3 Pinoy Middle-Grade Authors To Follow in 2024
The middle-grade genre is currently experiencing a revival, thanks to a new wave of authors who are captivating young readers with their fantastic stories. As we move into the year 2024, it's time to spotlight the emerging Pinoy middle-grade authors who are changing the way young people perceive fresh narratives. Their books bring together creativity and cultural relevance to create stories that entertain while also providing a glimpse into different worlds for young readers.
How come we know about Shakespeare? How come we know about all of these global authors, but we don’t even know the works of our own? We have amazing Filipino authored content yet we lack access. — National Book Development Board (NBDB) Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade
Empowering Tales by Eric R. Roxas (Benjamin Orion)
PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize Winner:
Through the pseudonym Benjamin Orion, Eric R. Roxas has won this year’s PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize for his invigorating middle-grade story “Monina’s Many Moles.” This charming mythical narrative follows a tale about how self-confidence is achieved due to one magical gift from poor little Monina offered by The Mole Fairy herself.
Fantasy Realms and Literary Triumphs:
Roxas is not new to literary success, having won the #RevPit writing contest in 2021 for his fantasy middle-grade novel, “Sampaguita and the Goddess of Lost Things”.
Diversity Advocate:
As one of We Need Diverse Books’ 2023 mentees, Roxas dived into the world of contemporary LGBTQIA+ middle-grade literature. Roxas pursued diverse storytelling in 2024 by working with Nicole Melleby on his project “The Rainbow Diary of a Gravestone Make’s Son.”
Magical Realism with Irene Sarmiento’s “Stray Cats”
Rich Tapestry of Magical Realism:
Magical realism is embraced by Irene Sarmiento’s young adult fiction novel “Stray Cats,” published by Ateneo de Manila University Press. Sarmiento’s pursuit of this genre reflects the authentic depth that Filipino storytelling carries through ancient tales carefully kept in the minds of all Filipinos.
Eighth-Grader’s Quest in Manila:
“Stray Cats” is a grim depiction of magical realism, where an eighth-grader wades through the crowded streets of Manila to locate a missing friend. Sarmiento is masterful in intertwining the fantastical and mundane, producing a carefully composed narrative showing how Filipino children perceive their realities through this lens.
Passing on Philippine Folklore:
Meanwhile, since there is an ultimate focus on stray cats beyond its captivating storyline, Stray Cats becomes a medium through which tales of Philippine folklore are passed. But Sarmiento’s story is entertaining and educating; it reminds one of the reasons for bringing and maintaining these folktales — that even in fantasy, there lies a profound truth.
Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte: Redefining Middle-Grade Horror
Debut Novel: Gimo Jr. and Aswang Clan:
Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte, a podcast producer, makes his debut into the literary world with a middle-grade novel “Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan,” paving new ways to retell the aswang folklore.
Mission to Diversify Children’s Literature:
Pasaporte courageously faces challenges, especially in bringing aswang-related literature into school libraries. Even though he met resistance, Pasaporte still calls for celebrating diversity in Filipino children’s literature. His mission is clear: to celebrate the great heritage of Filipino folklore.
The Gateway to Filipino Folklore:
“Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan” is a portal into which young readers enter an attractive world where aswangs live. Pasaporte’s premiere works against assumptions, becoming a quality offering to the middle-grade horror genre. It no longer simply represents a novel but becomes the catalyst for an even wider discussion about how Filipino folklore is portrayed in children’s literature.
Molding the Future of Middle-Grade Literature for Filipinos
In the changing literary landscape of 2024, several authors proved themselves to be defining what “Filipino middle-grade” means. These include Eric R. Roxas, Irene Sarmiento, and Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte. Their works are not only entertainment but also lighthouses of education, telling stories that illuminate the kaleidoscope for young readers and depict Philippine culture. The links between young readers’ minds and these authors’ stories become very powerful, ensuring that the Philippine culture does not go unheeded.
