This 10th Grader’s Debut Book Brings PH History and Inclusion to Kids

It’s not every day that a tween author publishes a book, yet 10th grader Rafa Robles has done just that. On March 11, 2026, she launched her debut children’s book, Ghost and Found, at the Manila Polo Club. The event drew children, parents, and notable guests including Museo Pambata Executive Director Randel Urbano.

The afternoon featured a read-aloud session where young readers followed Bianca Santos, the quiet protagonist, on a “haunted” museum adventure. After the reading, attendees lined up for a book signing, eager to meet the young author behind the story.

Also read: How 5 Filipina Children’s Book Authors Win Your Child’s Heart

During the launch, Rafa, who wrote the book under the pen name Amara Raphael, spoke with Smart Parenting about her writing journey. She revealed that she started writing at six.

“I started writing when I was six, but it was kind of an on and off thing. When I got bored, I wanted to do something. Then when I was given the opportunity by someone who told me I could write a book if I wanted to, [at first] I didn’t believe that was true because at such a young age, most kids don’t really write books. So when I was given the opportunity, I took it, and that led to this book,” she said.

Rafa was encouraged by her aunt to take the leap and write a book, giving her the confidence to pursue the idea seriously. But it was her love of reading that laid the foundation for her storytelling.

“One time I even received an award for borrowing the most books from the library in one of my old schools. That’s how much I love reading,” she shared. Her mother, Dr. Liza Abaño Robles of Manila Hearing Aid, fondly recalled her daughter receiving such a unique award as well.

Rafa’s early love for books at school and at home nurtured her imagination and storytelling skills, with series like Percy Jackson sparking her curiosity about adventure. Turning that passion into a book, however, wouldn’t have been possible without her parents’ support.

“They told me to stick with what I wanted, especially when a lot of people tried to tell me to do things a certain way,” Rafa shared, feeling grateful for their encouragement. She is the youngest in her family.

In the book, as protagonist Bianca explores the “haunted” museum, she meets heroes from the past who guide her through challenges and impart valuable lessons. When asked why including Philippine heroes was so important, Rafa said she wanted young readers to appreciate the courage and sacrifices that helped shape the country.

She also chose to give Bianca a hearing impairment, reflecting the pioneering work of her late grandfather, Dr. Jose Abaño Sr., and honoring the people he helped.

“Rafa wanted to write something meaningful for the family as a tribute to the legacy of her Lolo, who pioneered hearing care in the Philippines,” Dr. Liza said, adding that because Rafa was exposed to their family’s work growing up, it only felt natural to include it in the story.

For Rafa, inclusion is an important theme in Ghost and Found. “I can’t imagine growing up where I was oblivious to the fact that a lot of people have this [hearing] disability. I can’t imagine that. I want others to become aware because I love helping people, so I want others to help [other people] when they learn of this representation,” she said.

Rafa also hopes her story encourages young readers to be confident, even when they feel unseen. “I hope that they learn that even if they can’t change the situation, they can try to be confident. Even if the world doesn’t really see them, they can still try, knowing that at least they can say they did it,” she said.

Published by Paperkat Books and illustrated by Nemcy Cruz, Ghost and Found is a unique mix of Filipino history and mystery. Bianca, a reserved girl who normally observes life from the sidelines, falls asleep in a haunted museum during a school field trip. With her loyal dog by her side, she must navigate the museum overnight, guided by Philippine heroes from the past.

The story teaches courage and confidence while offering young readers an engaging way to explore history. Rafa cites the film Night at the Museum, as well as the Creepella Von Cacklefur series and Geronimo Stilton novels, as inspirations for bringing her haunted-adventure world to life.

Ghost and Found is currently available at Manila Hearing Aid clinics and will soon be at Museo Pambata and leading bookstores. Proceeds from the book will benefit Museo Pambata, supporting programs that provide children with interactive learning experiences.

Click here to discover simple ways to nurture a love of reading through bedtime storytime.