Chachie Abara released the Kickstarter campaign for the production of her first book Nasirig’s Great Adventure, which is written in both English and Ilokano! And earlier this year, “Lemonade” singer Jeremy Passion has also taken his songwriting skills and used them to co-author Lemon Lesson with Randy De Jesus! The book was a collaboration with Rad is Rad and 10% of every sale were donated to the construction of wells and farms in Kenya.
Representation matters in every aspect and just because previous generations never had the privilege of seeing themselves through their favorite media, doesn’t mean the current one has to experience the same thing. By publishing Filipino-centric books, it keeps the language, the traditions and the values alive. It helps the kids of today not only become more connected to their roots, but also more appreciative of it. But hang on— just because these books are marketed for children, doesn’t mean they’re only limited to that audience. In fact, this is a great way to build on resources for folks who are wanting to learn more about their identity and culture. After all, literature may come in all sorts of styles or genres but they remain inclusive to every age.