From Pragmatic Mom:
I wanted to share a robust conversation that I had with two middle grade authors recently after posting this video that compared their two characters — both half-Filipino. One author is #OwnVoices and one is not, so today is #OwnVoices Half Filipino Character Face Off.
I have been tracking Filipino-American children’s books because I’m shocked and dismayed how few there are. This is especially surprising given that Filipinos were one of the first and largest immigrant groups in the United States.

The scarcity of Filipino-American characters in middle grade books puts an additional burden, in my opinion, on the authors to convey authenticity about the culture. While it’s better to err on less than more for non #OwnVoices, it’s also a missed opportunity.
Read on for #OwnVoices Half Filipino Character Face Off on Pragmatic Mom.
CONNECT WITH KidLit TV
Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Instagram | Newsletter | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube
Leave Your Comment