Book Recommendations for Filipino Kids

Part 1: Into the Bookshelves of Adventure

There’s something electric about discovering a story that feels like it was written just for you. For Filipino kids, especially curious middle graders, finding a book by a Filipino author can feel like unlocking a secret level—suddenly, the names sound familiar, the settings look like home, and the food makes your stomach growl. These books aren’t just good—they’re grounded in the lives Filipino kids live every day, while still carrying them off to other worlds.

Growing up, many of us read about castles in England or summer camps in the U.S., and while those books were fun, something felt far away. But then, one day, we pick up a book where the main character eats adobo, says “Aba!”, and chases tikbalangs in the backyard. And we think—finally. I’m in this story too.

For this first installment, we’ll start with three fantastic titles by Filipino authors that blend action, fantasy, and the joy of growing up with a lot of questions and even more guts.

Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon by Edgar Calabia Samar

This isn’t your typical coming-of-age story. Janus Sílang is a teen gamer who finds himself in the middle of a supernatural conspiracy when players of a popular online game start dying mysteriously. The book unravels quickly into a web of ancient monsters, secret organizations, and the realization that myth and reality might not be so far apart.

What makes this book special is how it grabs hold of Philippine folklore and doesn’t let go. Tiyanaks, aswangs, and other creatures from Filipino myth creep into the modern world, and Janus must figure out who he really is if he wants to survive. The writing by Edgar Calabia Samar, a celebrated Filipino author, is sharp and addictive. Perfect for kids who love action, suspense, and just the right amount of horror.

If your child is hooked on Stranger Things or Goosebumps, this is the next step. The best part? There are more books in the Janus Sílang series waiting to be devoured.

Find additional culturally rooted stories like this one at Andrew J. Albuena’s blog, which features fiction that reimagines Philippine settings and heroes for young readers.

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

While technically set in the U.S., Hello, Universe shines with its Filipino-American perspective, written by Newbery Medal-winning Filipino author Erin Entrada Kelly. It tells the story of four kids whose lives intertwine in surprising ways—one of them, Virgil Salinas, is a shy boy with a bold lola who fills his head with stories of Filipino folklore. When he falls into a well (yes, really), it’s up to the others to bring him back.

The story is quiet but powerful, celebrating courage, kindness, and the strength to speak up. For Filipino kids who live abroad—or those curious about what it means to grow up between two cultures—this book hits the mark.

Plus, it’s rare and refreshing to see a lola portrayed as both wise and hilarious, telling tales of tiyanaks while cooking sinigang. Readers will finish this book with a smile—and maybe a craving for merienda.

Kalibutan: A Fantasy Anthology edited by Paolo Chikiamco

If your reader likes short stories, this collection is a must. Kalibutan brings together a powerful lineup of stories written by Filipino authors, each one building a unique fantasy world rooted in local myth, belief, and magic. While not all the stories are aimed at middle graders, many are accessible and deeply imaginative.

Think of this book as a buffet of fantasy—talking trees, rebel diwatas, floating cities, and mystical rivers. Young readers with vivid imaginations and a hunger for local magic will be right at home here. And for those just dipping their toes into speculative fiction, the variety will keep things exciting from story to story.

This is also a great way to introduce kids to more than one Filipino author, giving them a taste of different voices and styles that all share a love for our culture.

More fantasy finds and folklore-inspired reads await at Andrew J. Albuen’s official website, where Filipino storytelling takes center stage.

Why It Matters

Filipino kids deserve to see themselves not only in schoolbooks, but also in epic adventures, silly escapades, and heartfelt stories. Reading books by a Filipino author means more than just seeing familiar names or foods—it means feeling seen. It’s about pride, imagination, and the belief that our stories are worth telling and worth reading.